Did you know that your cat uses the shape of its eyes to communicate with you? The way your cat’s eyes look can reveal a lot about its mood and feelings. By paying attention to your cat’s pupils and overall body language, you can decipher these silent signals. Understanding the messages behind your cat’s eye expressions can enhance the way you communicate and connect with each other.

Cat Pupils Are Shaped Differently than a Human’s:

Have you ever considered why a cat’s eyes are shaped differently? Unlike humans, who have round pupils, cats have vertical slit-shaped pupils. These pupils expand in low light and contract in bright conditions, similar to human pupils. However, the vertical slit shape allows for a much broader range of pupil sizes, enhancing their vision in dim lighting. This design may also contribute to better depth perception for cats.

The Six “Messages” Cats Convey with Their Eyes:

Your cat’s distinctive eyes can communicate six different messages, though the precise meaning can depend on the context. By watching your cat’s eyes and noting their body language, you’ll gain a much deeper understanding of your cat than ever before.

• “Relaxed” Smiling Eyes:

When your cat is particularly content, he might partially close his eyes, giving a relaxed and serene impression. His eyelids might even seem to droop slightly.

You might see this when your cat is snuggled in your lap. As you softly pet him, he might half-close his eyes. This is his way of showing you a smile.

• “Positive Vibes” Slow Blink:

When your cat looks at you, whether she’s sitting in your lap or from across the room, she’ll slowly close and open her eyes in a deliberate blink.

This slow blinking is her way of reassuring you that there’s nothing to worry about and that she loves you deeply. It’s her method of sending positive feelings your way. Often, if you start with a slow blink, your cat will respond in kind.

• “Check Yourself” Stare:

Another way cats communicate is through a long, steady stare. If this stare isn’t accompanied by a slow blink, it can be a sign of dominance. It may indicate that a cat is asserting control, claiming ownership of something, or telling another cat to stop a certain behavior.

This is also why cats often prefer people who don’t constantly stare at them. Someone who avoids direct eye contact is perceived as more friendly and approachable.

• Alert” Wide Eyes:

When your cat’s eyes are wide with dilated pupils, it often indicates excitement. For instance, cats dilate their pupils when they are focused on prey. You might have seen that GIF of a cat wiggling its bottom before pouncing, with its eyes wide with anticipation. In these moments, your cat is highly excited about catching prey or chasing a toy.

Wide eyes can also signal that your cat has pent-up energy ready to be released, either through play or mischief. If he just knocked something off a shelf to get your attention and is now watching you with big eyes, he’s preparing for some action, whether it’s playing or darting away, which makes his pupils dilate with excitement.

• “Alert to Danger” Saucer Eyes:

Wide eyes combined with a tense body suggest that your kitten is sensing danger, whether she’s been suddenly startled or is preparing for a confrontation. Watch for signs like a puffed-up or lowered tail and ears held sideways. If she’s overstimulated during petting, you might notice her fur standing on end and her tail twitching assertively.

• “Ready for a Challenge!” Narrowed Eyes:

A cat may narrow its eyes when it’s angry and ready to fight another cat, regardless of whether its pupils are constricted or dilated. The important thing is to pay attention to its body language. Are its ears pinned back? Is its fur bristled? Is its body tense or is it growling? During a confrontation, a cat can shift from wide to narrowed eyes in an instant.

Your cat’s eyes can also reveal potential health problems. If she’s squinting, especially in one eye, or if the eye is excessively watery or has discharge, it’s important to take her to the vet for an examination.

READ THIS: How to Tell If Your Cat Is Happy: Key Signs of Feline Contentment