My cat is an Egyptian Mau, so he has to be involved in my bathroom activities, and he knows my routines. A relaxed cat will doze or half-close its eyes. Cats are visual hunters, so essentially in order to survive, they have to look at others. Picture from post I Never Used to Think I Was a “Cat Person”. I've been working on giving her more attention, but in the day she isn't ever interested, so I give up that day and try again the next. Honestly, it’s hard to tell. I’ve seen this theory floating around the net and I actually believe there’s something to it, though not for every single stare, certainly. Everything we have on this topic is conjecture, and that includes what pet experts like vets have to say about the topic. Oh, and for yet another theory of mine, which is…, Ever stared at a wall because you were bored in math class and just thought about nothing until the time passed? Did you notice that every time you go to the bathroom, and the door creaks a few seconds later, your cat will be close-by watching you do your deed? I usually don’t think anything of it. But more often than not, they want to be alone. They look at you because they want to be sure that the organism around them will not pose any harm while they do the deed. Here are some: The Wild-Animalistic Nature Sets In. It might also be because they want to be alone or love you. If you like the posts on KittyClysm, please take a moment to subscribe to the email newsletter! Welcome to KittyClysm - a blog for cat lovers & kitty keepers. Why does my cat yowl at the water dish before drinking? Different routines – work and school schedules, maintenance or building activities in the home, even the mail being delivered – can also stir up those nearly-invisible behind-the-wall intruders right on schedule, and … Required fields are marked *. When my cat Thomas wants to get in my lap, he’ll often sit on the floor staring up at me and make a quick “bip” or “eck” sound. It is not that they want to smell or witness you in your private moment, but they want to bond. It is one sure-fire way to be a predator’s next meal. I also believe it's just for attention as she comes and meows at me in the night at around 4:30. Some people sum this up as a “creepy stalker” type of watching, but I don’t think that is what it is at all. You weren’t really staring, you just spaced out, and they happened to be the last thing you looked at before it happened. That’s a really good point about cats being both prey and predator in the wild. Favourite answer. She could easily murder you while you are awake, to be honest. So, Nola is not going to stop staring at you until she has satisfied her curiosity. Obsessed with cats. When I look back at her, she stays for another second but then runs away. A Cat Blog for Cat Lovers & Kitty Keepers. The one’s who start the most are my ‘O’ Cats, who watch me as I putter around. There are many times when your cat’s belly is full and he or she still has plenty in the slow feeder bowl and still comes and stares at you, though. And if we stare at a cat who is a stranger to us, we can see how it might make them wonder what is on our mind. I’m sure there are many cultures that are much more accepting of staring than North American culture – still, cats seem to take the staring even further than what would be considered comfortable for most. Fond of my fluffies? Let’s be honest, we humans like watching other people, too. Still it’s a possibility that a few of the times your cat has stared at you in the past it’s because he or she was scared – maybe that you were going to stuff him or her into a carrier and go to the (shock, horror!) Another reason your cat may be staring at you is because they are trying to communicate affection. It is similar to how cats sometimes meow when they poop when they see you. Things To Take Care of With Your 3 Month Old Kitten, Essential Oils For Dogs – The Safest And Worst Oil To Use. It is either you attack them while pooping or not, so they have to be prepared. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; learn more here. Aggressive cats can use a long-distance stare to control access to their territory. Your cat will be attempting to communicate something. The cat he does not know we’re going to go back nor can he control our time of absence, hence he can cry when he detects that we are going to leave the house, which is quite simple, since we usually repeat the same routines as fitting ourselves, taking a purse, combing our hair, etc. But I think it's a bit of a game for him too. You may have missed subtle cues for feeding or petting. Having interacted with a lot of indoor and outdoor cats, I feel they all do the staring shtick just the same. Try as we may, we often don’t quite understand the things they do. In a nutshell, they can be wary of you. Cats are very secure and careful creatures. Does my cat find is uncomfortable when I stare at her when she eats/sleeps. I think more staring happens out of curiosity or to remedy boredom and you just so happen to be the most interesting thing in the vicinity. Why not. In the wild, pooping in an exposed location is taboo for animals. Join me & my furries in our little corner of the feline-obsessed world. I just don’t think it’s the main reason cats typically stare. They are visual Hunters. Because cats primarily communicate using body language, a cat staring at another cat is a way for the dominant kitty to show aggression. They look after themselves like no other, ensuring their safety and comfort. Are there any theories I didn’t add that should be listed? Their Purpose: What Cat Whiskers Are For, How to Accidentally Train Your Cat to Beg for Food. Cats are curious and capricious creatures. Just fill in the form below and hit "Subscribe"! Here, we’ll talk about why does my cat stare at me, and also why they might stare at other cats. But, rather than assuming the worst when the question, “Why does my dog stare at me?” runs through your head, rest assured that your dog’s stare is not a judgment of your personal appearance. Does your cat ever stare at the wall in between episodes of seeming mania? Without a meow. And at last, through this post, you finally have the opportunity to learn the truth behind your age-old enigma: why does my cat stare at me when he poops? Even if you’re not a cat owner, chances are high if you’ve spent a good chunk of time with any cat, you’ve noticed a tenancy our feline friends have to – every once in a while – stare directly at human being for a pretty extended period of time in a concentrated and unwavering gaze. Obviously, this is a touch frustrating because it leaves our curiosity hanging, but since there are so many more pressing issues for scientists to research when it comes to our feline friends – like their ideal diet and the composition of the perfect cat food – I’m really happy for scientists to continue to ignore this one until the more important queries are solved. So, why does your cat stare at you when it poops? Is a Fox a Dog or Cat? their ideal diet and the composition of the perfect cat food, I Never Used to Think I Was a “Cat Person”, toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves. Marleah. What Can I Give My Dog to make Him Sleep. Sometimes this may be attributed to physiological problems or territorial reasons. ), spraying cats with water – all these things register on a cat’s radar as “Human = upset.”. Your email address will not be published. A lot of times, looking at my cat staring at me, I feel he’s doing the exact same. Why Does My Cat Stare at Me? Too Cute: Cardboard Cat Houses Shaped like Castles, Cars, & More! Some people believed cats of certain colors granted good or bad luck, or that they might steal a baby’s breath. Our time in the bathroom, while seated on the throne is a […]. When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. So when I carry my bath towel into the bathroom, he sits outside the bathroom door and howls, before I even turn the shower on. Ever done this to the back of someone’s head? Hands-Off Ways to Keep an Indoor Cat Entertained, Ant Proof Pet Bowls: Cat & Dog Food Dishes, Ant Resistant & Free, Toys Cats Can Play With On Their Own: Ideal for When Kitty’s Home Alone, Why Do Cats Have Whiskers? Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night because I sense a "presence." They cry due to a desire to get out and meet other cats. Have you ever wondered why cats stare directly at humans in sometimes unwavering, unsettling gazes? Because when I'm out of the shower and walk across my apartment, he chases me and bites my calves. Ah, life with cats… full of so many short, heart-warming moments like this. I got that she was jealous and mad of course , but then I saw her on my stairs staring at me as she was falling asleep Given that cats are domesticated animals of wild ancestry, the same behavior still runs through them. Why Does My Cat Stare at Me When He Poops? I was lying in bed one night, and my cat had been sleeping on the bed with me as he does every single night. Sharing that eye-to-eye moment is your way of giving your love in return. While pet owners might find it convenient if cats could talk to them to express wants and needs, most cats only offer audible feedback in the form of meowing, trilling or hissing. The eyes are among the expressive parts of feline anatomy. Dig KittyClysm? I seriously have never experienced a stare without a whiny-cry like meow or two accompanying the long hard stare, personally, but I’m sure there are cats who just stare hopefully when they really want to play and don’t make a peep. Staring at me with her huge eyes. Yup, saying cats stare at humans because they enjoy entertaining themselves with people-watching is absolutely a human-centric theory, and I definitely could be off, but based on my experience, it rings true. Ask A Vet: Why Does My Cat Stare At Me? You’ll have to bear the attention in silence. Written by Richard Parker. Why Do They Seem like Both? Answer Save. Bored Kitty? Facts about cats, training tips, odd behaviours, pet care advice - I talk as much as I can about it all here! Relevance. A cat crying at the door is a common scenario, sometimes explained by the heat cycle or desire to mate. Why does my cat stare at me? We are reasonably sure that you have observed it too on several occasions, making you feel uncomfortable. If we could get away with doing it more without incurring any losses – suffering through awkward encounters, making other people confused or upset, or even instigating conflict – I think we’d all stare at our fellow human beings a lot more. Hi, I'm Elise! Figured I might as well blog about 'em. I have a slew scattered around the house, so when my cats get bored, even if I’m busy or not even home, my furries are able to actively play. Why wouldn’t we stare if no one (including ourselves) had any issue with it? Here are a few different theories on why cats stare at humans, some that I found browsing, some that I made up myself. Cats will absolutely stare if they are afraid of something and want to assess it to make sure it’s not going to harm them in any way, shape, or form. To an extent, I feel like no matter where we humans are – no matter how many birds, bees, and insects, how much wildlife, how many toys scattered around the house, or what happens to be playing on TV – we flesh-and-blood humans typically are the most fascinating things for cats to entertain themselves by watching. He lays on the pillow at my left on the free side of the bed (it’s HIS pillow now) and as the double bed is against the wall, he’ll face the wall. What does it mean if my cat stares at me? If a cat doesn’t like something another cat does, he or she shows it through specific actions – hissing, scratching, even downright attacking another cat – to show displeasure. Why Does My Cat Stare at Me? See more of this duo on my personal blog, E&T. This is definitely not true in all cultures, and obviously, those cultures where it’s more socially acceptable to stare do a lot more staring. A cat sits and screams at her water bowl for several minutes before taking a drink, and the behavior has been going on for four years. Since cats are more of a non-verbal cue kind of animal, staring at you is their way of showing affection. The hits in my household are ridiculously affordable: cat springs, ball track toys, & kick sticks. And I’m sure it’s a huge reason for them to stay situationally aware at all times, not just when they’re hungry. We are reasonably sure that you have observed it too on several occasions, making you feel uncomfortable. If your cat is staring at you and he is crouched down with his tail tucked under his body, or if he is hiding behind a piece of furniture, this is an indication your cat is fearful. Love how the curious, more playful ones are the ones who stare the most. Some cats hide and avoid company when they are sick. Have you ever been made uncomfortable by a cat staring directly into the depths of your soul through your eyes? When humans are very displeased with something a cat does (like jumping up on counter tops or scratching up furniture), we obviously don’t react in the same way, but we do often make it pretty obvious to a cat we’re upset by using actions cats can interpret – yelling something like “No!” or “Stop,” exaggerating body language in a way that possibly looks a little aggressive (pointing, standing taller, etc. If she's sleeping, she'll wake up and meow at me then come and snuggle up to me. So they must think, to an extent, we find it socially acceptable for them to stare at us. Times like that you know the staring’s not about food this time. Let me know which you think are the most likely to be true or if you have any theories of your own that didn’t make it to the list in the comments down below! Can’t wait to hear what you have to say on this topic in the comments down below! You ask: Why does my cat stare at me while I sleep? Last, but not least, your cat might stare at you because she is curious. What do humans do when cats directly stare at them? Dogs have developed a close, domesticated relationship with humans over thousands of years. Have two pet cats, Avery & Bjorn, whom I love to bits. Because it’s fun. He’s only been doing this for a few months, he’s only been sleeping on that spot for about five months though. I stare at their back, to see if they notice. Yet this same stare is entirely different when I use it on my cats. It's a friendly stare though. They may need you to guard them. Frequently when you glance up, your cat will be watching you. While that may be true, defecation in cats or any other animal is one of the most vulnerable states they could be in. #1: Cats are Nocturnal . When a … My wife (not a cat person, mind you) thinks that cats are staring at us because they are plotting to kill us. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]='NAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); A customizable modal perfect for newsletters, Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close. Is it possible your cat is doing this to you? It often feels very sinister, but we can assure you that your cat is not trying to murder you in your sleep. It could be the case that the explanation why our cat cries when we leave is simply that he does not want to be alone. They look after themselves like no other, ensuring their safety and comfort. Didn’t ever think about it that way, but it’s so true. Cats in the wild are both prey and predator, which is a heady mix of trying to eat while not being eaten. As mentioned above, cats are careful animals. For cat parents noticing this behavior at a particular time of day each day, take note of where the natural light falls in the room: a cat could potentially be staring at dust motes caught in a sunbeam. According to Mental Floss, people used to believe all sorts of strange things about cats. by Dr. Kathryn Primm. There are several reasons behind this behavior. Your email address will not be published. However, there are other possible reasons a cat might cry at the door: If a cat is accustomed to going outside, it is normal for them to cry to either let them in or out. (Many times, they do.) Our time in the bathroom, while seated on the throne is a time of relaxation and comfort. Sometimes he doesn't bother with me, but other times, when when I sit down or whatever he will sit near me and just stare at me for ages, even if I move he'll watch me xD. Why does he stare at me? It’s observation, pure and simple! Why not stare if the humans don’t mind it? My cat has recently started this, she's a couple of years old, though and an outside cat. But in instances where you already established a relationship, their action of staring at you while they poop is a call for help. Another reason a cat may meow while staring at you is due to pain or discomfort. Facebook Pin 10 Email Print. I don’t think any cat, no matter how intelligent, can interpret human “I’m weirded out” body language. When Your Cat’s Wall Staring Is A Problem. You become on guard over them during their time of vulnerability. Here are some: Cats are very secure and careful creatures. But I think we as pet owners usually eventually recognize the “I’m hungry” stare and know to do something about it. If she's eating and I stare at her, she'll meow and come running up to me, brushing on my legs. Again, totally the kind of thing I think most pet parents catch on to and eventually recognize, and absolutely does not explain most staring in my opinion, but I do think this does happen. Cats, as always, follow their own logic and have no idea about the human etiquette. Check out all the other blogs I pen & photograph. What Does Staring Mean? Shift in their seat, furrow their eyebrows out of confusion or anxiety, maybe leave the room? If you’re wondering why does my cat hiss at me, it might be because you’re annoying them. There was even a time she was mad at me because I pet another cat and she bit me when I tried to pet her . Enter your email address and hit "Go" to be notified each time a new post is published on KittyClysm. Waterproof Pet Beds: For Dogs & Cats Who Need Vomit & Pee Protection. Why Does My Cat Or Kitten Always Sit And Stare At Me? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Did you think any were unlikely, ridiculous, or didn’t really do the trick of explaining most cat staring behaviour? But cats also provide lots of nonverbal communication, including stares, blinks, headbutts and rubs to make their affection known. While this is typically hard to do, toys like these that allow cats to play by themselves make the job one heck of a lot easier. You'll get notified each time there's a new post on the blog. Because it’s fascinating watching to see what other humans are doing. Wide, staring eyes, meanwhile, suggest a cat is wholly alert. You might be doing something mundane and boring, but it has sparked the interest of your feisty feline. Because we’ve all seen this before, and cats are curious creatures, so it’s only natural to want to find out why they’re well, staring at you. I’m having my cat Sabbath suddenly (over the last few months anyway) sitting facing the wall. You have read the title correctly. They may not want to be petted at that time or it may be because you’re trying to pick them up when they don’t want you to. If that is not clear enough, the organism is you. December 12, 2018 by Elise Xavier | Updated: July 7, 2020 - 2 Comments. It can be a little unsettling, especially for those of us who come from cultures where staring is considered both socially unacceptable and downright rude. Not creepy. she can even have her back turned against me and turn around just to look at me before she sleeps ? 6 Answers. When your cat stares at the wall, it may be stalking a potential victim that you can’t hear or see. This one is so ridiculously situational, however, and in my opinion everyone would know what a scared cat looks like without even thinking about it (pupils dilated, ears back, etc. Ever happened to be looking at someone’s face then zoned out completely, only to have the person catch your gaze and ask, “Why are you staring at me?”. At 5:30 am when I'm just getting up my cat is on the bed and he's staring at me. This is not a theory I personally believe explains most cat staring, but I’ve seen a lot of vets state it because they’re trying to base their explanations on something they already know to be true – cats stare down other cats in order to assert their dominance over them. It really creeps me out. Who wants to be stared at while making yourself feel comfy, right? 8 years ago. I stare at their face, while they stare back, each of us hinting at the game we are playing with small movements of our faces. What I've just been doing is spraying her with a bit of water. Did any of the theories I listed about why cats might stare at humans ring true for you? And at last, through this post, you finally have the opportunity to learn the truth behind your age-old enigma: why does my cat stare at me when he poops? I seriously have never experienced a stare without a whiny-cry like meow or two accompanying the long hard stare, personally, but I’m sure there are cats who just stare hopefully when they really want to play and don’t make a peep. Common conditions associated with staring include heart failure, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism, all of which can result in hypertension if untreated. Your cat likely wants something. Why Does My Cat Stare At Me Without Blinking? But when it so happens that the spot, they chose for the divine release is near your location. One of the most frustrating problems I’ve had to deal with as a pet parent is staying on top of my cats’ desire to play. vet, or something along those lines. They might stare at you as if to say, “get out of here, human, I need my privacy.”. Would love for this to be studied, as maybe there is a huge connection there! I’m so curious on what this means . This is usually because they feel threatened in their vulnerable state and want to protect themselves. Update: @kenyatta I don' think he is being threatening since he has his eyes half-closed and blinks alot lol. And when I wake up and open my eyes, there's my cat on the night stand. Again, I don’t think this one explains most cat-staring-at-humans behaviour, but it does account for at least some feline stares. There are several reasons behind this behavior. Okay this also happens sometimes. If your cat's pupils remain dilated, or if she seems to stare at you with empty eyes, it's time for a trip to the veterinarian. They are watching us, because we are huge and they are small. Whatever you inadvertently did, such as jumping up and cheering when your football team scored a touchdown or accidentally tripping and dropping an item, you have spooked your cat. I do feel every once in a while that Avery gives me a loving gaze because he’s comfortable and happy and just so happened to be watching me to see what I’d do, and typically if I meet his gaze when he’s in this kind of an “I love you” stare, he’ll slow blink at me and I’ll melt in happiness. You might not even notice, but the kitties understand that the top cat is "guarding" the hallway that leads to the litter box, for example, and so they won't dare challenge or trespass! But for some reason, every time our little furballs drop a deuce, we always find them looking us in the eyes. I mentioned in the intro that staring is considered incredibly rude and socially unacceptable in many cultures. They want you to pay attention because they don't want to feel such pain. Sometimes he’ll randomly jump off the bed and walk around the house. I’m not going to lie, as hard as I tried to dig for answers to this question – why cats stare at humans, and what that staring means – there didn’t seem to be a lot out there, certainly no concrete answers. – I mean a lot of them actually have a literal scared face in the same way humans would with eyebrows furrowed and wide eyes so I don’t think you’d miss this one if you tried). There will be instances when cats will not poop on their litter box, despite having one prepared for them. What does that mean? Learn more here. KittyClysm* is a reader-supported site.