The human animal bond continues to generate more questions and research. A recent study, “The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication,” < link > has shown for the first time that it is possible to build rapport with a cat by using an eye narrowing technique with them.
Source: PHYS.ORG, October 7, 2020. Link.
This study is the first to experimentally investigate the role of slow blinking in cat-human communication. And it is something you can try yourself with your own cat at home, or with cats you meet in the street. It’s a great way of enhancing the bond you have with cats. Try narrowing your eyes at them as you would in a relaxed smile, followed by closing your eyes for a couple of seconds. You’ll find they respond in the same way themselves and you can start a sort of conversation.” – Karen McComb
Also see: Best cat brushes for shedding, Daily Paws, October 28, 2020. Link. Grooming is another way to bond with cats. While blatantly commercial, the Daily Paws team has evaluated 11 cat brushes for your review and consideration.
INSIGHTS: A neighbor’s cat responded positively to this eye-narrowing technique, but the local feral tom cat zoomed away at warp speed when I squinted at him. 😉