Experts warn that staring directly into a cat’s eyes for an extended period is not a good idea. While humans often see eye contact as a sign of affection or sincerity, animals interpret it differently.
For cats, a prolonged stare often signals a threat or a challenge. Because they need time to focus their vision, a person’s unbroken gaze can feel like an attempt to assess or confront them.
This misinterpretation can activate the cat’s defensive instincts. Even a usually friendly pet may show signs of aggression if it feels pressured or endangered.
Specialists recommend avoiding long periods of direct eye contact and instead using gentler communication signals — such as slow blinking, which cats recognize as friendly.