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It's common for cats to stare at their owners for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the reason behind this behavior, but there are some clues that you can look out for. We've compiled a list of some possible reasons your cat might be staring at you and what they mean.
The Top Reasons Your Cat Won’t Stop Staring At You
1. Your Cat Needs Something
If your kitty is staring at you while her tail moves side to side, it could mean that she want something. Your cat may be trying to tell you that she is hungry, thirsty, or wants some attention. Cats use these behaviors as a way of communicating their basic needs and desires.
If your pet seems agitated, frustrated, or uncomfortable in any way, then the first thing you need to do before figuring out why they're upset is to try to take care of them by providing what they want or need.
2. Curiosity
Cats are predators. They're constantly on the move, and they spend a lot of time looking for prey to hunt down (or chasing moving objects). When you see the cats staring or examining something in the room with their ears tilted forward, likely, they're just trying to figure out what it is and whether or not it poses a threat.
If your pet seems agitated or nervous when you look in the eye, then they may be feeling apprehensive about being stared back. You can try averting your gaze for periods while interacting with your pet not to scare them away from making contact again later on.
3. Food Needs
Cats are carnivores, and therefore, they need to eat meat to survive. When you hear your kitty meow non-stop and are met with unblinking eyes as soon as you walk into the room, they're likely feeling somewhat peckish!
- Cats often exhibit this behavior when they're either in need of food or water.
- Make sure to give both if possible. If you have more than one cat at home, check each bowl individually for what might be causing this issue before filling up another dish.
- If your cat is not hungry, then the cat might want some attention from you. If the cat is getting plenty of love in other ways but still seems unhappy, we recommend consulting with an animal behaviorist for tips on addressing the problem.
- The cat could also need more stimulation than what living indoors can offer, which means including in things like playing games together with you and going outside periodically, so the cat gets used to seeing natural light.
- Your kitty will feel much better when she is allowed to do at least one thing outdoors every day!
4. Health Issues
Cats are pretty sensitive to the world around them, and if they're feeling unwell or in pain, they will often let you know. The staring can be one cause of it. If your cat seems lethargic, depressed, irritable, or uncomfortable, we recommend first getting him checked by a vet who can give medical attention before trying anything else.
The cat may be feeling unwell or may have a medical condition that needs to be treated. If your cat has recently been spayed or neutered, then some cats experience discomfort. So, it can be a reason for staring at you.
5. Sign Of Showing Affection
Cats can't tell us verbally how they're feeling, so you often have to read their body language to figure out what's going on. Staring can also signify that your pet might be trying to get a little attention from you by following your movements around the room. They may also want some snuggles!
Pay Attention To The Body Language Of Your Cat
Sometimes, your cat might behave differently than average conditions. There can be chances of different things, and you need to analyze appropriately to find out the issue. Having a look at the cat's posture and body language as well as their tail movement will also help you find the reason for staring. So, let's take a look at what your cat might mean when they gaze into your eyes for an extended period:
1. Happy And Relaxed Posture
Your cat might be happy and relaxed if she is purring, tail up, head down, and looking at you. They may even be rubbing against your legs. It is a sign that your cat feels safe with you and is happy. It may be because of a deep bond between you and your cat as they trust you.
2. Agitated Body Language
If your cat is pacing, hissing, hissing at you, hunched up, or licking their lips, they are probably not happy. Also, the condition prevails when your cat is nervous, unsure, or unhappy about something that has happened to them.
- Cats also tend to show this body language if their food bowl is missing from their usual placement, if they're on top of furniture that they don't typically play near, or if there's a new cat.
- Your cat might also show this body language if they are in pain or have just eaten something and now feel uncomfortable with their stomach.
- They may not tell you what the problem is and might stare you in this type of situation. So, it would be best if you took note of your own observations as well.
3. Scared Cat
If your cat is backing up away from you while hissing violently and shows little interest in coming closer, they are likely scared of something on you. It might be because you are petting them too roughly or holding them too tightly.
Summing Up
As you can see, there are many reasons why your cat may stare at you. A staring cat is probably just waiting for food or water or to be petted most of the time. However, make sure to pay attention to how your cat acts around other people, new animals, children, or objects.
If your cat has an agitated posture or seems frightened, be sure to provide the right kind of help your feline needs. Also, do consult your vet if there is any health-related issue. Analyze the body language, and you'll be good to go!
References
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73426-0
https://www.rover.com/blog/why-does-my-cat-stare-at-me/
https://www.petmd.com/news/view/why-does-my-cat-stare-me-38021