Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory Office of Science NEWTON's Homepage NEWTON's Homepage
NEWTON, Ask A Scientist!
NEWTON Home Page NEWTON Teachers Visit Our Archives Ask A Question How To Ask A Question Question of the Week Our Expert Scientists Volunteer at NEWTON! Frequently Asked Questions Referencing NEWTON About NEWTON About Ask A Scientist Education At Argonne Cat Eye Blinking 
Name: Lily
Status: Student
Age: 12
Date: 8/6/2004
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?


Replies:
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

Click here to return to the Veterinary Topics Archive

NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.

For assistance with NEWTON contact a System Operator (help@newton.dep.anl.gov), or at Argonne's Educational Programs

NEWTON AND ASK A SCIENTIST
Educational Programs
Building 360
9700 S. Cass Ave.
Argonne, Illinois
60439-4845, USA
Update: June 2012
Weclome To Newton

Argonne National Laboratory