# @science on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DVrSvX_ksoh
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59103990-science-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/2f232375f6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-09T20:05:15.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Science 🧬 (@science) — https://gondola.cc/science

## Caption

A cat's eye blink, often referred to as a kitty kiss, is a common cat behavior. Cats' eyes communicate information depending on how open the eyelids are, as well as what the eyes do. Cats' eyes demonstrate strong emotion, easily recognizable by other cats and by humans ... with a little practice. ⁠
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A prolonged, unblinking stare between cats is an intimidating gesture that often will cause a lower-ranking cat to turn tail and leave. Aggressive cats can use a long-distance stare to control access to their territory. You might not even notice, but the kitties understand that the top cat is "guarding" the hallway that leads to the litter box, for example, and so they won't dare challenge or trespass!⁠
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If you are trying to make friends with a strange cat outdoors, it would be a huge mistake to stare at him, as you will either intimidate him into leaving or bring out his aggressive nature. In either case, your attempt to make friends will probably be squelched. ⁠
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Cats use their eyes to demonstrate or even to hide their emotions. A slit-eyed look indicates strong emotion—fear or aggression. Squinting also protects the eyes from the claws of a potential opponent.⁠
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On the other hand, wide-open eyes usually indicate friendliness, curiosity, or even playfulness. You can often see these visual clues demonstrated by kittens, who haven't yet been fully introduced to the hierarchies of kitty culture. Their innocence when meeting one another is a pleasure to behold. ⁠
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The eye blink is another way that non-aggressive cats signal that their intentions are not hostile. Cats blink at each other, as well as at the humans they trust, with a slow eye blink, "cat kiss." Kitties that use this non-threat signal are able to smooth their interactions with other cats. The "slow blink" was identified by cat behaviorist Anitra Frazier, author of The Natural Cat.⁠
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#cat #kitten #animalfacts #cats #biology #science

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## Tags

animalfacts, science, cat, kitten, biology, cats

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