So, youâve got in a situation where your cat tends to stare at you a lot, and you're tired of guessing what it means? To communicate with a person, cats often use not only voice and movements but also their eyes. Sometimes pets look directly into the eyes of a person for a long time. There are many reasons why your cat might be staring at you, and we'll look at some of the most common.
How to figure it out
Most of the cats are not really vocal and are not used to talking with you through voice. And if you don't really know the feline family you might get confused when your cat will stare at you or will watch you sleeping. But be not afraid, there is an explanation to this and not even one. To figure out the meaning of any cat behavior you should always consider the context. Your relationship with the cat, its needs, its behavior pattern, and body language. There are common rules and reasons for any cat's strange actions, but always consider the fact that any cat is unique and has its own unrepeatable personality. So, we will tell you some possible reasons and you will need to personalize these reasons for your own kittyâs habits and character.
Happy Cat
Like people, cats look into the eyes of those they love. There is even such a term - "kitty kiss". This is when a cat looks at the object of his adoration, purrs, and slowly squints. In this case, if you have the opportunity, put aside everything and give your cat a little bit of attention. Such moments of silent tenderness are pure happiness - after all, a look, as we know, can say much more than words. They also like to stare at you when you sleep, that too might be a sign of affection.
Angry Cat
In the wild, cats make eye contact when they want to warn of an attack. As a result, the animal can look at a person until it understands its true intentions. It also happens that at first, the cat looks into the eyes, and then it can sharply flatten its ears, hiss, or even rush into the attack, regardless of whether you are a stranger to him or the owner.Â
Domestic cats, like all predators, have animal instincts, so sometimes they may regard your direct eye contact as a sign of aggression. Why cats stare at you without blinking, even if there is no aggression in your gaze, is explained by the fact that in predators, a direct look always means a clear dislike and preparation for an attack, so the cat may decide to get ahead of you and attack first.
Scared Cat
With some injuries, the cat's eyes stare blankly straight ahead. A variety of reasons can cause these injuries, but the most likely cause is high blood pressure. Take a look at your cat's pupils. If they are enlarged, you can take the cat to the vet for a checkup.
Also, if the catâs tail is hidden between its legs and his overall body language is tight it too might be a sign of a scared, sick, and anxious state.
Why does my cat make eye contact with me?
Cats are quite inquisitive. They are really interested in the world around them and especially they can be interested in us. It is already a known fact that cats see us as big and clumsy cats. So as their "feline friends," we act kind of strange sometimes. Especially when they think that they already know all our patterns, and we unexpectedly begin to practice yoga(for example). And as nosy little creatures they are up to all our interesting activities and staring at us is their way of investigation.Â
Maybe your kitty needs something? As we said already, not all cats are vocal and not all cats use âmeowâ as a demand instrument. Some of the shy and silent ones use their look to speak with you. It can be about food, warmth, or maybe their litter box isnât clean enough. So, in this case, staring is a way to get your attention.
The cat is bored. If your cat lacks interesting activity, she may ask you to provide it. The good part of this deal is that not every cat is so polite in asking, some of them are more independent and can find an activity that you are not likely will approve of. For example, shredding your favorite leather armchair can be a fun activity for not so obedient cat.
The cat needs to feel confident. Cats feel sad and anxious like people, and like people, they look for external sources of comfort. However, your cat has no other option where to find peace and calmness, so she will ask for help from you. If there's been a lot of change and upheaval in your home lately, your cat may be stressed out, causing her to look at you more often.Â
Your cat just asks you if you are okay. Yes, we are weird creatures in catsâ perception, but simultaneously we are very dear and important to them. First of all, cats are practical and they understand that we are a source of all vital things for them. We give them food, we own the home, we are way bigger than them and we protect them. But also cats love us in their own unique way. So the staring, in this case, is an act of appreciation, gratitude, and love. They want to know that we are not injured and that we donât feel bad. It is proven that cats feel our mood and can try to calm us if we feel not really well. Maybe your cat is just checking on you and asking you if everything is okay. So if a cat stares at you when you crying or when you are sad, he is worried about you.
The cat is sleeping. We don't want to disappoint you, but there may be reasons that are not connected to you at all. Some cats sleep with their eyes partially open, so they may just pick up sounds and turn head in your direction.
How Cats Learn to Get Your Attention
Why does the cat look into the eyes? There may be several reasons for this, for example, in this way she tries to catch your mood and, depending on this, plan her further actions, either asking for treats or if your mood is not in the best place, hides and waits until better times. Another common reason is that the cat is hungry or thirsty and is trying to ask you to give her food with her eyes. Especially often are staring pets who do not like to meow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when your cat stares at you?
Cats can stare at their owners for a variety of reasons. Some cats stare as a form of affection or to ask for attention or food. Other cats may stare as a way to assert dominance or to show aggression. In some cases, a cat's stare may indicate that they are feeling ill or in pain. If your cat's stare is accompanied by other unusual behavior, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Should I stare back at my cat?
Staring back at your cat and maintaining eye contact for a short period of time can also be a way to show them that you are paying attention to them and that you care about what they have to say. However, if you see your cat's pupils have dilated and their ears are back, it can be a sign of aggression or fear, in that case it's better to avoid staring back.
Why does my cat stare at me when I'm not looking?
Cats are curious animals, and they may stare at you when you're not looking because they are interested in what you are doing or because they want your attention. If your cat is staring at you when you're not looking and it's not accompanied by other unusual behavior, it's likely nothing to be concerned about.
Why does my cat stare at me without blinking?
When a cat stares at you without blinking, it can indicate that they are in a deep state of focus or concentration. This type of stare is often referred to as "catlocking" and it is a sign that your cat is paying close attention to something, whether it be you or something else in their environment.