Do you know that feeling? You walk past your cat, your eyes meet… and you get a frosty, filthy glare that makes you question your very existence. Did you forget to feed him? Does your cat actually hate you? Or are all cats like that?

You’re definitely not the only one who’s wondered. In this blog, we'll dive into the mysterious phenomenon of the ‘cold cat stare’ of your cat. What does it really mean? And more importantly: how can you tell if your cat actually likes you or not?

Cats are masters of subtle signals

A dog wags its tail, jumps up at you, and drools with joy. Cats? They stare, blink slowly, or look at you as if you’ve just stolen their biscuits.

  • For cats, body language is the way to communicate
  • A ‘cold’ stare can just mean your cat is relaxed, or simply observing you
  • Sometimes cats stare out of curiosity, or when they feel uneasy in their surroundings

➡️ Example: Has your cat just eaten and is now staring at you from the windowsill Chances are, he’s simply lazing about and watching the world go by.

Funfact: did you know cats only meow for us?

Cats don’t meow at each other

When is a stare a reason to worry?

A dog wags its tail, jumps up at you, and drools with joy. Cats? They stare, blink slowly, or look at you as if you’ve just stolen their biscuits.

  • Flattened ears, dilated pupils, stiff posture? That could be tension or irritation.
  • If your cat crouches with eyes fixed, he’s likely in hunting mode.
  • Avoiding eye contact can even be a sign of respect.

💡Tip: If your cat avoids you, hides, or reacts aggressively, go back to basics: give them space, observe their behaviour, and reward calm interactions.

Your cat (probably) doesn’t hate you

It may feel like your cat is ignoring you or even mocking you. The truth? Cats are simply more independent, and they show affection in subtler ways than dogs.

  • Head bumps are actually a big compliment.
  • Purring is usually positive (relaxation), though it can sometimes happen when they’re stressed.
  • If your cat sleeps on your bed or near you, it’s a strong sign of trust.

A cat can’t hate you forever. What they need is respect for their boundaries, patience, positive associations. And sometimes just a little treat ;)

“Hate” is far too strong a word

A cold stare from your cat doesn’t mean they dislike you. Always pay attention to their body language, respect their space, and learn how they choose to communicate. The more you understand your cat, the stronger your bond will be.

Do you ever feel like your cat “hates” you?

Tell us in the comments, we’d love to hear!

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