Cats / Getting Started
There are moments in life where sustained eye contact is expected, a job interview or wedding vows, for instance. But intense eye contact outside those situations, otherwise known as staring, always f
There are moments in life where sustained eye contact is expected, a job interview or wedding vows, for instance. But intense eye contact outside those situations, otherwise known as staring, always feels a little strange, whether it comes from a person or a cat.
A cat with a habit of staring intently can seem funny, odd, or even a little unsettling, and most owners eventually find themselves wondering exactly why their cat is doing it.
There is no single definitive answer, since cats cannot explain their own behaviour. A few explanations, though, come up again and again.
Since cats cannot simply ask for dinner or attention, a long stare may be their way of signalling an unmet need. Worth checking: is it close to mealtime, has the litter tray gone uncleaned for a while, has playtime been skipped recently. It can take a little detective work to figure out exactly what is needed, but once that need is met, the staring usually stops.
Cats are naturally curious animals, and an owner is often the single most interesting thing in their world. Watching what an owner is up to throughout the day satisfies that curiosity, and the staring can simply be a way of keeping tabs on the household.
Not all staring is really staring. Cats sleep a great deal, and some doze with their eyes partly, or even fully, open. What looks like a fixed gaze may just be a nap in progress.
This is uncommon, but certain health conditions, particularly high blood pressure, can cause eye damage that looks like an intense stare. Dilated pupils appearing alongside the staring are worth an urgent vet visit to check blood pressure.
Most staring reflects an unmet want or need, ordinary curiosity, or simply a cat sleeping with its eyes open, and is generally harmless. Staring paired with signs of injury is worth a trip to the vet, but otherwise, there is little cause for concern.
Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.
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