Do you know how often your cat blinks? Probably not, but it’s a good question to ask! In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the average number of times cats blink each day and what that might mean for their overall health. We’ll also discuss some of the reasons why cats might blink less frequently than humans. So, if you’re curious about how often your cat blinks (or why she’s blinking so little), keep reading!
How Often Do Cats Blink?
It turns out that cats blink quite frequently, but not as often as humans. A study published in the journal Oxford Academic found that while humans blink an average of 20 times per minute, cats only blink about 12 times per minute.
There are a few theories on this subject. One is that cats have shorter eyelashes than humans. This means that they don’t need to blink as often to keep their eyes moist and protected.
Another theory is that since cats hunt at night, they’ve evolved to have wider pupils and thinner eyelids. This allows them to take in more light, but it also means that they can’t close their eyes as tightly. As a result, they need to blink less often to keep their eyes lubricated.
Whatever the reason, the fact remains that cats blink less than we do. But what does this mean for their health?
For one thing, it’s important to note that cats don’t sweat through their skin like we do. This means that they can’t cool off as easily as we can. As a result, they need to pant or lick their fur to stay cool.
And when they pant, they lose moisture from their mouths and eyes. This is why it’s so important for cats to drink plenty of water and why you might see them licking their lips more often than usual when it’s hot outside.
It’s also worth noting that cats tend to have drier eyes than humans. This is because they don’t have tear ducts that produce tears on a regular basis.
Instead, they rely on their blinking to spread tears over their eyes and keep them lubricated. So, if your cat isn’t blinking as often as usual, it could be a sign that her eyes are dry and irritated. If you notice this happening, be sure to take her to the vet for a check-up.
The Anatomy Of A Cat’s Eyes
Very few people know this but cats actually have a third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, which is a clear or translucent inner eyelid that can be drawn across the eye to protect it from debris, bright light, or when the cat is sleeping. When you see your kitty’s eyes close for long periods of time, it’s likely that this third eyelid is at work.
While we’re on the topic of a cat’s blink, did you know that cats actually blink slowly? In fact, researchers have found that cats blink about half as often as we do. And when they do blink, it lasts twice as long!
Why Do Cats Blink So Little?
There are a few reasons for a cat’s slow blinking. For one, it’s a defense mechanism. By not blinking, cats avoid giving predators an opportunity to attack.
It’s also thought that slow blinking is a sign of relaxation and contentment – something we often see in cats when they’re being petted or are otherwise happy.
So the next time you see your kitty slowly blink at you, know that it’s a sign of love!
How To Communicate With Your Cat With Blinks?
While a cat’s slow blink might just be a sign of relaxation, it can also be used as a form of communication.
Cats often slow blink at people they trust – like their owners – as a way to show affection. It’s sort of like a kitty kiss! If you slow blink back at your cat, she’ll know that you reciprocate her feelings.
You can also use slow blinking to get your cat to do what you want. For example, if you’re trying to get her to come over to you, slowly blink in her direction. She’ll understand that you’re inviting her over and (most likely) come to you!
So, the next time you’re trying to communicate with your cat, give slow blinking a try. It just might work!
My Cat Is Blinking Excessively – What Should I Do?
If you notice your cat blinking excessively, it could be a sign that she’s in pain or is experiencing some sort of discomfort.
If you think this might be the case, it’s important to take her to the vet right away. Excessive blinking can also be a sign of an eye infection, so it’s best to get her checked out as soon as possible.
Read More: How To Clean A Persian Cats Eyes.
What Does It Mean When a Cat Is Squinting?
If you notice your cat squinting, it could be a sign that she’s in pain. It could also be a sign of an eye infection or some other sort of eye irritation.
Some of the possible infections that cause eye squinting are:
Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye.
Uveitis: This is an inflammation of the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye.
If you notice your cat squinting, it’s important to take her to the vet right away. These infections can be serious and, if left untreated, can lead to blindness.
Do Cats Blink To Clear Their Eyes?
Yes, cats blink to clear their eyes. As we mentioned before, cats don’t have tear ducts that produce tears on a regular basis. Instead, they rely on their blinking to spread tears over their eyes and keep them lubricated.
If you notice your cat isn’t blinking as often as usual, it could be a sign that her eyes are dry and irritated. If you notice this happening, be sure to take her to the vet for a check-up.
Do Cats Blink To Protect Their Eyes?
Yes, cats blink to protect their eyes. As we mentioned before, cats have a third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, which is a clear or translucent inner eyelid that can be drawn across the eye to protect it from debris, bright light, or when the cat is sleeping.
So, if you see your kitty’s eyes close for long periods of time, it’s likely that this third eyelid is at work and she’s just trying to keep her eyes safe and protected!
Do All Cats Blink?
No, not all cats blink. Some cats – like Siamese cats – have a condition called crossed eyes, which means that their eyelids don’t close all the way when they blink.
While this doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort, it can lead to some pretty serious eye problems if left untreated. If you notice your cat’s eyes aren’t closing all the way when she blinks, be sure to take her to the vet right away.
Read More: Do Cats Have Eyelashes?
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats blink less than humans do, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them! In fact, it might just mean that they’re better equipped to deal with the heat. However, if you notice your cat blinking less frequently than usual, it’s always best to have her checked out by a vet just to be safe.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.