If you have your own cat roomie, you might have noticed they give a lot away with their body language. But, have you ever looked across the room to find your cat completely still, and holding direct eye contact without blinking? Or perhaps you’ve noticed them kneading on the sofa next to you while staring at you and purring?
Cats stare at people for many reasons, and it’s normal for them to do so. Here are some of them:
Affection
Cats may stare at their owners with slow blinks and half-closed eyelids, which is known as an “eye-kiss” and is a sign of affection. This behavior is especially common when a cat is relaxed and content.
Curiosity
Cats are visual hunters and may stare at motion in the household, or they may be fascinated by human movements and sounds while they sleep.
Communication
Staring is a method of communication for cats, who are solitary animals and don’t naturally feel the need to hold eye contact with others. Cats may stare if they think they can get something out of it, such as attention, play, or food.
Bonding
Staring can also be a sign of a close bond between a cat and its owner. Cats are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don’t like or trust.
Fear or stress
A cat’s intense gaze can be a sign of fear or stress, especially if the cat is staring with wide eyes and a rigid posture.
Sociability
Cats may stare at people and meow if they’re being sociable.
Anger or Agression
Most of the time a cat’s stare isn’t anything to worry about, unless a growl or an arched back goes with it. This can mean the cat views you as threat, and it is getting ready to rumble or just warning you to back off. If your intention isn’t aggressive, try a slow blink and a soothing tone to calm to cat and assuage its fears.
Bottom Line
It’s rude for people to stare, and we wouldn’t get away with staring as cats do in the human world. However, many cat behaviors wouldn’t be acceptable for humans, and vice versa, so it’s best not to read too much into it.
Rather than being creepy or ignorant, it’s normal for cats to stare for various reasons. They might be interested in what you are doing. They could be feeling bored. Maybe they’re just waiting for the right time to ask for food or a cuddle. Perhaps they’re hesitating, just waiting for you to invite them to join you. After all, if you are your cat’s best friend, they might be staring at you because they love you and appreciate your presence.
Cats don’t know that staring is creepy. The social rules among cats are very different from ours. Therefore, cats don’t stare to be creepy or rude, they’re just doing what comes naturally. Cats are very curious by nature, and if they’ve had a boring day and you return home, they’re probably enjoying the entertainment of watching you!
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Photo Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin / Shutterstock.com