Read time: 1.5 mins
We all know the stare. All too often you walk into a room and your cat is staring at you intently, almost like a stare-off, and you can bet they won’t be the first one to break eye contact. But why does your cat stare at you and are they really plotting your demise? Interestingly this behaviour isn’t instinctual of wild cats and has most likely come about since domesticating our favourite felines. Here’s why.
Cats as a species don’t often hold eye contact with each other. But over the years of living with their human parent, the sneaky little guys have worked out that long, loving stares can actually produce the goods. Our clever cats have learnt to associate that often catching your eye can lead to something rewarding. This could be cuddles and fuss, or even their favourite meal or snack. As humans we’ve unintentionally taught our cats to be creepers to get what they want. It’s just the same with their chatty meows. This vocalisation was never used between cats and only developed after spending years with people and understanding that screaming in your human’s ear, does in fact get you dinner!
So don’t be put off by their stares. As evil as they may seem, your cat is simply trying to communicate with you. And not only this, staring signifies a deep bond between you and your floof. Cats will only engage like this with humans they truly trust. And if their stares include a slow blink, you’ve really won the jackpot. Slow blinking at their people means cats feel safe enough to close their eyes around you, and deep down really love you despite the apparent evil glare.
It’s easy to be put off by the creature in the corner intently watching your every move, but why your cat stares at you is really just super cute. Despite their independent and sassy nature, they actually do love us just as much as we love them.
