Cats are fascinating creatures. Each cat has its own way of showing trust and affection. Cat owners often notice their feline friends closing their eyes when being petted. But why do cats close their eyes when you pet them? Let’s explore the reasons in detail.
Why Cats Close Their Eyes When You Pet Them?
1. Trust and Comfort
When you pet a cat and it closes its eyes, it shows its trust in you. Cats naturally scan their environments for potential threats. Your cat’s behavior of closing its eyes indicates that it feels safe and comfortable in your presence, showing the strong bond you share. In the wild, they keep their eyes open to avoid being preyed upon. In your presence, they close their eyes, signifying their complete trust in you.
2. Enjoyment and Relaxation
Cats have areas on their bodies that bring pleasure when touched, much like humans enjoy massages. Petting a cat can feel soothing to them. They close their eyes to fully relax and enjoy the moment. When a cat is being petted, it purrs, kneads with its paws, and might even drool slightly.
See also: WHY DO CATS LIKE THEIR BUTT PATTED?
3. Communication of Affection
Cats frequently use body language to express their feelings. When they close their eyes, it signifies that they are returning the affection you are giving them. This is how they show their love for and appreciation for you. Cats exhibit non-verbal feelings similarly to humans, who smile or nod.
4. Stress Relief
When you pet your cat, it reduces its stress levels and signifies that it is letting go of anxiety or stress, as indicated by its closed eyes. Petting smoothly can have a calming effect, similar to how a gentle massage relaxes humans.
5. Natural Behavior
In the wild, big cats and small felines groom one another, closing their eyes instinctively. This behavior strengthens social bonds. When you groom your cat, it may signify that your cat considers you part of its social group, as indicated by its closing its eyes.
See also: Why Do Cats
| Behavior | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slow Blinking | Contentment and trust |
| Head Nudges | Seeking attention and affection |
| Closed Eyes | Ultimate trust and comfort |
FAQs About Cats Closing Their Eyes
Is it always a good sign when a cat closes its eyes while being petted?
Yes. It usually means the cat feels safe, relaxed, and trusts you. However, if a cat is closing their eyes and showing signs of discomfort (like tense body language or trying to move away), then you should avoid it.
Do all cats close their eyes when petted?
Some cats close their eyes slowly or keep them partially open while being petted. Each cat exhibits its own unique way of showing trust and affection.
Can I make my cat close its eyes by petting it in a certain way?
You cannot force it but you can pet a cat in its favorite spots, such as under the chin, behind the ears, or along the back, to make it close its eyes.
Why do cats stare at you and then close their eyes?
You observe cats staring at you and then closing their eyes. This signifies that they trust and feel comfortable and safe in your presence.
Do kittens close their eyes when petted?
Yes, kittens can also close their eyes when petted as a sign of trust and comfort, similar to adult cats.
Should I stop petting if my cat closes its eyes?
No, If your cat seems relaxed and comfortable, you can continue.
Can a new cat close its eyes when petted?
When petted, a new cat may take some time to close its eyes, signifying growing trust and comfort with you.
Final Words
You recognize and appreciate the signs of trust, comfort, and affection in your cat’s behavior. By doing so, you ensure that your cat feels safe and loved in your care.
Your cat closes its eyes when petted as a sign of trust and contentment. Your cat’s behavior of closing its eyes indicates that it feels safe and comfortable in your presence. Every cat has its own way of expressing itself.