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Are Essential Oil Flea Treatments Safe for Cats?

There has been a large shift in the past decade or so towards natural living. People are trying to move away from artificial and processed products and this trend has extended to their pets as well. Many people have begun feeding their cats grain-free foods, declawing is becoming more and more uncommon and people are trying to reduce the number of synthetic chemicals they put on their furry friends.

While on the lookout for natural and effective flea treatments for cats, you may have heard that peppermint oil can kill fleas, or maybe you’ve even seen that there are a few commercially available essential oil cat treatments that use peppermint oil as the main ingredient.

You may want to think twice before buying it for your cat, though!

It’s very important to keep cats flea and tick-free, especially if you have outdoor/indoor kitties. Not only are fleas a nuisance that are incredibly hard to get rid of once established, fleas and ticks can also carry blood-borne diseases that can affect both our cats and ourselves. That’s why there’s such a large demand for topical flea treatments for our pets, but these medications are not exactly free of their own problems.

Conventional flea treatments for cats are made with insecticides such as pyriproxyfen that disrupt the growth cycle of fleas. While these flea treatments are usually safe for your cat when used as directed, accidental ingestion or hypersensitivity to the chemicals can cause negative side effects, ranging from hyper-salivating, agitation and vomiting. In extreme cases, such as when flea treatments intended for dogs are applied to cats, seizures and death can occur.

Are Essential Oils Effective Against Fleas?

So it’s perfectly understandable that people are looking for a natural alternative to the synthetic chemicals that are often used in these conventional flea medications. Since essential oils have gained so much popularity with people due to their medicinal and wellness-promoting effects, they seem like the perfect alternative to artificial flea medication for our cats.

It seems like the active ingredients in the majority of these natural flea treatments are peppermint oil, clove oil and lemongrass oil. These are usually diluted into another carrier oil, like canola oil. We decided to look at the effectiveness of each of these oils at killing or repelling fleas before trying it on our cats. Here’s what we found:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil is a very effective insecticide that has shown promise at repelling fleas and ticks. The strong odor of menthol, the main naturally-occurring chemicals in peppermint, interferes with a flea’s sense of smell, confusing them and leading to them avoid the area with the smell. Just planting peppermint around your yard can help reduce how many fleas get into your property.

Clove Oil

Clove oil and its constituent compound eugenol have also been researched and shown to be a powerful natural insecticide capable of quickly killing fleas and other insects. While its mechanism of action isn’t fully understood, it is thought to be an insect neurotoxin and has shown to be capable of producing cardiac hyperactivity followed by death in many insect species, meaning it pretty much gives bugs heart attacks.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass, a deliciously smelling ornamental grass native to India, has also been shown to have natural insect repelling properties as well. It can harm and kill insects without having any dangerous effects on people. It’s believed that the volatile compounds that make it smell so strong have a neurotoxic effect on many insect species, including fleas.

Are Essential Oils Safe For Cats?

Calico cat is suspicious and you should be too

These three essential oils sound like an all-natural powerhouse of flea destroying goodness. No wonder so many companies are using it in their products. Essential oil flea treatments for cats seem to be springing up everywhere; there’s even a dollar store brand available now. This all sounds great, right? Not at all.

Peppermint Oil & Clove Oil Are Highly Toxic to Cats!!

Noooo!!!

Yes, you read that right. These two oils, the very same ones that are used as the main ingredients in a majority of all-natural flea treatments for cats, are incredibly dangerous and not recommended for use on cats! Not only does the ASPCA list Mint (Mentha sp.), which includes peppermint, as a toxic plant to cats, but there have also been plenty of studies that have shown that peppermint oil is dangerous to our feline companions. One study even described how cats are more likely than dogs to have adverse reactions to these essential oil-based flea treatments, even when used as directed.

Peppermint oil and clove oil can cause tremors and muscle spasms, vomiting, drooling and even respiratory problems in cats. Lemongrass isn’t as dangerous for cats, but it should still not be applied directly to their fur or skin.

While essential oils can be perfectly safe for humans and can even be used on other pets such as dogs, cats have a much smaller liver and are more sensitive to concentrated compounds such as those found in essential oils. A cat’s liver also lacks an important enzyme (glucuronyl transferase) that helps us break down certain compounds in peppermint, clove and other essential oils: phenols, ketones and monoterpene hydrocarbons.

These compounds aren’t only dangerous when ingested, which a cat is likely to do with anything you put on their fur as they meticulously groom themselves, but they can also easily pass through a cat’s skin and into their bloodstream.

This means that you should never put essential oils, no matter how diluted, on your cat’s skin or fur. The results could be deadly.

Here’s what a reviewer had to say about one of these products:

And they weren’t the only ones whose cat had some kind of bad reaction. Even if it doesn’t happen to every cat, putting essential oils on your kitty is like playing Russian roulette with their health.

You should not only refuse to use essential oil flea medications on your cat but should also be very careful about what you keep in your home. It’s not recommended to use diffusers with potentially dangerous essential oils in a house with cats, as even inhaling the diffused compounds can cause disorientation, vomiting and muscle spasms in some sensitive kitties.

Peppermint and clove oil aren’t the only oils that are dangerous for cats. They’re just the ones being commonly sold as “safe and natural” flea treatments and are being put on thousands of cats across the country.

Although you should never put ANY essential oil directly on your cat, that doesn’t mean you can’t diffuse or use other oils in your home.

We’ve put together a handy list of dangerous essential oils you should keep away from your kitty, which you can download here:

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Why Is My Cat Blinking at Me?

We may never know what a cat wink means, though

Cats communicate in a variety of ways. Sometimes they meow non-stop for us to fill their food bowls and other times their body language is so subtle that it’s really easy to miss altogether. Non-cat people might find it hard to believe, but even the seemingly simple act of blinking contains so much meaning and emotion when you’re a cat.

Perhaps you may have noticed that sometimes your cat blinks at you or at other cats in a slow, almost methodical way, while other times they stare wide-eyed at you without blinking at all. Cats are very visually-oriented and a cat’s eyes can actually tell you a lot about their mood and mindset. The slow blink is no exception. Most cats will exhibit this behavior at some point or another so it is something that many cat owners are curious about. A cat’s body language can be difficult to read if you don’t know what to look for, so let’s delve into what exactly this blinking behavior trying to tell us.

What Slow Blinking Means

Often referred to as “cat eyes”, the slow blinking is a sign of trust in cats. It really expresses a beautiful message because of its significance coming from an animal that is both predator and prey. You see, in the wild cats rely heavily on their sense of sight – both to keep themselves safe from predators and while hunting for their next meal. Closing their eyes around another animal, even for a brief moment, could mean that they might lose sight of a potential snack or even find themselves on the receiving end of a sharp pair of teeth.

The fact that they’re willing to close their eyes around you shows a high level of trust and attachment. They’re pretty much letting you know that not only do they not see you as potential prey or a threat to their well-being, but they also want to make sure you know that they know, you know? The slow blink is a deliberate message that cats are trying to convey: Hey! You’re neither food nor foe. Let’s be friends!

The slow blink is one of the first signs of affection that you can experience with a cat. Unlike what that dog person down the street may have told you, cats are very friendly animals. You may even catch cats who have never met slow blinking at each other as a way to break the ice and let the other know they come in peace. Which is great because one of the best things about the slow blink is that it’s something you can do with cats that aren’t even yours.

Cat Eyes – You Can Do It Too!

Now that you know what the slow blink means, you may become more aware of this behavior in your cat. Even if you don’t see it right away, don’t despair! That doesn’t necessarily mean that the cat in question doesn’t trust you. But if you want to be sure, you can do a little trust check with your cat. Just start the slow blink yourself and watch for a reaction.

To do this, always get down to their level first. Making sure to present yourself in a non-threatening manner is the only way to guarantee a good reaction from a cat. Never stare at the cat when doing this, either. Staring is intimidating to cats and is seen as a hunting or challenging behavior. For increased chances of success, try tilting your head, looking slightly off to the side and softening your gaze.

Once you are on their level, slowly close your eyes and leave them closed for a few seconds before slowly opening them again. You may have to repeat a few times before the cat mirrors the behavior. You may even have to back off and try again later if it is a new cat or one that is otherwise unfamiliar with you. Some cats are very trusting and friendly and will return the slow blink quickly, while others will take some time to warm up before showing this level of affection.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try, though. Whether you are spending time with your cat, just got a new kitten, are visiting a cat-loving friend or simply spot a cat while walking down the street, go ahead and slow blink at them! This behavior is one that you can try on most any cat. Don’t expect them all to respond to you though, but if they do, then you know you may be able to cross one more cat off your “To Hug” list.

Not All Cats Engage In The Slow Blink

Shadow wondering if we have something stuck in our eyes again as we try to slow blink at him

While it is uncommon to find a cat that won’t return cat eyes, there are a variety of reasons that a cat may not exhibit this behavior. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the cat doesn’t trust you. Like many other cat behaviors, the slow blink is partly instinct and partly passed down during a cat’s crucial development period. Some cats simply never learn about the slow blink. One of the most common reasons this happens is early abandonment where the animal is not socialized with other cats during an important developmental time.

Shadow from The Cultured Cat was abandoned at a young age and gets confused when we try to slow blink at him. He just stares back at us with a face of “what are those weird humans doing now”. However, other similar ways to know that your cat trusts you is if they’re willing to fall sleep around you or expose their midline by rolling over. These actions express the same message that they don’t view you as a threat. If your cat is unwilling to do any of these things in your presence, it is likely time to ask yourself what you can do to make your cat feel more comfortable in your shared home environment.

Slow blinking is a simple behavior that you can share with your cat to strengthen the bond of trust that exists between the two of you. It also allows you to be able to communicate with your furry friend in their own language. Now you can venture out into the world with the ability to establish trust and friendship with all of the cats you meet along your journey.

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New York on the Verge of Banning Declawing Cats

Cats Rejoice Outside Albany Capitol Building Upon Hearing the News

New York is slated to become the first state in the nation to make declawing cats illegal. The bill was passed by a bipartisan majority in both houses of the New York legislature on Tuesday, June 4th, Animal Advocacy Day, during which lawmakers can bring their pets to the Capitol. The law will go into effect as soon as it’s signed by Governor Cuomo, and his office has stated he’ll review the bill once he receives it before making a final decision.

Declawing is a procedure in which the last bone in each of the cat’s toes is fully amputated. Many people who opt to have their cats declawed seem to think it’s a harmless and simple process in which just the cat’s nails are removed, but it’s not. The human equivalent of declawing would be to cut the fingers off at the first knuckle. It’s a painful surgery and can often leave cats struggling with walking and balancing, takes away their primary means of defense and has even been demonstrated by studies to leave them with other physical and behavioral issues such as back pain, increased aggression and litter box avoidance.

“It’s said that a society can be judged by the way it treats its animals, and by allowing this practice to continue, we have not been setting a good example,” said State Senator Michael N. Gianaris, the Queens Democrat and chamber’s deputy leader. His sentiment was echoed by his Republican counterpart, State Senator James Tedisco, “Animals give us unconditional love,” he remarked. “I think that this is the most nonpartisan day we have in the New York State Legislature.”

Once Mr. Cuomo signs the bill into law, New York will become the first state to ban the declawing of cats for non-medical reasons. The bill does allow, however, for cats to be declawed for “therapeutic purposes” which compromise the cat’s health but clearly states that “therapeutic purpose does not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the cat.”

Anyone who breaks the law and declaws a cat for any other reason than the well-being of the feline would be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.

Three other states, New Jersey, West Virginia and Rhode Island, are also currently considering laws that would make declawing illegal. To this day, though, only Denver, Colorado and eight cities in California currently outlaw the practice. We can only hope that New York’s willingness to stand up for those who have no voice of their own will inspire other states, and eventually the whole nation, to end this barbaric practice. Currently, England, Israel and 40 other countries have banned declawing cats.

Opponents of the ban, including the New York Veterinary Medical Society, claim that declawing is an important alternative to re-homing or euthanasia for cats who use their claws destructively, or if the cat’s guardians suffer from a disease that would make getting scratched dangerous, such as hemophilia, diabetes or a compromised immune system.

The Center for Disease Control, however, does not recommend declawing for people with compromised immune systems. Instead, they suggest avoiding rough play with cats and “situations in which scratches are likely”.

Scratching Is Important to Cats

Here at The Cultured Cat we support the Raw Cat and believe there are other ways in which to keep yourself and your furniture safe from cat scratches that don’t involve the surgical amputation of your cat’s paws, which is why we support legislation that puts animal welfare first. Scratching is an important activity for cats that helps to exercise their muscles, relieve stress and communicate with other cats in the household through pheromone marking. There are other more humane alternatives to dealing with scratching within the home.

Offer Places to Scratch

Instead, we suggest offering cats places they are allowed to comfortably scratch, such as appropriate scratching posts and boards. Each cat is different and you’ll have to figure out what works best for you cat. If your cat likes to scratch the sides of the couch, a vertical scratching post that won’t fall over when your cat tries to use it may help curb scratching in unwanted areas. You can also use a couch and furniture leg guard to give them a place they can scratch while protecting your furniture. If your cat prefers to scratch the carpet or the top of the couch, a scratcher that lays on the floor will probably work best for them.

Keep Your Cat’s Claws Clipped

It’s also important to keep your cat’s nails well trimmed. While some cat owners can find it challenging to trim their cat’s nails, cutting them a few at a time will get the job done and be less traumatic for both yourself and your cat. Claw caps can also be a great way of keeping yourself and your furniture safe from more aggressive cats.

The Importance of Play

Cats often become destructive or can display aggressive behavior due to a lack of stimulating activity during the day. If you want to keep your cat from using their claws destructively, then you have to make sure they have an opportunity to use them the right way. Playing with your cat daily, especially with toys that they can hunt, grab and use their claws on, will help get their destructive energy out in a way that is both human-approved and yet still satisfies their instinctual needs.

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Why Do Cats Bury Their Poop and Pee?

While to humans poop is one of the grossest things imaginable, to most animals, cats included, poop is a message – a language even. People post on community boards or neighborhood websites when they want to let their neighbors know something. Well, tens of thousands of years before Facebook or Nextdoor were even conceived, cats were already posting on their own neighborhood forum – let’s call it Poop Space.

When humans smell cat poop, all they smell is, well, cat poop. When a cat smells another cat’s poop or pee, they can usually tell whose it is, if it comes from a male or female cat, if they’re ready to mate and even the general health of the other cat. Poop and pee contain chemical markers called pheromones which convey all this important information and more. Nature always makes due, and in lieu of a written language, it gave cats the ability to effectively communicate with their excrement.

This is why in the wild, poop and pee are used to mark territory by many animals, including both big cats from the Panthera genus, like lions, tigers and jaguars, and small cats from the Felis genus. Poop markings are the cat equivalent of a “Do Not Trespass” sign with the owner’s name and address on it. Big cats will often simply leave their poop around their home range as a way of clearly marking an area as theirs.

Now if a big dominant tiger has claimed an area by pooping in what they consider to be their territory, the last thing a little wild cat wants to do is challenge that tiger by leaving their own poop out in the open. Smaller, submissive cats realized that they would be much better off not advertising they had “broken into” the big cat’s territory and learned to hide their presence by burying their poop and pee. Burying their poop and pee also helps keeps them safe from being tracked by other predators too.

This self-preserving behavior eventually became instinct and was passed down to most cats, including our house cats (Felis catus). To this day, small wildcats and feral house cats will often bury their poop and pee within their territory but may often leave excrement exposed at the edges of their range as a way of keeping other animals out.

Domestic cats will rarely mark their indoor territory with poop and pee (thankfully!), and even though there aren’t dangerous predators inside the home, they’ll still instinctively bury their waste in their litter box. This is partially a learned behavior, and cats that are separated from their mothers too early will have to be taught how to bury and cover their poop.

Here at The Cultured Cat, one of our cats, Shadow, was abandoned at a very early age and try as we might, he never fully picked up on this behavior. He’ll go in the box and instinctively knows that there’s something he’s supposed to do with his paws, so he’ll paw at the wall or the sides of the litter box for a few seconds. Then he’ll jump out, leaving his poop and pee fully uncovered. He still goes in the box and tries to cover though, so we give him points for effort.

It’s been said that house cats will poop and pee in their box as a way of showing submissiveness to their human guardians, but this is still a very debated theory. A cat who refuses to go in their box may be trying to assert dominance over their humans, but the most often there will be other reasons for this behavior such as territorial disputes with other cats inside or outside the home, or health issues.

If your cat is suddenly refusing to use their box or going in inappropriate places, it could be a sign of urinary tract infections, stomach problems or other illnesses. Be sure to keep an eye on your kitty’s behavior and take them to the vet if anything looks out of the ordinary.

In order to make litter time easier on you and your cat, explore our collection of specialized litter and care supplies.

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5 Wellness Teas You Can Share With Your Cat

Enjoying a steaming mug full of your favorite tea is a great way to start your morning routine or wind-down after a long day of work. Taking some time to savor a soothing drink can help to slow down a racing or anxious mind and serves as a gentle reminder that no matter what lies ahead, you are here now and it’s all ok.

If your house is anything like mine though, you might find your relaxation interrupted by a cat or two jumping up on your lap and peering into your mug, curious to see if you’re secretly stashing tuna in there. Sharing some food or a drink with your pet can be a great way to bond, so how about you re-brew those leaves and give your furry friend some of your tasty plant water.

While not all teas are safe for cats, there are more than a few that you can safely give them, either for flavor or medicinal effect. Here are 5 tasty brews that you and your cat can enjoy together:

1. Green Tea

Green tea is an incredible drink for both humans and animals alike. Unlike black tea, green tea is low enough in caffeine that it’s perfectly safe for cats in small quantities.

But why would you want to give your cat green tea you ask? Well, green tea has been around for thousands of years and is considered one of the world’s healthiest drinks. It’s full of antioxidants that give it anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties.

If you haven’t started drinking green tea yourself, you might want to give it a try. Especially in the summer, iced green tea provides a refreshing energy boost while helping you to cut down on those sugary drinks. You can also brew your cat’s green tea in cold water to cut down on the caffeine content without sacrificing the antioxidant boost.

2. Catnip Tea

This classic feline herb makes a great tea, both for humans and our furry companions. When most cats breathe in nepetalactone, the minty molecule and active ingredient in catnip, their nervous system gets stimulated, sending their energy levels into overdrive and making them even more hyperactive than usual. Other cats respond differently to catnip, becoming so deeply relaxed they almost appear sedated. This is what makes catnip a very useful medicinal herb for anxious or easily frightened cats.

While catnip doesn’t have a stimulating effect on humans the way it does in cats, it’s still a tasty tea that some researchers have suggested can promote relaxation in people similar to valerian root.

Catnip is also a natural way of easing stomach discomfort, menstrual pain and other digestive issues in both humans and cats as it relaxes the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines. So if you or your cat are suffering from some tummy trouble or simply want to share a soothing drink together, consider brewing a cup of catnip tea.

3. Licorice Root Tea

Licorice is a sweet-tasting medicinal root that your cat will love. It’s been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be really helpful for both you and your feline. Licorice root tea acts like a natural steroid, gently relieving allergies and skin conditions in both cats and humans when used internally and topically as an herbal rinse.

When drank, licorice root tea is prized for its anti-inflammatory effects and can offer your feline natural relief from arthritis pain and respiratory congestion. Just don’t give your cat this herbal brew if they suffer from high blood pressure, as it can worsen the condition.

4. Chamomile Tea

Safe, gentle and soothing, chamomile is one of the most commonly used teas around the world. This herb is mild, yet effective, and often recommended for colicky human babies. Chamomile tea can be used to help relax an anxious cat or to help them get through a bout of indigestion. Chamomile gently relaxes the body’s muscles, relieving stomach cramps and muscle tension.

You can even use a chamomile infusion to help soothe your kitty’s irritated skin by gently rinsing the affected area once or twice a day. Your kitten will appreciate the relief!

5. Valerian Root Tea

While valerian root has been used since ancient times by people to relax and promote restful sleep, the compounds in this plant have the opposite effect on cats. Not only do cats actually like the strong, earthy (read: stinky) scent given off by this herb, it actually functions as a potent stimulant if you’re a feline. Valerian root tea can make even the most sedentary cat seem like an energetic and playful kitten again.

If your cat is one of the few felines who doesn’t respond to catnip, valerian root can have him bouncing off the walls in no time.

Bonus: Cistus Tea

Cistus incanus, also known as rock rose, is a great wellness tea for cats, humans and many other pets. This delicious, berry-flavored tea has a whole bunch of medicinal and anti-viral effects and been used for centuries in parts of Europe as, you’ll never believe it, a natural tick repellant!

It’s reported that when drunk daily, it provides a deterrent effect that keeps ticks away. While its mechanism of action has still yet to be studied more, cistus tea is a safe and effective way to keep yourself and your cat safe from ticks.

How to Brew Tea for Your Cat

Making tea for your cats is pretty simple. Just take 1 teaspoon of the herb your working with combine with a cup of warm water. Steep for 5 minutes, strain out your herbs and cool down to room temperature. You don’t want to burn your kitty’s tongue! You can then pour it into their favorite bowl or mug and serve.

To make a lighter infusion you can use cold water and steep for 8-10 minutes instead. This method is recommended to reduce the caffeine content of green or white teas.

Teas can have diuretic effects and some cats already struggle to stay hydrated, so don’t give your cat more than half a cup of tea a day. Always make sure your cat has unrestricted access to fresh, clean water too, even while they’re enjoying a nice tea break with you.

Next time you sit down with a relaxing brew in hand in your favorite cat mug, don’t forget you can share some of those good feels with your cat. You may even be helping them live a happier, healthier life by pouring them a bowl too.

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Why Does My Cat Like to Stare at Me?

“I watch you while you sleep!”

If you’re like many cat owners, you’ve probably wondered why your cat likes to stare at you so much. Maybe you’ve looked up from your couch or desk to find your kitty intensely staring at you from across the room. Even after you notice them, they’ll just keep on staring straight into your soul.

Perhaps you’ve even woken up in the middle of the night or early morning with the feeling that you’re being watched. You slowly open your eyes and scan the room, unsure of who or what you’re going to find. As you look around, you see a pair of glowing eyes looking at you from the edge of your bed. Unblinking, Unmoving. And then you hear a purr.

Is this normal cat behavior creepy or cute, or as some cat owners have suspected, is your cat plotting to eat you while you sleep? Read on to find out the real reasons why your cat likes to stare at you all the time!

Cats Are Visual Hunters

Even though cats have been lounging alongside humans for around 10,000 years, this is just the blink of an eye in evolutionary terms. They retain many of their wild features, including an impressive hunting ability.

Cats have very sharp senses which they use to create mental maps of their environment and pinpoint the location of water, rivals and prey. Any slight movement or sound in their surroundings is enough for them to know exactly what’s out there, and where.

As with any animal that now lives alongside humans, we’ve become a very important part of a cat’s not-so-natural environment. We feed them, protect them, offer them shelter and give them love. For a cat, this means that keeping an eye on us is of the same paramount importance as constantly scanning the backyard for squirrels and intruding cats. For all they know, we could walk out of the door any minute without refilling their food bowl!

If the cat in question is a recent addition to your home, or if you find yourself at the receiving end of a cat’s icy stare while visiting someone else’s house, then you can be sure that cat is checking you out closely to make sure you’re not a threat. You’ve just entered their space and they’ll be keeping a close eye on you until they’re sure you’re safe.

Cats Communicate Through Their Eyes

Any cat owner will tell you how expressive a cat’s eyes can be. A cat owner who is attuned to their animal can tell when their kitty is happy, upset, focused or angry just by the shape of their eyes and pupils. Humans aren’t the only ones who have figured this out, either.

A cat’s stare is part of their body language and is the result of hundreds of thousands of years of feline evolution. Other cats and animals can pick up on these visual cues too and use them to know when a cat is safe to approach or when it’s better to stay away.

When your cat is staring at you, it’s trying to open up a direct line of communication with you. Maybe they’re hungry and want more food, or maybe they simply want some attention and love. If you catch your cat staring at you, try to take a minute to communicate back with them and figure out what exactly they’re trying to say.

As an important member of their family, your cat may simply want to make sure you’re watching them back. After all, watching out for each other is how animal groups stay safe in the wild. So go ahead and give them a nice, slow blink to show them you care.

Cats Are Curious Creatures

Cats are well known for their curious nature and will often explore anything and everything in their environment. Whether they’re climbing atop boxes, burrowing into our dressers or climbing up a tree, their curious nature both helps them learn about the world around them and keeps them entertained.

It’s quite possible that one of the reasons cats like to stare at us is simply because they’re curious about the things we do.

Many of our daily human activities must seem so strange and intriguing to our feline friends, especially to younger cats who aren’t used to seeing us go about our day. Whether we’re quietly staring at bound papers for hours, wielding metal claws to cut up food, moving our fingers repetitively over buttons with strange symbols on them or any other of the dozens of routine actions we consider so normal, these are all novel and exciting behaviors to your cat. This means that our cats may simply stare at us because they find us interesting and entertaining!

Does Your Cat Watch You While You Sleep?

One of the harder behaviors to explain is why cats will often like to stare at their humans while they sleep. No matter how many cute and cozy beds are put in the bedroom, some cats just prefer to sit at the foot of their human’s bed and watch them sleep at night. Some cat owners find it unnerving to be woken up by the penetrating stare of a feline in the dark. They are obligate carnivores after all, right? What would happen if you forgot to give them dinner one night? Would they be hungry enough to eat you, as some internet trolls like to fearmonger?

No! Your cat wouldn’t eat you, no matter what horror story you might have read online. The most likely reason your cat likes to keep their eyes on you overnight is for the same reasons mentioned above. In fact, since cats are nocturnal or crepuscular, they often have nothing better to do at night that see what their humans are up to. While outdoor and feral cats are outside mating, hunting and marking their territories, our indoor floofs are stuck inside with us.

If you’d really prefer to not wake up to a cat staring contest, then make sure to leave out interactive toys they can play with overnight by themselves. There are plenty of awesome toy options that will keep them busy and tire them out enough so you can sleep in peace.

So if you constantly notice your cat staring at you, day or night, take it as a compliment. They find you interesting enough to take time out of playing and napping to observe you! If they’re always watching you at night, don’t freak out, they just enjoy your company. If their soul-penetrating stare is just too much for you, simply put some of these on their kitty heads. Problem solved!

On the other hand, they may just think we look cute while we’re asleep too. After all, I can’t think of anything more adorable than a sleeping cat.

 

Have you caught your cat staring at you before? Let us know why you think they do it below!