November 05, 2023

Why Does My Cat Wink at Me? The Complete Guide

Cats, despite their lack of eyebrows, have incredibly expressive faces. If you share your home with a feline friend, you've probably learned to interpret some of their facial expressions, from contentment to surprise or even annoyance. Many cat owners are familiar with the slow blinks and squinty eyes that signify a happy cat. But what about when your cat winks at you? What does it mean?

Why Does My Cat Wink at Me? 6 Common Reasons

It Is Showing Affection

Winking isn't a common cat behavior, but your cat might use it to express affection towards you. Cats are often known for their aloofness, even to their owners. So, when a cat winks at you, it's a sign that you've earned its trust.

Its Third Eyelid Is Acting Up

Cats have a nictitating membrane, commonly referred to as their third eyelid, located at the inner corner of their eyes. This membrane moves diagonally across their eyes to keep them moist. It's nearly transparent, allowing cats to see even when it partially covers their eyes. If this membrane becomes stuck due to dryness or the presence of a foreign particle, the cat might use its regular eyelid to moisten it or remove the foreign object, creating the appearance of winking.

The Cat Feels Threatened

While trust and affection are the most common interpretations of a cat winking, a feline might also wink to express fear. If your cat rapidly blinks its eyes with tightly shut eyelids, your presence could be perceived as threatening. In such cases, it's essential to give your cat space and work on gradually earning their trust.

Your Cat Is Flirting

Winking isn't limited to affection towards humans. When a male cat winks at a female cat, it's often a sign of trying to get the female's attention or flirting. Female cats may also exhibit this behavior towards male felines. Additional signs of feline flirtation include rubbing their body against the "target" or rolling over in front of them.

There Is an Eye Infection

Frequent blinking in your cat could indicate eye discomfort caused by an infection. Look for symptoms like redness, swelling, cloudiness on the iris, discharge, and sensitivity to light. Immediate veterinary care is crucial in such cases to prevent the condition from worsening, potentially leading to pain and blindness.

Common Eye Problems Among Cats

Feline eye problems can arise from various causes, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. These conditions can manifest as redness, swelling, itchiness, and excess discharge. Some common cat eye problems include:

Conjunctivitis: Often referred to as "pink eye," it causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, with bright green or yellow discharge, swollen eyelids, and even nasal discharge and sneezing.

Allergic Reactions: Environmental allergies can lead to watery eyes, frequent blinking, and rubbing of the eyes.

Environmental Irritants: Dust, debris, cleaning products, perfumes, or smoke can cause irritation and prompt blinking.

Corneal Ulcer: Damage to the cornea can result in cloudy areas on the eye's surface, leading to pain and excessive blinking.

Cataracts: Cloudy patches on the lens may cause your cat to wink or blink and could be associated with other health issues.

Glaucoma: A buildup of fluid in the eye can cause redness, swelling, and soreness, prompting blinking.

Conclusion

While cats often rely on subtle body language, including slow blinking or winking, the meaning behind a cat's wink can vary based on the context. A slow blink generally signifies comfort, while squinting might indicate eye discomfort or pain. Therefore, if you ever wonder, "what does it mean when a cat winks at you," it's essential to remain observant, as eye infections and conditions can lead to this behavior. In such cases, immediate veterinary care is crucial to ensure your feline companion's well-being.