Cats are very inquisitive creatures and if you share your life with one, you’ve probably become accustomed to them staring at you from time to time. If your kitty does this you’ll likely be wondering, “why does my cat stare at me?” Find out why with this article.
If you have the honour of sharing your home with a feline, you’re probably no stranger to that ‘“I’m being watched’” feeling. Whether you’re making dinner, sitting on the sofa or just waking up in the morning, it’s not uncommon that you’ll find your cat staring at you with their big, round eyes – but what is it that they are trying to tell you?
We’ve put together this guide to tell you the possible reasons why your cat stares at you so, keep reading to unlock the secrets of your pet’s behaviour.
6 reasons why cats stare at you
Cats will stare at their owners for all kinds of reasons. This is nearly always because they are trying to tell you something – but what? It could be that they are hungry, that they are showing affection, that they want your attention or because they feel anxious. So, next time you are aware of the intense gaze of your feline friend, consider the reasons why.
1. Hungry Cat
The first and most obvious reason why your cat is staring at you is that they may be trying to convince you to feed them. Cats like us often wake up hungry and if you are still snoozing, you might find yourself being woken with that feeling you are being stared at.
If it’s around the time they’re usually tucking in to a meal and they’re staring at you with demanding eyes, it’s likely that they’re trying to use their best mind tricks to convince you to top up their food bowl. For added effect, they may also pair this stare with squeaks and meows to really get your attention!
2. Cats are curious creatures
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 and if it’s something they want to be a part of.
Cats are visual hunters and when they go outdoors, they’re on high alert, keeping their keen eyes peeled for anything moving. When they’re indoors, that laser focus will shift to the motion in the household, which is likely you, especially if you’re up and about doing things!
3. Feline 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! This is the feline equivalent of showing you affection and their way of saying “I see you; I feel safe and relaxed around you.” How cute is that?
It can be hard to decipher which of the above is the reasoning behind why your cat’s staring at you, which is why you’ll also need to pay attention to their overall body language.
Leg Weaving and Meowing
If the staring is accompanied by leg weaving and meowing, they may be pleased to see you (especially if you’ve just come home or walked into the room) or they may be telling you loud and clear that a meal is in order!
5. Feline anxiety
If your cat’s staring at you whilst also in a crouched position with their tail tucked in, it’s generally a sign that your cat’s frightened. You may also find them hiding somewhere like underneath a coffee table or bed and when they stare at you like this it’s because they’re keeping an eye on the potential ‘danger’. If you can identify the cause of their fright – maybe you’ve shouted a little too loudly or made a loud bang in the kitchen – stop whatever has spooked them and try to offer them some treats as a peace offering. This works particularly well if your feline friend is particularly fond of treats. Always let them relax and come out from any hiding places in their own time.
6. Your cat may be annoyed
A cat displaying a stiff, puffed up body is one that’s likely very annoyed! You may spot them swishing their tail side to side too and when paired with staring, this is usually a cat’s way of telling you to leave them alone or they may be forced to take action. If your cat is doing this, get some distance between you as soon as possible and avoid returning the eye contact – your cat may see staring as you being threatening too!
What to do when a cat stares at you?
When you catch your cat staring at you, try to understand the reason behind it, this will help you decide how to react. Staring is always your cat trying to tell you something so it’s up to you to ‘listen’. Never shout, or push your cat away, as this will make them feel as though they are being told off for this behaviour, which is completely normal and is part of their communication with you.
Always make sure that your cat is feeling safe and has plenty of stimulation. If you notice that their body language may be ‘off’ or just not as usual, or that they seem to be staring at you more than usual, it’s best to contact your vet and schedule an appointment to be sure there is not clinical cause for this change in behaviour.
Should I stare back at my cat?
Cats do not usually enjoy long stares from you. They prefer soft gazes and slow blinking.
Looking back at your cat will depend on their body language and whether they are staring at you due to being happy or worried. If you notice that your cat is staring at your and seems distressed or even annoyed, do not stare back, instead either look away or slowly move away from your cat. Try and work out what is causing them concern and stop that straight away.
Never punish your cat for this behaviour, as this is their way of trying to communicate with you.
If, however, your cat is staring at you in a happy manner, then usually cats will be comfortable with soft eye contact. This may also be an opportunity for you to approach your feline friend and play some fun cat games with them. They may just be after a little attention.
Now, hopefully we have answered the burning question “why does my cat stare at me”. Want to understand more about your cat’s behaviour? Read our article on why cats hiss, next.
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