'I thought something was wrong with his eyes': Cat parent concerned over feline's penchant for squinty eyes, turns out it's just a loving expression

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kalila courban
Jan 23, 2025 6:00 PM EST

Hey, friends. Welcome to the wonderful world of cats, where we, the cat-loving humans, try to decipher their different ways of expressing emotions. Although we do not speak cat language, over the years we have gained some insights about how and why cats behave the way they behave. That's not to say that any of it is foolproof or makes total sense, there will always be some cat tendencies that we humans will struggle to understand. 

Today we are discussing a post where the cat parent became concerned about their cat's penchant for constantly squinting in their direction. What could it mean? Perhaps this cat had some eye issue? After a trip to the vet, that possibility was ruled out, and the original poster turned to the interwebs for some guidance and advice. The internet unsurprisingly poured in to offer various opinions, the overwhelming answer was that the squinting is simply this cat's way of expressing love. Cats often use slow blinking to express affection and trust. This behavior is commonly referred to as a "cat kiss." When a cat slowly closes and opens their eyes while looking at you, it signals that they feel safe and comfortable around you. It's their way of showing that they trust you completely, as closing their eyes makes them vulnerable. So wholesome. 

So take it as a compliment, OP, that your cat loves you oh so very much! 

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  • 01
    why does my cat always squint when looking at me?
    via salamdner
  • 02
    my boy, momo, squints at me all the time. i thought something was wrong with his eyes for a while but the vet said
    via salamdner
  • 03
    they are completely fine. these pictures are from when he was a little younger and he doesn't do it as frequently anymore but i still think it's a little odd.
    via salamdner
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    Cheezburger Image 10458466304
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    Cheezburger Image 10458466816
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    Cheezburger Image 10458466560
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    Cheezburger Image 10458467072
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  • 08
    wigglyworm- It means you're doing everything right! He loves you and trusts you. 5.9K ○ Reply
    via wigglyworm

  • If you want to reciprocate this adorable squinty blinky gesture, you can try slow blinking back at your cat. Make eye contact, then slowly close your eyes, hold them shut for a moment, and gently open them again. Many cats recognize and respond to this as a sign of mutual affection.

  • 09
    Meow Meow 77. ) It's the slow blink and a sign of trust and love. You are kitty's person. 6.5K ○ Reply
    via MeowMeow_77
  • 10
    Edited Top 1% Commenter Because he watches a lot of Clint Eastwood movies while you're gone.
    via Toonces348
  • 11
    Frozen Custar... because he loves you! Giving you kitty kisses ✰ 3.3K ○ Reply
    via FrozenCustar
  • 12
    GingerinWV. What a handsome boy! And yes, he's giving you the love squints. So precious!
    via GingerinWV
  • 13
    faecurious . This is known as a 'slow blink'; think of it as a kitty version of an 'I love you' hug. Slow blink back to tell them the same thing.
    via faecurious
  • 14
    MrsAnteater Because he loves you sooooooo much! What a handsome lil guy! I have a Momo too but he's a Tuxie.
    via MrsAnteater
  • 15
    Few-Improve... As other have said, it's a sign of friendship. To explain further: Cats see big open eyes as a threat, so when they want to show each other that they are not a threat, they blink.
    via Few-Improve

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wholesome hilarious cat adorable heartwarming cute felines cute cats goofball feline sweet goofy silly Cats funny
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