What does it mean when a cat squints its eyes at humans?

There are two main reasons why a cat squints its eyes at humans: the light is too harsh or the cat has a high level of trust in its owner. Both of these are normal phenomena. However, if there are other abnormalities in the cat's eyes, such as increased tears, frequent blinking, and the cat constantly rubbing its eyes with its paws, the owner should pay attention. The cat may have conjunctivitis or keratitis. In this case, it is advisable to consult a pet doctor as soon as possible or take the cat to a pet hospital for examination and treatment.

The light is too harsh

When a cat's eyes are exposed to strong light, it will squint at humans, such as when sunbathing. This condition usually improves when the cat is in a darker environment, so owners don't need to worry too much.

High trust in the owner

A cat squinting its eyes at humans also indicates that it has a high level of trust in its surroundings and the people around it, which is why it exhibits this semi-sleeping state. Especially when the cat squints its eyes at its owner, it means it has a great deal of trust and dependence on its owner, allowing it to be so relaxed. However, if the cat widens its eyes while looking at humans, it may be preparing to attack. In this case, it's best to stay away from the cat to avoid being scratched.

Conjunctivitis or Keratitis

In some cases, a cat may not intentionally squint its eyes at humans, but rather cannot open them due to illness. For example, when a cat has conjunctivitis or keratitis, it experiences strong pain and itching in its eyes, making it unable to open them. However, the cat will usually exhibit other symptoms such as rubbing its eyes with its paws, increased tears, and frequent blinking. If any of these symptoms are observed in a cat, it's necessary to seek medical attention promptly.