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Cats' slow blink signals friendliness to humans, study finds

Original: The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication (2020)

A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports describes how cats use eye narrowing movements, often called the slow blink, in interactions with humans. Researchers found that cats respond to a human's slow blink with the same expression, suggesting it functions as a positive emotional signal. The findings indicate cats may have developed this communication in response to human interaction, and the work is drawing fresh attention online as people discuss what it reveals about cat–human bonding.

Why now: People are discussing the research because it offers scientific insight into how cats communicate affection with humans.

catsScientific ReportsTasmin HumphreyUniversity of SussexUniversity of Portsmouth

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Evidence

• The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat–human communication (2020) · bushwart · 117

API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1310697