We generally understand dogs, mainly because they are easy to understand. They have expressive faces and body language that we can read very accurately. On the other hand, cats are known for their emotional ambiguity and apathy. But there is a growing belief that cats are as expressive as dogs. It’s just that we misunderstand or don’t see what they’re trying to communicate. When it comes to cats, those meows and noises mean many things. Every time it purrs, howls or even blinks, the feline will say “hello”, “let’s snuggle” or “get out of here”. For a growing number of pet owners looking to bond with their often aloof cats, experts say these attempts to communicate pay off. Cats are very independent and thus easily misunderstood. This is a discussion that aims to demystify some of the cat‘s “talk”, especially the eyes, by helping you discern what the cat is trying to convey. The language of cat’s eyes and cat’s eyes Cats speak with their eyes. The direction of your cat’s gaze will lead you to the subject of his attention. But the eyes are different.
Some are intense and focused, while others are casual. When your cat stares at you intently, does he want something from you, or is he angry? Both could be true. While a fixed stare and a rigid body posture can signal hostility, the same expression may elicit petting or other forms of attention in a relaxed, purring cat. What a cat says often depends on the position of the eyelids and the dilation of the eyes. These messages vary from subtle to obvious and can be very powerful. A cat does not need to vocalize to convey her message, although this intent is often reinforced by tailgating, ear placement, and shaggy fur. Arousal Wide Eyes Any strong emotional arousal — fear, anger, joy, excitement — can cause a cat’s pupils to suddenly dilate. You may see your cat’s pupils dilate (making her eyes appear dark) during a visit to the vet or when it’s noisy outside.
Other times, when she’s surprised by the introduction of a new cat, her eyes may do so. Trust in the Eyes of Peace An open eye coupled with a relaxed or even submissive body position can be a sign of great trust. For example, a cat head-butting your cheek or doing the same to a friendly dog shows calm trust and maybe even love. Dominance High Gaze A cat’s eye that stares intently from a distance can be a sign of control, dominance, or even aggression. Owners are often unaware of this subtle behavior, which can be used to control access to resources in multi-cat households. Just using this unblinking gaze, a cat can warn and deter other felines from approaching the “own” path to a food bowl, litter box, or other important area. Aggressive Eyes A squinting expression indicates a strong emotion – fear or aggression.
Squinting also protects the eyes from potential claws of an opponent. Avoid making eye contact with cats you don’t know, as this may trigger aggression. Kitten Kiss Sleepy Cat A relaxed and trusting kitten with drooping, sleepy eyelids. Try giving your distant pet a “kitty kiss” – meet her sleepy gaze with your own relaxed gaze, and then slowly “wink.” If she blinks, you’ve got the most affectionate honor!
