Why is my cat staring at me?
Why is my cat staring at me?
Cats are very curious creatures, and if you have one in your home, you’ve probably gotten used to them staring at you from time to time. If your cat does this, you’re probably wondering, “Why is my cat staring at me?” Find out why in this article.
If you have the honor of sharing your home with a feline, you’re probably no stranger to the feeling of “being watched.” Whether you’re cooking dinner, sitting on the couch or waking up in the morning, it’s common for your kitty to stare at you with big round eyes, but what’s the reason? Is it just pure curiosity on their part? Or is there something more?
We have prepared this guide to show you the possible reasons why your cat is staring at you; read on to discover the secrets of your pet’s behavior.
Why is my cat staring at me?
There are several reasons why your cat may sit and stare at you. The 3 most common are:
1. It’s feeding time
The first and most obvious reason your cat is staring at you is that it may be trying to get you to feed it. If you find that it’s the time when they usually tuck themselves in and stare at you with discerning eyes, chances are he’s trying to use his best mental tricks to get you to refill his food bowl. For added effect, she can also pair this look with squeaks and meows to get your attention!
2. Cats are curious creatures
Cats are incredibly curious by nature and always want to know what’s going on. It could be that they are watching you to see if you are about to do something interesting.
Cats are visual hunters and when outdoors they are on high alert, keeping their eyes peeled for anything that moves. When they’re indoors, their attention shifts to the movement of the house, which is probably you, especially if you’re standing around doing something!
3. Show you affection
If you notice your cat staring at you and making long, slow blinks and looking at you through half-closed eyelids, this is known as a “hand kiss” and is the best compliment you can get from a cat! It’s the feline equivalent of a show of affection and their way of saying, “I see you, I feel safe and relaxed with you.” How cute is that?
Body language is key
It can be difficult to decipher why your cat is staring at you, which is why you will also need to pay attention to their overall body language.
If your cat seems relaxed and calm when he stares at you, it means he’s looking at you for happy reasons and probably just showing affection.
Rigid and swollen body
A cat displaying a stiff, bloated body is probably very annoyed! You may also see him wagging his tail from side to side, and when paired with staring, this is usually your cat’s way of threatening you and telling you to leave him alone or he may be forced to take action. If your cat does this, move away as soon as possible and avoid making eye contact again – your cat may see the gaze as a threat!
Crouched, tail tucked
If your cat stares at you while also in a crouched position with its tail tucked in, it’s generally a sign that your cat is scared. It may also happen that he is hiding somewhere, for example under a table or a bed, and when he stares at you like this it is because he is keeping an eye out for potential “danger”. If you can identify the cause of his fright — perhaps you yelled a little too loudly or made a loud bang in the kitchen — stop it and try offering him treats as a peace offering. This method works especially well if your feline friend is particularly fond of treats.
This is our guide to why your cats sit and stare at you! Want to know more about your cat’s behavior? Read our cat health tips.
