Why Do Cats Stare At Nothing?

Cats can be very curious beings and you might just find them staring at things for long periods of time every now and then.

Most people will find this behavior quite strange but cats definitely see the world in a different way to how us humans do.

​You can usually see that the cat is just staring out into space almost like they are under some kind of spell but what are they actually doing or thinking about?

​Their vision

When cats are in the dark, you can sometimes see them staring at objects in open spaces and this is because they have incredible night vision. Therefore, they are able to see everything in the dark and are especially sensitive to movement.

​They are also able to see really small things on the floor like bugs that we might not be able to see straightaway. Therefore, they aren't just going crazy at nothing!

​Hearing 

Cats have a really good sense of hearing as well as good vision which is why they are so sensitive to a lot. They can hear sounds that humans can't, which means they can always hear something.

​Therefore, if there is a continuous sound in your home, it is most likely annoying your cat and that is why they tend to stare at what is irritating them. 

Memory

Cats also have an episodic memory which means that they are able to remember things from the past. This means specific memories from the past and the first memory of things. For example, they remember how things are done and when they happen.

​Research has also been carried out to show evidence of cats also being able to day dream like humans which is another reason for why they might be staring out of windows. It could just be them going through their memories. 

​Seizure

Some cats can also suffer from certain types of medical problems concerning seizures which can be quite worrying for the owner.

​They could be having a focal seizure which can make them just stare into space and can also start drooling. It is hereditary and affects one side of the brain.

Should You Worry If They Stare Often?

As mentioned previously, cats are very curious about most things in life. Therefore, if you keep catching them just staring at the wall or an object in your home, they are usually just being their curious selves.

There is definitely one action you need to look out for which is called head pressing. If your cats start to actually press their head up against the wall, there is most likely an issue with their nervous system!

​This could include problems with their eyesight which can cause them to have behavior issues. If you notice this happening, you need to make sure that you get your cat straight down to the vets to get checked over to get to the route of the problem straight away.

​Other reasons

There are other reasons for why your cat might be staring so much for long periods of time. For example, when you look at the history of wild cats becoming domestic cats, they used to have to hunt for their prey, always being on the ball.

They use their great hearing and sight to keep a watch for their prey. Therefore, they will still have these instincts and your cat's attention will always be on something they are looking out for no matter what you do in your home.

Most of the time, your home will have small insects when the windows are left open and especially in the summer.

This is one of the most common reasons for them following a random trail on the floor staring is because they are trying to get to the insect which we might not see.

​Sometimes it is not an issue but if you do notice any head pressing or feel as though your cat is behaving weirdly, take them to the vets just to be safe to get checked over.

Conclusion

Overall, it is usually not anything to be worried about if your cat is just staring at nothing or a wall/object. Most domestic cats still have their natural insistics even in the home where they will always be on the ball.

However, in some cases it can be down to medical issues which need to be sorted out immediately before they get worse. Conditions that affect a cat's eyes or hearing can put them off balance and really cause them problems. 

Most of the time, a cat is just distracted because their attention can be grabbed by almost everything that is going on around them.

They are so aware of their surroundings because they feel as though they have to be. It is all about their instincts and how they are wired.

​Hopefully there are no mice or rats lurking around in your home because they are the most common type of animals which cats are likely to follow and hunt. Keep an eye on your cat and look out for any issues that seem unusual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Cats Stare At Blank Walls?

Staring at the wall for long periods could be a sign that your cat is trying to figure out what's going on with a small movement it sees or a sound it is hearing.

If they have discovered a small spider or mouse in the wall, they will focus on their prey and stalk it patiently, sometimes for hours.

Why Is My Cat Just Sitting And Staring?

Cats are visual hunters, so naturally, they tend to stare in order to keep a close eye on potential prey. Cats will also use a direct stare when they are feeling territorial, showing dominance, or posing a threat or challenge to other cats.