{"id":2595,"date":"2023-01-15T02:44:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-15T02:44:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/?p=2595"},"modified":"2023-01-15T02:44:32","modified_gmt":"2023-01-15T02:44:32","slug":"why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Cats Close Their Eyes When You Pet Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Introduction_Understanding_Your_Cats_Behavior\" title=\"Introduction: Understanding Your Cat\u2019s Behavior\">Introduction: Understanding Your Cat\u2019s Behavior<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#The_Science_Behind_Cats_Closing_Their_Eyes\" title=\"The Science Behind Cats Closing Their Eyes\">The Science Behind Cats Closing Their Eyes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Signs_of_Trust_Cats_Closing_Their_Eyes_When_You_Pet_Them\" title=\"Signs of Trust: Cats Closing Their Eyes When You Pet Them\">Signs of Trust: Cats Closing Their Eyes When You Pet Them<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Cats_Closing_Their_Eyes_Because_They_Are_Relaxed\" title=\"Cats Closing Their Eyes Because They Are Relaxed\">Cats Closing Their Eyes Because They Are Relaxed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#The_Slow-Blink_A_Sign_of_Submission\" title=\"The Slow-Blink: A Sign of Submission\">The Slow-Blink: A Sign of Submission<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Squinting_to_Limit_Vision_and_Show_Trust\" title=\"Squinting to Limit Vision and Show Trust\">Squinting to Limit Vision and Show Trust<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#The_Benefits_of_Petting_for_Cats\" title=\"The Benefits of Petting for Cats\">The Benefits of Petting for Cats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Tips_for_Petting_Your_Cat_to_Increase_Trust\" title=\"Tips for Petting Your Cat to Increase Trust\">Tips for Petting Your Cat to Increase Trust<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Understanding_Other_Signs_of_Cat_Communication\" title=\"Understanding Other Signs of Cat Communication\">Understanding Other Signs of Cat Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-close-their-eyes-when-you-pet-them\/#Conclusion_Building_Trust_with_Your_Cat\" title=\"Conclusion: Building Trust with Your Cat\">Conclusion: Building Trust with Your Cat<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Cats close their eyes when you pet them because it is a sign that they trust you. When cats close their eyes while being petted, it is a sign that they feel safe, relaxed and content, with no need to be on alert. This ultimate level of trust is indicated by their slow blinking, which is an act of submission. Squinting also limits their vision slightly, further demonstrating their trust and relaxation. All in all, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-does-my-cat-like-q-tips\/\">cats close their eyes when being petted because they feel safe<\/a> and happy with the person they are with.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"introduction:understandingyourcatsbehavior\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction_Understanding_Your_Cats_Behavior\"><\/span>Introduction: Understanding Your Cat\u2019s Behavior<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats are mysterious creatures and understanding their behavior can sometimes be a challenge. While cats may seem aloof, they are actually very sensitive to their environment and use their eyes, tail, and posture to express their feelings. In this article, we will explore why <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cats-dumplings\/\">cats close their eyes when you pet<\/a> them. We will also discuss how to build trust with your cat through petting and other forms of communication. By building trust with your cat, you can create a healthy and happy relationship that will last for years to come.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thesciencebehindcatsclosingtheireyes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Science_Behind_Cats_Closing_Their_Eyes\"><\/span>The Science Behind Cats Closing Their Eyes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The science behind cats closing their eyes when being petted is quite fascinating. Cats have a third eyelid behind their lower lid called the nictitating membrane. This membrane helps to protect their eyes from dust and dirt, and in some cases, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-to-get-a-scared-cat-out-of-hiding\/\">cats may use this third eyelid to limit their vision when feeling scared<\/a> or threatened. It\u2019s also been suggested that <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-scratch-around-their-food\/\">cats may close their eyes in order to increase the amount of tactile stimulation they get when being petted or scratched<\/a>. This makes sense as <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cats-probiotics\/\">cats have many more sensitive nerve endings in their skin than humans<\/a> do, so closing their eyes can increase the level of pleasure they experience.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"signsoftrust:catsclosingtheireyeswhenyoupetthem\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_Trust_Cats_Closing_Their_Eyes_When_You_Pet_Them\"><\/span>Signs of Trust: Cats Closing Their Eyes When You Pet Them<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When cats close their eyes while being petted, they are communicating the ultimate level of trust. They feel content and safe, with no need to be on the alert. It is a sign of complete trust towards you and that you are a source of comfort and security for them. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-vaseline\/\">Cats also close their eyes when you pet them because petting gives<\/a> them pleasure. They are expressing their contentment and enjoyment, as well as their appreciation for your companionship. This demonstrates that your cat is not only trusting you but also enjoys spending time with you.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"catsclosingtheireyesbecausetheyarerelaxed\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cats_Closing_Their_Eyes_Because_They_Are_Relaxed\"><\/span>Cats Closing Their Eyes Because They Are Relaxed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember that cats closing their eyes when being petted is just one of many signs of relaxation. In addition to a relaxed facial expression, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-knead-and-bite-blankets\/\">cats may also show they are content by kneading<\/a>, purring, or even rolling over. If your cat is closing their eyes while being petted, you can be sure they are truly relaxed and happy.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"theslow-blink:asignofsubmission\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Slow-Blink_A_Sign_of_Submission\"><\/span>The Slow-Blink: A Sign of Submission<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The slow-blink is a sign of submission and trust, and it\u2019s a way for <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/common-cat-mistakes\/\">cats to show their owners<\/a> that they feel safe and accepted. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-often-should-a-sphynx-cat-eat\/\">Cats will often<\/a> slow-blink when their owners slow-blink at them, and even if the owner isn\u2019t in the same room, cats can still slow-blink in response to a slow-blink from the owner. This is a sign of trust, as <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/are-natural-baby-wipes-safe-for-cats\/\">cats are naturally<\/a> wary of new people or environments, so it\u2019s important for owners to take note of the slow-blink and understand that it\u2019s a sign of comfort and acceptance.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"squintingtolimitvisionandshowtrust\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Squinting_to_Limit_Vision_and_Show_Trust\"><\/span>Squinting to Limit Vision and Show Trust<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Squinting is another sign of trust <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cats-like-human-ear-wax\/\">cats show when they are around humans<\/a>. It is believed that cats squint to limit their vision slightly and show their trust, as they are allowing themselves to be vulnerable. While there is no scientific evidence to support this theory, it is a <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-sneeze\/\">common behavior cats<\/a> display when they are feeling relaxed and secure in the presence of people they know. This can be seen when cats slow blink or close their eyes halfway. It is an indication that they trust you and feel safe with your presence.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"thebenefitsofpettingforcats\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Benefits_of_Petting_for_Cats\"><\/span>The Benefits of Petting for Cats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/cat-bites-you-when-you-pet\/\">Petting cats<\/a> not only helps them feel relaxed and content, it also has many other benefits for their physical and mental health. Petting releases endorphins which help to reduce stress and promote relaxation in cats. It also stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that plays a role in how <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-human-foods\/\">cats bond with humans<\/a>. Studies have shown that <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/can-cats-eat-worms\/\">cats who are regularly petted can experience improved physical health<\/a>, better digestion, and a calmer demeanor. Petting also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your cat, leading to a more fulfilling relationship for both of you.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tipsforpettingyourcattoincreasetrust\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_Petting_Your_Cat_to_Increase_Trust\"><\/span>Tips for Petting Your Cat to Increase Trust<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>One way to build trust with your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-lick-themselves-when-you-pet-them\/\">cat is to pet<\/a> them correctly. To do this, start by petting them in the areas they prefer, such as their head and neck. Gently scratch their ears and chin, avoiding their tail and paws. When your <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-purr-when-they-sleep\/\">cat starts to purr<\/a>, you will know they are enjoying it. Additionally, try to <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/do-cats-keep-roaches-away\/\">keep your petting sessions short so your cat<\/a> does not become overwhelmed. If you do it correctly, your cat will begin to close their eyes when you pet them as a sign of trust.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"understandingothersignsofcatcommunication\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_Other_Signs_of_Cat_Communication\"><\/span>Understanding Other Signs of Cat Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to their eyes, cats also communicate with their ears, tails, and body language. Their <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-has-ear-mites\/\">ears are particularly important as they can indicate a cat\u2019s<\/a> mood. Ears that are upright and facing forward indicate alertness and interest, while ears that are flattened back indicate fear or aggression. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cat-tails-twitch\/\">Cats also communicate through their tails<\/a>. A <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-tails-puff-up-when-happy\/\">tail that is held high or twitching is a sign of excitement or happiness<\/a>, while a tail that is low and still may indicate fear or caution. If a <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-stand-on-their-hind-legs\/\">cat\u2019s body is stiff and the fur is standing<\/a> up, this can be a sign of aggression. It is important to pay attention to all of these signs when interacting with your cat.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion:buildingtrustwithyourcat\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Building_Trust_with_Your_Cat\"><\/span>Conclusion: Building Trust with Your Cat<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Petting your cat is the perfect way to build trust and show your love for them. <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/why-do-cats-respond-to-pspsps\/\">Cats respond<\/a> to petting by closing their eyes, which is their way of telling you that they feel content and safe. Additionally, <a href=\"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/how-often-cats-poop\/\">cats often<\/a> slow blink or squint when they are petted and trust the person petting them. Slow blinking is a sign that cats are submitting to you and showing trust, while squinting limits vision and also shows trust. Understanding why cats close their eyes when you pet them and other signs of cat communication can help you build a stronger bond with your feline friend.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cats close their eyes when you pet them because it is a sign that they trust you. When cats close their eyes while being petted, it is a sign that they feel safe, relaxed and content, with no need to be on alert. This ultimate level of trust is indicated by their slow blinking, which [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2649,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"modified_by":"admin","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed.jpg",1536,1024,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed.jpg",1536,1024,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed.jpg",1536,1024,false],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/cat_eyes_closed-120x120.jpg",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Cats close their eyes when you pet them because it is a sign that they trust you. When cats close their eyes while being petted, it is a sign that they feel safe, relaxed and content, with no need to be on alert. This ultimate level of trust is indicated by their slow blinking, which&hellip;","_wp_old_slug":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2595"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2595"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2595\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2649"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fluffytamer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2595"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}