At one time, just about every pet owner had witnessed their pet gazing at them. This is an eerie sight, as innocent as it may be. You might wonder if your pet is in some way plotting against you, or getting ready to pounce on top of your head!
Why does this cat look like this? Is your cat just curious, or is something different happening?
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What does cat staring mean?
Another explanation behind a staring cat is maybe curiosity. Cats are, of course, curious animals. This means that when they care for you, they will be involved in what you are doing. You can keep their eyes focused on you while you sit and watch television, or you’ll remake a sandwich in the kitchen. You may notice two tiny eyes watching every move you make while working on your laptop too.
Another aspect that may lead to your cat staring is linked to instincts. Domesticated cats do not kill as their ancestors did, but their abilities remain. Ancient cats have had to be constantly aware of their environment to survive. Not only did they have to watch for prey, but they also had to be alert about any potential hazards. The Cats still need to see what’s happening around them today.
When to be alarmed about your cat staring
For the vast majority of the time, cat gazing is entirely harmless. However, in rare instances, it may be a sign of a problem. For example, there is a rare disorder known as the “feline hyperesthesia syndrome,” which can affect cats. Sometimes they stare for a long time at a wall, and then suddenly act bizarrely.
Study your cat’s body language
Happy Cat
Two different postures of the body, accompanied by a stare, provide two distinct stories. If your cat stares at you, blinking slowly while he’s inches away from your face, this cat behavior is a sign of affection. Blinking is a friendly gesture, so we can safely assume that your cat tells you he wants to be close to you when combined with loose, relaxed body language.
Scared Cat
When your cat looks at you, and he’s crouched down with his tail tucked under his neck or body, or if he or she’s hidden behind a piece of furniture, that’s an indicator your cat is afraid or is scared.
Whatever you did inadvertently, such as jumping up and cheering when your football team scored a touchdown or tripping and accidentally dropping an item, you’ve spooked your cat. It could sometimes be a noise your cat heard outside of your house.
Angry Cat
Loose, relaxed body language is not visible in cats about to be attacked. A distressed cat will show telltale symptoms, including pupil dilation, ears turned to the left, a stiffer body, and a restless tail that’s swishing side to side.
Indeed, body language is direct eye contact, a potential threat, and a sign that your cat needs some space. In this situation, the safest thing to do is to close your eyes, distract your cat, and turn your attention to another task. This will put some distance between your cat and you.
Common questions about cat staring
Why my cat is looking at me with dilated pupils
Another source of understanding the meaning of the cats’ mysterious eyes is dilated (large) pupils, and often an excited cat shows. This can also be a display of surprise, or fear, depending on the situation. It is not uncommon for a cat’s pupils to dilate completely when they are excited.
What it means when your cat blinks at you
It is love that interacts when a cat meets another cat or a person with slow, languid blinks. Why? For what? Who for? Because the ultimate sign of trust in the feline world is to close one’s eyes in another’s presence. You communicate by slowly blinking at your cat that you are aware of its presence and pose no threat.
Do cats watch you sleep?
Cats are very insecure when they sleep and want to find a place to sleep or a human they trust. They tell you they trust you when they sleep with their master. While your cat trusts you, they also want to keep warm, and their humans love the heat.
Conclusion
To a pet owner, a cat staring may be a little uncomfortable. But again, that behavior is harmless in the vast majority of instances. And no, they’re not some kind of kitty mind control! In rare cases, a cat staring at a wall can be a sign of a potential health issue, followed by agitation or aggressive grooming. However, most of the time, this is a display of love or interest, and nothing to think about.
