Your Cat’s Point of View

Written by Cat Behaviorist Rita Reimers

Wait… am I seeing things, or did my cat just wink? Should I wink or blink back? When cats blink or wink in your direction, it’s a sign of deep affection and trust — what I call a “kitty kiss.”

Cat winks are hard to photograph—they’re so quick! But if you catch one, consider yourself lucky… your cat just told you something special.

Why Do Cats Wink and Blink?

Cats have a secret language all their own, and one of their sweetest forms of communication is the slow blink — or even a little wink.

If you’ve ever caught your cat slowly closing their eyes at you, consider yourself chosen. This isn’t boredom or sleepiness — it’s a love note.

Cats Communicate with Winks and Blinks

Cats communicate with us in subtle ways, and if you aren’t paying attention, you might miss them!

Winks and blinks happen too fast for me to grab a photo, but you’ll know one when you see it. So, what is your cat trying to tell you?

I Trust You

When your cat gives you a slow blink, it’s their way of saying, “I trust you. You make me feel safe.”

Cat behaviorists often call it a “kitty kiss.” Try slow-blinking back at your feline friend—you might be surprised when they return the gesture!

I Love You

Love and trust go paw in paw. In my experience, the blink is the first sign of trust building, while the wink tends to come from cats who have long been bonded with me.

It’s Playtime!

My Sweetie Pie will often come up to me and flash a series of winks and blinks, followed by some ZOOMIES. That’s her way of saying, “Play with me!”

Sometimes cats wink one eye because of a bit of dust or an eye adjusting to light. As long as there are no signs of irritation, it’s simply another way your cat expresses personality.

When to Be Concerned

If you notice winking along with runny or crusty eyes or nasal discharge, it’s time for a vet visit.

Watch for:

• Red or inflamed eyes

• Crusty residue around the eyes

• Discharge from nose or eyes

• Frequent sneezing

These could indicate infection, allergies, or another underlying issue.

Blinks, Winks, and New Cats

If you follow me on social media, you know I often adopt new cats — and sometimes they’re scared or feral at first!

Brownie’s Story

Brownie was slow to trust, but when I finally got those gentle kitty blinks, my heart melted.

Even though her siblings became love bugs, Brownie stayed semi-feral. She’s 15 now and doesn’t run from me anymore, but she still prefers her space.

Sometimes I sneak in a few gentle touches — she hisses to say, “That’s enough!” — then gives me a slow blink as if to say, “I love you… now go away!”

Larry’s Story

Larry, my FIV+ boy, was captured during a TNR effort and couldn’t be released. He hid in my home for months before I ever saw him out in the open.

Then one day, he appeared on my bed among the others — relaxed, safe, and purring. Eventually, I got my first blink and wink, and now he even lets me scratch his tummy.

Feral Larry is Feral No More!

Return Those Winks and Blinks

Next time your kitty is lounging across the room, soften your gaze, relax your face, and blink slowly. You might start a gentle conversation in their secret language — a blink for a blink.

Infographic – When Cats Wink and Blink

Takeaway

Cat blinking and winking isn’t just cute — it’s communication, trust, and love rolled into one tiny eye movement. Wink back to let them know the message was received… and love returned. ♥️

Need some help understanding your cat? Book a session with Rita today!