Have you ever noticed that a cat always goes to the person in the room who doesn’t like cats? That’s because that person isn’t looking at the cat. That’s right, looking at a cat is considered rude in cat-language, so they don’t like eye contact with strangers. So if you don’t want to be rude, and want the cat to come your way, try looking away!
A good example that eye contact is seen as a threat is when there are two cats who feel threatened by one another, they look at each other with an intense stare, they might hiss or growl and they slowly move closer to each other. Waiting for each other to look away. It’s a little game. The one that looks away has lost the game.
With her intense stare, Suki looks a bit intimidating.
If Your Cat Is Staring At You
Does it makes you feel uncomfortable or do you feel intimidated by your cat when it’s looking at you? Maybe that’s exactly what your cat wants. He is trying to size you up and determine who is the boss in this house.
There are two things you can do. Either lose this game and let your cat win by ignoring him or stare back until kitty looks away. This will let your cat know you’re the big boss and no one else. But this last option isn’t always a success. Some cats might attack and won’t back down from a staring contest.
But if your cat is slow-blinking, it’s an entirely different story.
Slow-Blinking
You might have heard this term before if you’re a cat lover. The word already says it–your cat is slowly blinking. Slow-blinking is a sign of love and affection, a friendly kind of stare. Cats usually do this when they feel comfortable and like being around you. Is your cat slow-blinking at you? Feel free to slow-blink back and show your friend love and affection as well.
Another word for slow-blinking is “kitty kisses”.
Wide-open eyes mean alertness, Hiro looks like he's up for some action!
Pupils
Besides when they are in the dark, an excited, fearful or surprised cat has dilated pupils. It’s okay for your cat’s pupils to dilate when you two are playing. But when the pupils dilate in daylight, your cat might be in pain, is afraid and/or ready to run away.
Constricted pupils? Then you better watch out if this isn’t in broad daylight. This means an angry, aggressive or agitated cat.
Wide-open eyes mean alertness and that your cat is ready for some action. Semi-closed eyes on the other hand means that the cat is sleepy and in the mood to take a nap!
So besides those beautiful hypnotizing eyes, the eyes of a cat can tell you a lot of things about how he’s feeling and what he’s up to.
Resource
Cats / Focus by Bruce Fogle
