If your cat stares at you while you sleep, it might simply be conveying its deep love and affection for you. If the staring is accompanied by purring, head butts, slow blinks, and facial rubbing, you can be certain that she's expressing her love.
This behaviour is quite common: some cats seem to find the sight of their sleeping owners absolutely enthralling. While this might unnerve the new cat owner, it's pretty benign. Cats often develop close bonds with the human members of their households and will watch over us while we sleep. What is this?
Cats are known to be independent, aloof creatures who do not need human companionship. However, contrary to popular belief, cats form strong bonds with their owners and can be pretty protective of them. Cats may show their loyalty by protecting us while we sleep.
Some cats are territorial. They have their favored spaces, like a cozy bed or window perch, and they may want you to keep your distance. If they're staring at you, it may be them trying to tell you to keep your human hands off their special spot.
Many cats are a little lonely, feeling bored, and looking to play, so when they see a person who doesn't seem too distracted by some other activity (tragically, our sleep may not count as an activity to them!), they seek attention from that person.
Cats may sleep by your head as a way of getting close to you to show you affection. When cats sleep with you, it shows that they trust you. Wild cats often sleep where they feel safest, so if your cat is sleeping next to you, it's likely because they feel safe with you.
They understand that we are sleeping but don't understand why we sleep so long. A cat wakes up roughly every 15 minutes. Sometimes they just open their eyes and go to sleep again, or they turn around a bit, do some stretching, etc. So, from a cat's point of view, our long naps are unnatural.
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.
One of the most plausible and sweetest reasons why your cat “follows” you even into the bathroom is that he loves you. The cat wants to take advantage of every second of your presence and every possible opportunity to spend time with you! He adores you so much that he will follow you everywhere in the house.
Showing you affection
If you spot your cat staring at you and giving long, slow blinks and looking at you through half closed eyelids, this is actually known as “eye-kisses” and it's about the best compliment you could get from a cat!
If your cat is busy doing something else, like eating, sleeping or playing they are unlikely to appreciate being touched, or fussed. The same goes for if they're hiding, or in one of their quiet places. If your cat appears scared, or in pain you should generally try and avoid touching them.
If your kitty likes to sleep near you - or even on you - this is an indication that they have total trust in you.
They crave warm and cozy spots, so if your bed is something they find comfortable, they'll likely choose you to snuggle with. The one who makes them feel safe. Cats are particular about where they sleep, ensuring it's safe and secure.
Lying next to you, but not on you, doesn't mean your cat is not bonded to you. In fact, sleeping next to you means your cat trusts you enough to be in a vulnerable position while sleeping. Some cats are not comfortable sleeping on their cat parent because they prefer the security of a small buffer zone.
Cats have the power to sense their owner's emotions. So, cats have the ability to feel whenever their owner is sad. Beyond sadness, domestic cats are also able to feel whenever their owner has switched moods and emotions.
Affection: The Love Bite
If your cat licks then bites you out of the blue then you might be in the presence of a love bite, lucky you! This is a very common (and usually gentle) interaction with cats, especially kittens. If your cat does this they might be trying to show you affection.
Your Cat is Claiming You or Being Protective
That's also your cat trying to mark you with their scent. Your cat's pheromones not only establish ownership but also familiarity for future encounters. By sitting on your chest, it may be a subtle signal to others in your environment that you belong to them.
Most cats don't understand that kisses from humans are a sign of affection. A cat will surely let you know if they enjoy being kissed or not. The best ways to show your cat that you love them are to give them toys, treats, and plenty of one-on-one time.
Fifty-Four Percent of cats recognized their owners by sight alone, as cats do not recognize human faces. In essence, we appear identical. It is believed that cats view people as fellow felines, contributing to this belief. Cats are slightly disturbed by our stature and question our clumsiness.
Studies have shown that cats can recognise their owners, even after they've been apart from them for an extended period of time, but they don't rely on sight to identify us.
Overall, cat cognition research suggests cats do form emotional bonds with their humans. Cats seem to experience separation anxiety, are more responsive to their owners' voices than to strangers' and look for reassurance from their owners in scary situations.
Do cats actually miss their owners? Yes, they do. The cats miss the owners whenever they are away or have been detached from the owner. They notice the absence of all the showered love their owners have left for them.
Regardless of their reputation, cats do get lonely when they are left unattended for long periods of time. Research proves that cats are social beings that form strong bonds with their owners. Do cats get sad when you leave? Short answer: yes.