Why do cats stare at nothing?

6/14/2020

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Science Story: Why do cats stare at nothing?

Cats do many things that surprise us – besides being extremely smart, playful and cute, they can act strange sometimes. If you ever wondered why cats stare at nothing or at the walls like they saw a ghost there, this article will give you the answer.

As it turns out, there are several reasons for such behavior, and all of them have nothing to do with the supernatural.

#1 They actually see something

When looking at dark walls in a poorly illuminated room, cats can actually see more than we do. As cats have more rods in their retina, their eyes are more sensitive to dim light. When you think your pet is staring at nothing, it might in fact be looking at dust particles, very small insects or sunlight glinting.

#2 Cats probably see in the ultraviolet

Science Story: Cats ultraviolet vision — shutterstock

UV light doesn't reach our retina because the lens of our eye filters it. Some mammals do see UV light, which helps them in hunting. Recent studies suggest that cats and dogs are most likely among them.

#3 Cats have an acute sense of hearing

Science Story: Cats sense of hearing — shutterstock

Even if your cat might not be seeing anything, it can be hearing something you're not. Cats can hear even such small noises as insects or rodents climbing on the other side of the wall. So when a cat is looking at an empty corner, it might be getting ready for an encounter with a prey.

#4 They try to figure out what's going on

After hearing a strange sound or seeing something, cats can take some time to think about it and understand what's going on. Their survival and hunting instincts make them suspicious of everything new, so they usually try to be cautious and make sure nothing is threatening them before going about their business.

Do you have a cat? What strange things do your pets do?

By the way, do you know why cats love boxes more than expensive cat beds?

Never stop exploring: continue improving your knowledge with our educational articles, fun trivia quizzes and trivia questions.

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#Science #animals #Nature

What are your thoughts on this subject?

35 Comments

Patricia Price

Cats are extremely clever; they know exactly what they want and exactly how to get it!!😻

Doris Dallaire

I’m a cat person who has four of them keeping me company. They are so smart, so loveable and so loving. I can’t imagine not having cats in my life.

Mary Sue Knee

I have a cat and I’m constantly amazed at the cute things he does. They are super independent and do things only when they want to.

Lourdes Ayala

Love cats!

tbear

Mine will be looking up at the ceiling. I'll up and not see a thing. Look back down and see my car looking at me and I swear he's smiling! As if to say, " ha, made you look! " 😊👍

Cindy Ursan

We might have just adopted our 8th rescue and she may be pregnant. Yeah, we love cats!!!

Sean Case

I believe the hearing thing! Had a neighbor's cat , named Simon & he'd come running across the street to our house when we spoke his name because we'd always let him in to patrol the house or get a catsnack!

ninakamwene

I love cats and always have two, a boy and a girl all from the shelter. I thought they were seeing the ghosts of my departed cats coming to play with them.

Terry Bevington

I have always had a high regards for cats, due to the fact that they they are such good judges of character in us humans, because they very independent, and can be very independent.

Ann Harris

I have 2 cats and always know when my window cleaner comes as they both dive under the sofa!

Bob Gorby

As a cat owner myself, I understand why ancient Egyptians worship them; and New Zealanders curse them.

Tina Marie Haddad Rhodes

Cats are very independent and you belong to them not the other way around. They tell you what to do in their own way and you better listen.🤣

Connie Starcher

Chriss Crockford, 20 years as a pet sitter I can attest to that statement.

Margaret Louise Gifford

We love our cats. Currently have 2 orange tabbies, male & female. They make us laugh every day. Life without cats would be very boring!

davidmidgley

Over the years we've had several cats. One, Heidi, loved to perch on an open folding closet door during the night. It would give my wife a scare if she awakened to Heidi up on the door.

catmom

karen twirly, I have 3 fur babies, all boys, all fixed (have to be a responsible cat mom) -- 2 rescue & one from a lousy breeder. The one rescue was thrown away like trash unfortunately & he was fostered very well & he is VERY VERY LOVING, follows me around like a dog which I live & he even plays fetch when he wants too, loves his brothers, eats well & also uses his bathroom too. I will never understand why he was homeless for awhile & he was emaciated too. He lives to eat too.

catmom

Chriss Crockford, I'm sorry for your loss, they are part of the family. They are children with fur. Lol.

Pat Wells

I have had multiple cats throughout the years--all off the streets.

Patricia Price

True Chris!!😻

andrewhayles

Bob Bracegirdle, Bob ours is the wife leaves her nail bag on the floor next minute there is a file out lol

Gordon MacKrith

My cat Poe wants to play with the laser.

Bob Bracegirdle

Our cat is obsessed with nail files

Diana Santamaria

Rich Naples, dogs do. My Lab alerted us of fire in the wood near our cabin long before we could actually smell the smoke.

Jean Hansen

I have 2 cats, one huge orange Scottish Fold male that is mute, and a very small tabby female that only squeaks. Each one definitely make it known what they want and respond to our questions.