Does your feline friend constantly challenge you to staring contests? Here’s why!
One of the most common cat behaviors is to stare at their humans for a long time without blinking. If you’ve noticed this uninterrupted stare and are wondering what it means, read on!
Your cat might be hungry
In many cases, cats stare at their humans because they want to be fed! Truth be told, you’ve probably encouraged this form of behavior without even realizing it. If you feed your whiskered friend or offer her treats when she makes prolonged eye contact, you’re reinforcing the behavior!
If food isn’t what your cat is after, perhaps she’s just seeking attention! If that’s the case, her staring may quickly turn to rubbing against your legs or gentle kneading on your lap.
Staring is a sign of trust
Cats tend to have trust issues, which is why it often takes days for a feline to warm up to a new human. If you recently adopted a cat and have noticed her staring at you, that’s a good sign! Cats avoid eye contact with people they don’t trust, so her gaze is a sure sign that she feels safe.
If her gaze is accompanied by a few slow blinks, that’s even better! Cats blink slowly at people to show affection, so if she gradually closes her eyelids and then reopens them and continues to stare, you’re probably one of her favorite people.
Perhaps it’s time to see the vet
If your cat’s gaze seems excessive and is accompanied by loss of coordination, visit your vet to see if there are any problems with her vision. Staring can be a sign of sight loss, especially in older felines.
In most cases, staring is a very normal (and positive) feline behavior. Take it as a sign of love and trust, and offer your kitty some slow blinks so she knows the feeling is mutual!
AUTHOR PROFILE
Jessica Chapman is a college paper help service writer and editor from Chicago. She is into sports and politics. When she’s not delivering pro essay writing service to college students, Jessica enjoys traveling and hanging out with her cats!
