What Your Cat Is Saying With Its Eyes

Key Takeaways

• Cats communicate with their eyes, and understanding the position of the eyelids and pupil dilation is crucial in interpreting emotions such as arousal, trust, dominance, and aggression. 

• A relaxed gaze followed by a slow blink from a cat can indicate a sign of deep affection and trust, often referred to as a "kitty kiss." 

• Staring unblinkingly can signify dominance or aggression and should be interpreted with caution to avoid conflict or misinterpretation.

Dogs we usually understand, mostly because they are so easy to understand. They have expressive faces and body language that we can read pretty accurately. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their emotional vagueness and standoffishness. However, there is a growing belief that cats are as expressive as dogs.1 It’s just that we misunderstand or don’t see what they’re trying to communicate.

When it comes to cats, those meows and tail waves mean... well, a lot of things. With each purr, yowl, or even blink, felines are saying, “Hello,” “Let’s snuggle,” or “Get Outta Here.”

For the increasing number of pet owners who want to connect with their often-aloof cats, experts say there’s something to gain from those attempts at communication. Cats are independent and often misunderstood. This discussion aims to demystify how cats communicate through their eyes, helping you understand what they are trying to convey.

Cat Eyes 

Cats talk with their eyes. The direction of your cat's gaze will direct you to the subject of his attention. But gazes vary. Some are intense and focused while others are haphazard. When your cat stares without blinking, does he want something from you or is he feeling angry? Either could be true. Although a fixed gaze and rigid body posture might mean hostility, the same look might be soliciting petting or some other form of attention in a relaxed, purring cat.

What cats say is often determined by the position of the eyelids and dilation of the eyes. The messages vary from subtle to overt and can be incredibly powerful. Kitty doesn’t need to vocalize to get her message across, although the intent often is reinforced with tail talk, ear positions, and fluffed fur.

Arousal

Any strong emotional arousal—fear, anger, pleasure, excitement—can result in the sudden dilation of a cat's pupil. You may see your kitty’s pupils get large (making her eyes look black) during a visit to the vet or when there are loud noises outside. Other times, her eyes might do this when surprised by the introduction of a new cat.

Trust

Open eyes combined with relaxed or even submissive body posture can be a sign of great trust. For instance, when cats head-butt your cheeks or a friendly dog, it is a sign of calm trust and potentially love.

Dominance

Cat eyes that stare unblinkingly from a distance can be a sign of control, dominance, or even aggression.2 Owners often won’t recognize this subtle behavior, which can be used to control access to resources in multi-cat households. Simply by using this unblinking stare, a single cat can warn off and keep other felines from approaching an “owned” pathway to ​food bowls, litter box, or another important territory.

Aggression

A slit-eyed look indicates strong emotion—fear or aggression. Squinting also protects the eyes from the potential claws of an opponent. Avoid locking eyes with a cat you don’t know, or you may prompt an attack.

Kitty Kisses

A relaxed and trusting kitty has droopy, sleepy-looking eyelids. Try sending a “kitty kiss” to your distant pet—meet her sleepy gaze with a relaxed gaze of your own, and slowly “blink.” If she blinks back, you have been honored with the deepest affection!3

Decoding Cat Language: Understanding Feline Communication

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.