Eyes closing when petted - good/bad sign?

[Jamiedog]

Welcome to paranoia-land again... :wink: For all your silly-worry needs!

The last week or two, Wave has started closing her eyes when I pet her. She hasn't been running when I try to pick her up or generally being skittish for a month or more, but the eye-closing is newer. She does it most quickly when I pet her on the head, and that's where it started, so I assumed at first she was closing her eyes because my hands were coming near. But now she does it, after a minute or two, if I pet her along her back, too. It doesn't matter where she is - in the viv, having a bath, outside or in the bathroom for playtime. As I say, it usually happens after a minute or two. She's not falling asleep - her eyes open again immediately if I stop, and close if I start again.

Not sure if she's doing it because she's enjoying it, and likes the attention, or if she's shutting her eyes in hopes that I'll go away! :wink: Just wondering - if I'm bothering her, I'll stop doing it. I try not to assume that she's going to react the same way my dog or rat would - I know if they close their eyes when I'm petting them, it's because they're relaxed and comfortable and enjoying the attention, but I'm less familiar with reptile reactions! Any anecdotes along these lines from the experienced? Am I stressing her out totally?

And this has been your daily dose of paranoia-land. Please come again soon! :wave:

 

[catUK]

haha, i too have been a victim of paranoia!

My beardie does the same when i pet her- think she enjoys it- she opens them when i stop almost like saying 'what do you think your doing stopping?'. Its completely normal and if you were stressing her she'd just walk away or go stressed colours.

 

[Jamiedog]

Isn't it fun to worry all the time? :lol:

Thanks for the confirmation that it's a good thing - that's what I was hoping, really! She fell asleep - fully asleep - while I was petting her this evening, but it was late and I'd already woken her up once... After she climbed to her favorite spot on the back of my head, using my hair tie as a good balance and putting her head on my head. Silly thing - I can't reach you to pet you there! I'm glad to know she's trusting enough to enjoy being petted now.

 

[sheri85]

i often get Archer to go to sleep faster at night if i pet him on his head for a bit. it seems to sooth him, because minutes later his eyes will be closed and he'll snuggle in for sleep time. he likes it other times of the day too. i think he likes the attention.

i get paranoid about my pets all the time. every little thing and i'm on high alert. drives my boyfriend nuts lol.