Eye contact

[Juniper_Junebug]

Everything I read says cats tend to view direct eye contact as threatening, and that if you're going to make eye contact, do the show blinking thing. But Juno will look straight into my eyes, without blinking, for extended periods of time while purring and cuddling in my lap or on my chest. It seems like the most loving look and usually ends with her scooting up my chest to give my cheek a good bunt. I can't get over how adorable it is and how lovely it makes me feel.

How common or uncommon is it for a cat to make extended eye contact as a sign of affection? Juno is my first cat, so I'm never sure such things are common to all cats and which are quirks of her personality.

 

[Furballsmom]

cats tend to view direct eye contact as threatening,

I believe this is most specific for a new situation, where the cat is unfamiliar with the person and the surroundings and is on high alert already. A direct stare at that point can seem aggressive and frightening.

Both my angel Poppy and Captain Jack looked/will look directly at one or the other of us. You're right, it does feel like a very loving emotion, or at the very least, super contentment to the point of cat heaven on earth

 

[FeebysOwner]

I agree with the above!!!! I think extended eye contact is a common thing that happens when cats are content and comfortable with their caretaker(s).

 

[JamesCalifornia]

~ I make eye contact with my cats. It's how we communicate.

I believe this is most specific for a new situation, where the cat is unfamiliar with the person and the surroundings and is on high alert already.

~ I agree.

 

[GranolaLouise]

my cat stares..almost like she is trying to transfer a thought.. I wish I knew what she was thinking! Prob'ly wants a treat.

 

[susanm9006]

Willow doesn’t stare quite as much as she used to but could do it steadily for at least an hour. My son used to say it was creepy but I always thought she stared because she was fearful of getting any closer. In the last few years she is willing to get a bit closer and has stared less.

 

[JamesCalifornia]

~ I think when cats stare they are relaxing — very different from "looking " .

Are you looking at ME ..?​

 

[Alldara]

My boys make sure contact a lot. With slow blinks or a loving look usually. Side-eye from Magnus sometimes.

My late cat Lily would too. Mostly to demand pets.

 

[Juniper_Junebug]

Here's the one pic I got of Juno giving me this look, though I'm not sure it captures the vibe competely. I can't know know what she's feeling but it does make me feel really loved.

Glad to hear of others' experiences. Cats are so much more interesting than I ever knew before I adopted Juno....

 

[Furballsmom]

Cats are so much more interesting than I ever knew before I adopted Juno....

I'm so glad you found each other

 

[Alldara]

Here's the one pic I got of Juno giving me this look, though I'm not sure it captures the vibe competely. I can't know know what she's feeling but it does make me feel really loved.

Glad to hear of others' experiences. Cats are so much more interesting than I ever knew before I adopted Juno....

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She's a beautiful cat. Does she slow blink at you if you do it at her? She looks like she's waiting for an I love you!

 

[Juniper_Junebug]

She's a beautiful cat. Does she slow blink at you if you do it at her? She looks like she's waiting for an I love you!

Thanks! We exchange slow blinks throughout the day, but for some reason, when we're cuddling and she gives me this look, she's not into the slow blinking. It's like it breaks the mood for her. That's part of the reason I asked. She just seems to want to stare directly into my eyes, with no blinking, until she can't take it any longer and she has to touch my face with hers. (And then she can go back into my lap and fall asleep).

 

[lollie]

My cat will stare right back at me for an extended period. She will also come up to me and completely focus, hard stare at me for a very long time. I believe she is trying to control me with her mind. At times it is because she wants something, but at others, it seems to be for no reason.

 

[JamesCalifornia]

My cat will stare right back at me for an extended period. She will also come up to me and completely focus, hard stare at me for a very long time. I believe she is trying to control me with her mind. At times it is because she wants something, but at others, it seems to be for no reason.

~ She may be trying hypnosis on you ... ✨️

 

[lollie]

~ She may be trying hypnosis on you ... ✨️

Well she's definitely trying to do something. Generally it works, and I give her more food or whatever because she's bugging me.

 

[cmshap]

I made a post somewhat recently about a similar behavior my cat developed. He not only makes extended eye contact, but gives me a short "Mmm" whenever I glance him in the eyes back.

Odd new quirky behavior?

I've been posting a lot of threads about my cat Willy lately, and you've all been great people at answering them. Here is another one... he is a special creature... lol. He is about 9 years old now. Vision and hearing seem normal (age-related degradation of one or the other was one explanation...

thecatsite.com

 

[GranolaLouise]

Great video popped into my notifications this morning from Senior Cat Wellness called Why Do Cats Make Eye Contact With Humans? admin please delete if videos are against this forum's rules