familyservicehub Did you know that your cat’s eyes can communicate to you? Every blink of the cat’s eye communicates a unique message that reflects their mood or e-meow state. You can interpret these messages by observing the pupils and body language of your cat. You can communicate with your cat more effectively if you learn the hidden meaning in its eyes.
The Cat’s Pupils are Shaped Differently Than a Humans
Do you know why cats’ eyes are shaped like they are? Just like humans, cat pupils expand when it is dark and close when it is bright. Cats have vertical slits instead of circles and this allows them to see better in the darkness. The vertical slits in the cat’s eyes may improve their depth perception.
Cats can say six words with their eyes
The unique expressions of your cat’s eyes can communicate six different messages, though the precise interpretation will vary depending on the context. You can read your cat’s body language by observing her eyes first. This will help you understand your cat on a deeper level.
1. Smiles with “Relaxed Eyes”
When your cat is feeling particularly happy, he might half-close his eyelids in a way which looks relaxed and peaceful. Even his eyelids may appear to droop.
When your cat snuggles up on your lap, you may notice that he closes his eyes. While you pet his soft fur gently, he closes his half-closed eyes. Your cat is smiling at you.
2. “Good Vibes Slow Blink”
When your cat looks at you, it will slowly blink her eyes open and close.
Your cat is saying that there’s no need to worry and that she really loves you by slow blinking. Your cat will send you good vibes by slow blinking. If you slow blink, many cats will respond by slow blinking.
3. “Check Yourself Stare”
A long, steady gaze is another way to communicate. If a cat doesn’t blink slowly, it is considered a dominant move. It can be a way for a cat to assert control over another, to show who “owns”, or tell another cat “Don’t Do That.”
Cats are also attracted to people who don’t stare. A person who isn’t looking at you is sending a more friendly vibe.
4. “Alert Wide Eyes”
If your cat has dilated pupillary eyes, it could be because of excitement. Cats widen their pupils, for example, when they are focusing on a prey. Who hasn’t watched the GIF where the cat wiggles his bum just before he strikes, his pupils wide in excitement? When your cat is excited, he will be pounce on his prey and chase the feather wand.
Wide-eyed cats can be a sign that they have a lot of pent up energy. They may do this by mischief or play. He may have just knocked something off the shelf to catch your attention. Now he is staring at your with wide eyes and waiting for your response. He is getting ready to play or flee, giving him a thrill that causes his pupils to dilate.
5. “Danger is Afoot” Saucer Eyes
Your kitten’s wide eyes and tense body indicate that she is in danger. She may be suddenly startled, or preparing for an encounter. You can tell if your cat has a puffy tail, lowered ears or an erect or lowered tail. Look for a wavy tail and rippling hair if she is overstimulated by your pet.
6. Bring it on! “Bring it on!”
When a cat is angry, he may close his pupils to show that he is about to fight a cat. This can happen whether or not his pupils are constrictive. It’s important to pay attention to his body language. Are his ears slouched back? Does his fur stand straight up? Is his body tense or is he growingling? When fighting, cats can change their eyes from wide to narrow in seconds.
Eyes can be windows to health issues
You can also get clues from your cat’s eye about health problems. You should take her to the vet for an examination if she is squinting in one eye or the eye has a lot of water or discharge.
Eyes are windows to the soul. This is true for cats as well. You can read your cat’s expressions to know if he is relaxed and just wants to cuddle, or if he is stressed and needs some help to calm down.