Cats are Independent
Unlike dogs, cats are not pack animals that evolved to live and work together in groups. Cats are more solitary and independent by nature. According to a study by Oregon State University researchers, the genomes of cats have evolved in ways that allow them to develop more independence and self-sufficiency than dogs (https://phys.org/news/2015-09-cats-independent-dogs.html). Cats can thrive with or without human interaction, whereas dogs rely heavily on human contact and bonding for their well-being.
Cats do not need constant supervision or engagement from their owners in the same way dogs do. Their predator ancestry means they are used to hunting alone and fending for themselves. Cats are perfectly content entertaining themselves for long periods, and do not crave ongoing attention or activities with humans. They are independent creatures that are selective about when they want to interact.
While cats can form bonds and relationships with their owners, their inherent independence means they do not rely on human interaction in the same needy, demanding way as pack-oriented dogs. Cats are self-sufficient pets that choose social contact on their own terms.
Cats Show Trust by Looking Away
One of the main reasons cats look away when you make eye contact with them is as a sign of trust. When a cat blinks slowly and deliberately breaks eye contact, it’s communicating that it feels safe and relaxed in your presence. This demonstrates social bonding and friendship between human and cat (https://www.northernilcatclinic.com/why-does-my-cat-slowly-blink-and-look-away-from-me).
Direct eye contact can be seen as threatening between cats, so looking away shows they don’t feel intimidated. It’s their way of diffusing tension and indicating they are not preparing to attack. A cat that maintains eye contact may be feeling aggressive or guarding territory. By looking away, they reassure you there is no need to be defensive (https://www.quora.com/Why-do-cats-look-away-when-we-stare-at-them-Is-this-an-act-of-submission-or-dominance).
So when your cat breaks eye contact, it’s likely a gesture of trust and an invitation for friendship. It signals comfort, safety and an absence of conflict. Appreciate it as your cat showing you affection in their own unique way.
Cats Have a Wide Field of Vision
Cats have an exceptionally wide field of vision compared to humans. While humans see about 180 degrees around them, cats can see almost 300 degrees around themselves without moving their head (1). This gives cats superior peripheral vision and allows them to see approaching dangers while looking straight ahead.
Cats’ eyes are positioned more towards the front of their head, giving them binocular vision for judging distances when hunting prey. But their pupils also elongate vertically to increase peripheral vision on either side (2). So a cat can spot potential threats in almost any direction while keeping its gaze fixed on something directly ahead.
Having wide-angle vision helps cats notice subtle movements and changes in their environment. Their expansive visual field also aids with balance, navigation, and estimating distances for leaping or pouncing.
Sources:
(1) https://www.allaboutvision.com/resources/human-interest/cat-vision/
(2) https://www.livescience.com/40459-what-do-cats-see.html
Cats Show Disinterest as Communication
One of the reasons cats may look away when you talk to them is to communicate disinterest or signal they want to be left alone. Cats are known for being independent creatures that value their personal space. According to this Quora post, looking away can be a polite rejection and a way for a cat to disengage from unwanted interaction. Cats only have so much tolerance for social interaction before they need time alone. If a cat turns its head or closes its eyes when you try to talk to or pet it, this often means the cat has had enough and wants to be left in peace.
Cats use looking away as a non-aggressive way to create some distance and convey the message “I want my space right now.” It’s simply their way of setting a boundary. Unlike dogs, cats do not always crave constant human interaction and stimulation. Allowing the cat to look away gives them control over the situation and social time. So when your cat looks away, take it as a cue to give them some alone time to recharge.
Cats Don’t Like Direct Eye Contact
Prolonged direct eye contact can seem threatening to cats. In the wild, unblinking stares often signify aggression between two cats that are about to fight (source). So when a human stares at a cat, the cat may interpret this as a challenge or threat. To diffuse tension, cats will typically look away or blink slowly when stared at, signaling that they don’t wish to escalate (source).
Cats also prefer to observe their environment on their own terms. Prolonged eye contact can seem intrusive or demanding to a cat. Looking away gives them a sense of autonomy and control. It’s simply their way of communicating disinterest or setting a boundary (source). So when your cat looks away from you, it’s not necessarily a sign of dislike or rejection. It’s just their way of regulating social interaction and preventing tensions from rising.
Cats Have Different Communication Signals
Cats communicate differently than humans and dogs. As a result, we often misread their signals. Cats rely more on body language and vocalizations than facial expressions. They also don’t make as much eye contact [1].
For example, when a cat stares at you without blinking, it can be seen as a sign of affection by humans. But for cats, unblinking eyes mean they are feeling threatened or confrontational [2]. Direct eye contact is considered aggressive in the cat world.
That’s why when you talk to your cat, they often look away or blink slowly. It’s a way for them to avoid eye contact while still showing trust and affection. The looking away is them trying to communicate in their own unique way.
Cats Have Variable Personalities
Cats have unique and complex personalities, just like humans. Some cats are very outgoing, gregarious, and demand a lot of attention from their owners. They will respond readily to petting, cuddling, and eye contact. Other cats have more aloof, independent personalities. They like being near their owners but do not require direct interaction and affection as frequently. Looking away is one way these more independent cats establish boundaries and exert their preference for less direct contact. Cats communicate primarily through non-verbal cues, so looking away demonstrates their personality and individual relationship style. As stated on Quora, “Cats want to observe everything occurring around them on their own terms.” Their tendency to look away reflects this independence and wariness around sustained direct eye contact.
Cats show affection in different ways than other animals.
Cats express affection differently than dogs and humans. Where dogs show affection with tail wags and face licking, cats show love through actions like rubbing, purring, and kneading. According to Purina, “It’s a common misconception that cats are not affectionate. From head-butting, to meowing, find out exactly how cats show love with Purina.” Even though cats may look away when you talk to them, this does not mean they are showing disinterest. It is simply a different form of communication and expression of affection.
The Spruce Pets explains some of the ways cats share love: “Cats that groom their favorite people, by licking their skin or hair or even nibbling or sucking on their clothing, indicate great affection. Cats also lick each other as a sign of affection. The object of that affection should feel honored that the cat is grooming them.” So while your cat may not make direct eye contact, actions like licking and physical closeness are signs your cat cares.
Cats Have Complex Psychology
Recent research shows that cats have deeper emotional lives than previously thought. Studies indicate that cats form secure and insecure attachment styles with their owners that are similar to human attachment styles (Turner, 2021). Kittens that are separated from their mothers early tend to be more anxious, impulsive and aggressive compared to those who stay longer with their mothers, suggesting early life experiences impact psychological development (Vitale Shreve & Udell, 2015). Cats also exhibit complex emotions like jealousy, pride, and grief (Bradshaw, 2013). For example, they may show depressed behavior after the loss of a companion cat and become more clingy and attached to their owners (Johnson-Bennett, 2002).
While cats were previously believed to be solitary, territorial animals, they are now understood to form social relationships and experience separation anxiety when isolated from important companions (Bradshaw, 1992). Research utilizing the Feline Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire has provided a wealth of data about cat behavior and revealed cats have variable personalities that impact how they interact with people (PennToday, 2020).
Understanding Cats Takes Patience
Interpreting cat behavior and communication requires time and close observation. Cats have a complex psychology and use subtle body language and vocalizations to express themselves. While dogs are more overt in their communication, cat signals can be missed by unfamiliar owners.
Getting to know your cat’s personality takes patience. Some cats are timid while others are bold. Some cats crave constant human interaction while others are more aloof. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding cats.
It’s important to closely observe your cat’s posture, facial expressions, tail movements, ear positions and vocalizations over time to decipher their meaning. For example, a swishing tail may indicate irritation in one cat but playfulness in another. Slow blinking shows trust and contentment in cats.
Understanding feline communication is a gradual process. The more time spent interacting and bonding with your cat, the better you’ll become at reading their subtle cues. Expecting immediate familiarity with a new cat’s signals leads to frustration. Let your relationship develop organically through daily care and play.
With close observation and patience, you’ll learn to interpret your cat’s unique personality and communication style. Every cat has their own subtleties. Appreciating these nuances leads to a close human-feline bond based on mutual understanding and trust.
Sources:
https://www.pawschicago.org/news-resources/all-about-cats/understanding-cat-behavior
https://www.tuftandpaw.com/blogs/cat-guides/the-definitive-guide-to-cat-behavior-and-body-language
