WHY DO CATS CLOSE THEIR EYES WHEN YOU PET THEM?
If you are a cat owner or lover, you may be keen on some lovely facial expressions of the cat whenever you play with him. Have you ever wondered why your kitty closes his eyes whenever you pet him? One of the most common cat behaviors that show a particular message is closing his eyes while being petted.
In this article, we will help you explore several potential reasons why cats regularly close their eyes while being petted, and how understanding this behavior can help you better understand and care for your furry companions.
1. Meanings of the body language in cats
Do you know cats can use their body language to communicate with humans daily?
Cats are known for being independent creatures, but they also communicate in a variety of ways by using their body language. The pussycat’s body language signals are performed with his body movements, facial expressions, and natural sounds like meowing, purring, or growling. The messages of the cat’s body language may be shown via typical actions such as tail waving, ear flattening, fur puffing, or eye blinking whenever he is touched or petted by his owner.
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Ear flattening
The act of a cat perking its ears can have various meanings depending on the context and mood of the cat. However, perked ears are often interpreted as a sign of interest or alertness.
When a cat perches its ears, it may be focusing on a particular sound or scent. This is a way for them to stay alert and prepare for any potential situations. It can explain why cats often perk their ears when hunting or playing with toys.
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Tail waving
Happiness and satisfaction: When a cat waves its tail slowly and gently, it is a sign of contentment and satisfaction that shows the cat may be feeling happy and enjoying life.
Warning and tension: If a cat waves its tail quickly and its tail is stiff, it may be a sign of tension and warning. They may be preparing to attack or ready to defend themselves.
Discomfort or dissatisfaction: The cats may feel invaded or unhappy with the current situation. If a cat waves its tail quickly and strongly, often accompanied by some signs of discomfort such as shaking its head, curling its lips, or jumping up, it may be a sign of discomfort or dissatisfaction.
Curiosity: When a cat waves its tail slowly and its tail can flicker, it may be a sign of curiosity. They may be exploring a new environment or following a potential prey.
- Eye blinking
The act of a cat closing its eyes when being stroked is a positive sign, demonstrating its comfort, affection, and trust toward its owner.
By paying attention to these indications, you can get a better sense of how your cats are feeling and how they are responding to different situations.
2. Some of the typical reasons the cats close their eyes while petting
One of the most prevalent behaviors many cat owners may have observed is when their cats close their eyes while petting. While it may seem simple, there are several possible explanations for why cats do this. When a cat feels comfortable and secure in its environment, it may be more willing to let its guard down and show vulnerability. Closing their eyes can be a sign of relaxation and contentment, as they are entirely focused on the sensation of being petted without any distractions.
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Relaxation
The first reason the cats close their eyes when being petted is that they are experiencing a sense of relaxation when you are making a fuss of them.
When a cat feels comfortable and interested in their environment, it may be more willing to let its guard down and show vulnerability. Closing their eyes can be a sign of relaxation and contentment, as they are possible to fully concentrate on the sensation of being petted without any distractions.
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Trust
In addition, closing their eyes while being petted may indicate that they trust the person doing the petting with them as well as feeling safe in their owner’s hands. This is because cats are vulnerable when their eyes are closed, and they are essentially putting their safety in the hands of the person petting them. By closing their eyes, it may be showing they trust that they will not be harmed by any strangers. This trust is crucial for building a strong and positive relationship with your cats.
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Jacobson’s organ
Another possible reason why cats close their eyes when being made a fuss is related to their sense of smell. Cats have a sensory organ called the Jacobson’s organ, which is located on the roof of their mouths. This organ allows them to detect and process pheromones, which are chemical signals that are used for communication between animals of the same species.
When a cat closes their eyes while being petted, it may be doing so to enhance its sense of smell. By blocking out visual stimuli and focusing on the sensation of being petted, they may be better able to detect any scents that are present. This can help them process information about their environment and the person petting them.
3. Individual differences
While many cats do close their eyes when being petted, it’s important to note that not all cats exhibit this behavior. This may be due to individual differences in cat personality and experiences. Just like people, each cat is unique and may have their preferences and behaviors when it comes to being touched and interacted with.
For instance, a cat who is anxious or nervous may be less likely to close its eyes when being petted, as it may be more on edge and less able to let its hair down fully. Similarly, a cat who has had negative experiences with humans in the past may be more guarded and less likely to have confidence in people enough to close its eyes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several possible reasons why cats close their eyes when being heavily petted. Whether they are experiencing rest and trust, enhancing their sense of smell, or simply enjoying the sensation of being tickled, this behavior can provide important insights into a cat’s emotional state and behavior.
As a cat owner or lover, paying attention to your cat’s body language and behavior can help you better understand its needs and preferences. By respecting their boundaries and preferences, you can build a stronger bond with your feline friend and create a more positive and friendly relationship.
