• Question: Do cats ever blink, because the only time i ever see them close their eyes is when they are going to sleep?

    Asked by bethy203 to Charlotte, Jo, Kevin, Louise, Valeria on 13 Jun 2012.
    • Photo: Kevin Mahon

      Kevin Mahon answered on 13 Jun 2012:


      Obviously, you have watched cats very closely!

      You’re right, cat’s don’t need to blink like humans do. Humans need to blink to stimulate the tear ducts and keep their eyes lubricated, whereas cats tear ducts constantly release moisture without the need to blink.

      It is widely believed this has developed due to the benefits it adds to hunting – a predator that doesn’t blink will be much more successful as it can maintain its gaze on its prey!

      Cats do squint their eyes from time to time – this is their way of communicating that they are relaxed and restful!

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