Why Do Cats Stare?

Have you ever felt like your cat was staring so intently at you that you felt it bore through to your soul? My cat stares at me as if I am the entire world. I offen wonder what is she thinking, and why is she looking at me like that?

Who really knows what she is thinking? Maybe she wants something or needs me to do something for her? Maybe she is just trying to freak me out?

As animal owners and lovers, we often project our feelings, emotions and behaviors onto our animal friends. It is fun to do and makes animals seem more like us, adding to the bonding experience.

Our cats can communicate with us only through they eyes, body language and meows and whines. We have study our feline companions and try to interrupt what they watch and need from their wordless gestures. Not an easy task.

There are many known reasons for cat stares:

• Intimidation: usually between two cats, the stare down as one cat is asserting dominance as the boss.
• Wide Awake: ready for action, wants to play.
• Curious: what you got there, can I have some?
• Love: that sleepy have awake look that lets you know they feel safe and happy in your protection.
• Slanting sideways glace: don't mess with me, I might just scratch your eyes out.
• Beggar: that sad look that is pleaing for food, water or attention.
• The Hunter: I am about to pounce on that mouse and bring you a present.

Cats have many different stares and looks. It is fun to try to interrupt what they all mean. Here are some of the many glances of my cat and what I think they might mean:

Our cat friends need us to take care of them. At the same time, they are wild creatures trying to assert their independence. As a result, cats are often aloof and subtle in their demands of us. They are constantly negotiating that delicate balance between needing us and not needing us. As a good cat owner, you have to come to learn the subtle nuances of your special feline friend.

Cats develop their own ways of talking to their owners and asking for what they need by using different stares and meows to communicate their desires. Over time, we come to learn what these slight gestures, glances, nods of the head and meows mean from our cats. In turn, our cats come to learn our ways and how to read our moods - offering comfort just when we need them to. So, when your cat stares into your soul, try to find out what they are saying.