What does your cat say with her eyes?

Dogs are generally easy to understand because they have expressive faces and body language that we can read quite accurately. Cats, on the other hand, are often known for their emotional ambiguity and aloofness. However, there is a growing belief that cats are just as expressive as dogs. It’s just that we often misunderstand what they’re trying to communicate or don’t see what they’re trying to communicate.
When it comes to cats, their meows and tail movements can mean a lot of things. Every purr, yowl, or even blink can convey messages like “hello,” “let’s cuddle,” or “get out of here.” For the growing number of pet owners who want to connect with their often aloof felines, experts say there are ways to communicate with them.

Cat Eyes

Cats communicate a lot through their eyes. The direction and intensity of their gaze can tell you what they're focusing on. A cat that stares without blinking could either be asking for something or showing anger. If the cat is relaxed and purring, the stare might be a way of asking for attention or petting. However, if the body is stiff and the gaze is intense, it might signal hostility.

The meaning behind a cat's gaze often depends on their eyelid position and how wide their eyes are. Their messages can be subtle or very clear. A cat doesn’t need to make any sounds to convey their feelings; the look in their eyes, combined with tail movements, ear positions, and fur fluffing, can express what they want.

Arousal

Any strong emotion like fear, anger, pleasure, or excitement can cause a cat’s pupils to suddenly dilate. You might notice your kitty’s pupils getting very large, making her eyes look black, when she’s at the vet or if there are loud noises outside. Sometimes, her pupils might also dilate if she’s surprised by a new cat coming into the house.

Trust

Open eyes along with a relaxed or submissive body posture can show that a cat has a lot of trust. For instance, if a cat head-butts your cheeks or does the same to a friendly dog, it’s a sign of calm trust and maybe even love.

Dominance

When a cat stares unblinkingly from a distance, it can indicate control, dominance, or even aggression. Many owners might not notice this subtle behavior, but it can be used by a cat to manage access to resources in a multi-cat home. By using this unblinking stare, a cat can warn other felines and prevent them from approaching important areas like food bowls, the litter box, or other key territories.

Aggression

A slit-eyed look can show strong emotions like fear or aggression. Squinting also helps protect the eyes from an opponent's claws. It’s best not to lock eyes with a cat you don’t know, as it could provoke an attack.

Kitty Kisses

A relaxed and trusting kitty will have droopy, sleepy-looking eyelids. Try giving a “kitty kiss” to your distant pet by meeting her sleepy gaze with your own relaxed gaze and then slowly blinking. If she blinks back, it means you’ve been given the highest form of affection!

Why Cats Stare at You

When your cat stares at you unblinkingly from a distance, it’s a sign of dominance or control and can sometimes even indicate aggression. You’ll likely see this if your cat is interacting with a new pet, especially a dog. This stare will often come with a large, bushy tail and slow, deliberate movements. Through this unblinking gaze, a cat can warn off people and

The Slit Pupil

If your cat’s pupils suddenly shrink to tiny slivers, pay attention! This means something has caught their interest and they are very focused. It could be prey, a cat toy, your hand, their favorite pouch of cat food, or even a stray bit of catnip. At this time, you’ll likely see your cat very alert with sharp and quick movements.

Narrowed Eyes

Most of the time, our furry friends are adorable and sweet, but sometimes they can be quite intimidating. Your cat will use its eyes and body language to show if it's feeling comfortable or irritated, playful or angry. If you see your cat narrowing its eyes, flattening its ears, and backing away, it’s a clear sign that it’s defensive. They are likely scared or feeling threatened, and during these moments, they need their space. Respect that and give them room until they’re ready to come to you.

Eyes Wide Open

Wide, alert, and open eyes show that a cat trusts you. Their pupils will be wide and not dilated. When your cat is in this mood, they might come to you for attention or give you a head butt.

The Lazy Eye Squint

There’s nothing more charming than the lazy eye squint. It’s not quite a blink and not quite asleep but a content middle-ground between snoozing and being awake. When your cat shows this squint, it means they are relaxed, comfortable, and at peace. Enjoy their company, the purring, and the calm energy before they move on to their next burst of manic energy.

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