Pet questions, answered simply

What is my cat thinking about me?

The short answer

More than it lets on. Cats know their person's voice and keep a close eye on the household, but they show affection quietly: a slow blink, a head bump, sitting near you rather than on you.

A little more detail

Studies have found that cats can tell their owner's voice apart from a stranger's, even when they don't bother to get up. Ignoring you isn't the same as not hearing you.

A slow blink is one of the nicest things a cat can do. Researchers found that cats are more likely to slow-blink back at people who slow-blink at them, and to come closer afterwards. Try it from across the room.

As for what your cat really thinks about your cooking, your music or the time you get up, that's between you and the cat.

Signs your cat has chosen you

It slow-blinks at you, or blinks back when you do it first.
It bumps its head or rubs its cheeks on you.
It shows you its belly (not always an invitation to touch it).
It follows you to the kitchen, the bathroom or bed.
It brings you 'presents', welcome or not.

Hear what YOUR pet says about you

Send us one photo of your pet. Chatterpaws brings it to life in a short video where your pet talks about you, by name, with its own cheeky line. Only your pet talks. The video comes by email, and your photo is deleted once it's made.

Make my pet talk · A$9.90

Questions people ask

Do cats love their owners?

Many cats form strong bonds with their people. They just show it in quieter ways than dogs: staying close, slow-blinking, kneading and head bumps.

Why does my cat stare at me?

Often because it wants something, like food or a door opened, or because it's simply watching its favourite person. A relaxed stare with slow blinks is friendly.

Does my cat know its name?

Studies suggest many cats can tell their own name apart from similar words. Whether they come when called is another matter.