Cats are incredibly curious by nature and they always want to know what's going on. It could be just that they're observing you to see if you're going to do anything interesting. Cats are visual hunters and when they go outdoors, they're on high alert, keeping their keen eyes peeled for anything moving.
Your Cat Is Simply Curious
Cats are often curious beings. They may simply be staring at you in an attempt to just see what you're up to. If you're moving around or doing an activity around the house, this could very well be the reason for your cat's eyes being on you.
Cat Stares are Part of Their Body Language
They might be interested in what you are doing. They could be feeling bored. Or maybe they're just waiting for the right time to ask for food or a cuddle.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.
To cats, a direct stare paired with other aggressive body language can sometimes seem like a challenge to them. This is why cats avert their gaze to show you that they trust you and know you aren't a threat to them. Business Hours: Tue - Fri.
Cat owners are often encouraged to slowly blink or wink their eyes (e.g. sleepy eyes) when directly looking toward their cats. This sends a message that you are not a threat and they should not be alarmed. However, cats always prefer their owners using their peripheral vision to look at them rather than a direct gaze.
The most important thing to remember is not to stare at your cat. They can see this as a threat which can be scary for them and won't respond in a friendly way!
Cats cannot distinguish their owners by staring at them because their faces appear identical when they are at rest. Instead, cats distinguish between humans using sound and smell. Cats learn to identify their owner's voice, and regardless of whether they're wearing cologne, their skin emits a distinct aroma.
Can Cats See Us in Color? Technically, cats can see in color, but they probably see us — and everything else — in a very different light than we do. Cats have very few of the cones that respond to red light, so their world appears blue, gray, and yellow.
Some cats are more timid or anxious, and sitting on your lap might make them feel unsafe or vulnerable. Sitting next to you offers them security and an escape route if needed. Perhaps they had a negative experience, such as being mishandled, dropped, or hurt while on someone's lap.
Your cat follows you into the bathroom because they want to be a part of this daily ritual. Your cat may also follow you into the bathroom because they associate your routine with something else. For example, your kitty may have figured out you always feed them after your morning shower.
Often, they simply sit and stare while we move around. Next time you walk around the room, watch your cat's gaze follow you, as they try to figure out what you're up to. Really, it's just their way of staying alert and aware of their surroundings. It's a tactic essential for survival instincts.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
If your cat is walking in a zig-zag manner in front of you, then it is likely trying to herd you. This irregular walking pattern is an attempt to guide you toward wherever your cat would like you to go.
It probably feels like your four-legged fur baby has got it in for you, but these perceived acts of aggression are actually an indicator of affection. That can be quite difficult to fathom, right? But it's true; they're actually “love bites” rather than a defense mechanism.
Wanting your attention: If your feline feels needy or playful, they might stand up before you to get your attention. It's the best way for them not to go unnoticed. Asking for affection or pets: Your cat might stand on two legs to ask you for love, cuddles, and pets.
Cats do often treat humans like other felines, using gestures like licking or rubbing on both feline friends and human caregivers, she says. “In a way, cats think of us as bigger cats,” Bonk says. “They might not necessarily know that we're a different species or they just don't care.”
Research shows that cats can recognise their owners, and their owner's voice, even after they've been apart for a while. Find out how cats see their owners and if they recognise their own name.
Humans apart
Cats cannot differentiate between human faces and do not care how you look like. Unlike dogs, they would not even try to differentiate human faces. In an experiment conducted by an American university, the kitties could recognize their handlers less than 50 percent of the time.
The author writes, “Although a cat may not care (as that word is generally used) about human morals, cats can and do distinguish between good and bad people, and are excellent judges of human character and emotion.
They can remember a person's face for up to 10 years! And kitties become seriously attached to their humans, so in case you were wondering, yes, your cat remembers and misses you when you're gone for a few weeks, and they absolutely mourn when a trusted companion drops out of their life.
To summarise, cats don't think about their day or how they feel. But they do think about previous situations they have encountered. For example, when your cat is chilling out, it's not thinking about anything in particular.
Squinted or half-closed eyes are a sign of affection, relaxation and trust. If a cat looks like they're about to fall asleep, they're relaxed and they trust you. Also, they're probably about to fall asleep. Fun fact: Cats also use their eyes to establish the pecking order.
Direct eye contact
Cats can find direct eye contact quite threatening. They wouldn't look another cat straight in the face unless they were fixing for a fight. When your cat's relaxed, they might look at you with a peaceful gaze or half closed eyes. A “slow blink” is your cat's way of saying they love you.
Should I stare back at my cat? Staring back at your cat will depend on their body language and whether they are staring at you due to being scared or happy. If you notice that your cat is staring at your and seems distressed or angry, do not stare back, instead either look away or slowly move away from your cat.