Cat Winking at Me: Understanding Cat Behaviour

If you’re a cat parent, you may have noticed some strange behaviours from time to time - and one of these may have been your cat winking! Perhaps you thought it was accidental the first time, but since then you’re determined it’s happening - but maybe feel too insane to say aloud ‘what does it mean when my cat winks at me?’ The truth is, cats can and do wink - although not in the deliberate and cheeky manner that humans do. 

In this article, we help cat parents understand what it means when your cat winks at you. We discuss the possible reasons why cats wink at you, what to do in response, and when cat winking means there’s a problem. By knowing more about your cat’s behaviours, you can learn to better communicate with them which can help strengthen your bond.

Why does my cat wink at me?

A cat may wink at you to communicate their affection and love, as well as a sense of security in your presence. Sometimes, your cat may also wink at you as an invitation to play. However, cat winking can also be a sign of an eye infection or a neurological issue, so look out for any accompanying symptoms and behaviours.

Cat winking has a similar meaning to the ‘slow blink’, also known as a ‘cat kiss’, and both reflect that your cat feels safe and content with you. This is thought to be a learned behaviour, as over time cats have seen a positive reaction from humans in response to their winks and blinks, and have continued the action to communicate their affection. Cats may also use these actions to communicate with other cats outdoors, as a way of showing trust and diffusing any tension. 

However, if your cat is constantly winking at you, this may be due to an eye infection. Cats can get conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, cataract, foreign body, or infections caused by bacteria or allergies. If you notice your cat is always winking and you also notice redness, swelling, itching or discharge from their eye(s), take them to the vet as soon as possible.

How to interpret cat-winking behaviour?

You can learn more about what it means when your cat is winking at you by observing their body language at the same time. If your cat partially or completely closes one eye, or if they slowly blink both eyes, see if their body posture is soft and loose, which indicates they are relaxed. Cats also wag their tails, and an upright tail that’s slowly swishing is a positive sign of contentment. You may also notice your cat purring or meowing, which would be another way for them to communicate their love and affection to you, and you can respond with gentle petting and stroking. 

If your cat is rolling on their back and exposing their stomach to you, this is another sign that they trust you and may also be an invitation for play or petting - although you should proceed carefully, as not all cats like tummy rubs. This may also be accompanied by a swishing tail, which can mean excitement (but can also indicate anger), and more purring or meowing. You can try to engage your cat in a playful activity and see how they respond.

As a cat parent, you’ll know that cats can experience abrupt mood swings. It’s important to closely observe your cat’s overall behaviour and see how they react to your interpretation, to make sure there’s no misunderstanding about their intentions.

Should I wink back at my cat?

You can wink back at your cat if they wink at you. A cat winking or slow blinking is often a sign of affection, trust and contentment, and by repeating the action back at them, you can show that you feel the same way. This can help you communicate with your cat in a way that they understand.

What to do if a cat winks at me?

If a cat winks at you, you should first observe their body language to understand their mood. If they seem relaxed, their tail is upright and they are purring or kneading, it’s likely your cat is winking for some love and affection. You can approach your cat slowly and gently stroke them to see how they respond. Your cat may also want to curl up on your lap to enjoy the petting and relax into a snooze.

Another reason why cats wink at you may be as an invitation for play. In this case, their body language will still be relaxed with a swishing tail, or they may be rolling on their back and exposing their stomach. They may also be meowing for your attention. Again, you should approach your cat slowly and introduce a toy to see their reaction. 

By observing your cat’s behaviour, including their body postures, tail movements and vocalisations, you can respond appropriately to their communications which can build trust and create a positive environment for them to thrive. You can spend quality time with your cat by simply sitting together as you both relax, stroking them in their favourite areas, or grooming them with a soft brush. You can also engage in interactive play sessions using a laser toy or ping pong ball and letting your cat occasionally ‘catch’ the toy. Make sure to reward your cat with treats and praise when playing together for a positive bonding experience. 

When is cat winking a problem?

Cat winking, if occasional, is usually not a problem. However, if your cat is winking at you constantly, or if there are other symptoms accompanying the behaviour, you may want to consult a vet for further evaluation. Your cat may have an eye infection, in which case you should look out for the following:

• Redness or inflammation around the eye
• Excessive discharge from the eye
• Watery or cloudy eyes
• Rubbing or pawing at the eye
• Sensitivity to light

Your cat may also have changes in their behaviour, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, reduced grooming or social withdrawal.

Cat winking can be a fun behaviour to observe from your cat, as long as it’s not an indication of an underlying health issue. By learning the meaning of your cat winking, you can better communicate with and respond to your cat, which can help strengthen your bond and ensure your cat is content. Another way to keep your cat happy is to serve high-quality and delicious meals - and we’ve got you covered with Sheba® Wet Cat Food. With our range of mouth-watering options, you can find something that tickles your cat’s taste buds, while providing a complete, balanced and nutritious diet.