Ask A Scientist© Veterinary Topics Archive

name         lily
status       student
age          12

Question -   Since cat eyes are different than most other animals, do cats 
blink in the same way humans to clean the eyes and in reflex?
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Hi Lily!
do you have cats? or ever had a kitty?
if so i bet you know the answer, because it is
something really unique and very significant
with these wonderful pets.
Yes cat eyes have some differences with other animals
(including man). But the "blinking"  is something
special and has a special meaning, although it is used
also as a reflex and for humidify the eyes.
It is an act of communication. A cat doesnt blinks 
to everybody. When a cat blinks to a human, it is
looking for communication, friendship and love. 
Means "i love you!" "I trust you!"
I saw that even in a feral that later on looked
for the house by herself and became a house pet.
Try to answer the blinking, closing your eyes very
slowly and looking back directly to the cat eyes.
You will be surprised!
Mabel
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