We humans generally feel a deep connection to our pets, in spite of our limited communication with them. Since we can\u2019t verbally converse with our pets, or hear their thoughts; we rely on their sounds, \u00a0postures and expressions to ascertain what they wish to tell us with us. \u00a0One aspect of communication that has given rise to much curiosity is that of eye contact.<\/p>\n
What does eye contact with your pet mean? \u00a0When your dog locks eyes with you, is he showing you respect, or challenging your authority? \u00a0Is your cat\u2019s unwavering green stare trying to warn you that he is about to pounce in your direction, or is the gaze merely arbitrary? Instinctively we feel that eye contact between animals and humans must have some meaning. \u00a0Let\u2019s take a brief look at canine and feline behavior, and what eye contact might mean to them.<\/p>\n
In the animal kingdom, focused eye contact is a challenge to authority between animals. It is usually followed by pet submitting, or both battling it out for the dominant position.<\/p>\n
In relation to their human masters, dogs are known for being generally loyal and devoted pets. When dogs understand their master is the leader, they submit to his authority through numerous signals showing that he respected pack leader and \u201calpha dog\u201d in the home. (In some cases, particularly aggressive dogs may attempt to vie for authority if their master does not make his superiority clear. \u00a0In these cases a dog may have a \u201cstare down\u201d contest to try and obtain mastery or challenge the human, until he is made to relent and back down. )<\/i><\/p>\n
However, between man and beast, canines usually realize that that eye contact is a positive way to communicate with their owner, learn tricks, and receive commands or treats. Every dog owner has experienced his pup trying to make eye contact in an attempt to win a delicious morsel from the goodie bag, or a scrap from the kitchen counter. \u00a0Canines notoriously practice begging<\/a> from their owners, and often use persuasive eye contact (ever heard of \u201cpuppy dog eyes\u201d?) to help them get what they want. \u00a0Eye contact is also a key aspect of training dogs; \u00a0most pups will stay riveted and focused on their owner during the training session, in the hopes that they will be rewarded for it later on.<\/p>\n Finally, another reason dogs observe humans with determined eye contact, is to try to perceive what the human might be thinking. \u00a0One study found that dogs track human eye movement to better understand our intent and emotions. \u00a0This helps a dog know how to behave and respond, and is an aspect of the unique \u201csixth sense\u201d and insight canines seem to possess.<\/p>\n Cat eyes and expressions<\/a> \u00a0communicate a wide variety of emotions and warnings to their pet parents.<\/p>\n Direct gazes can make some cats uncomfortable and unsure how to respond. \u00a0Eye contact between wild cats is a territorial challenge, or a face-off to determine which creature is the strongest animal. Since humans are obviously the larger figure compared to a domestic cat, the felines are aware that they are inferior and shouldn\u2019t attack. Fiercely direct eye contact may cause cats confusion about how to respond. \u00a0Some twist their bodies in strange shapes or yowl threateningly, while others simply stare back, move away, or stay frozen in the same position until the human ends the gaze.<\/p>\n Felines have strong peripheral vision and usually direct their attention to whatever item of choice piques their interest. Cats usually maintain deliberate eye contact and focus on their prey, their toys, or on the opponent when they are in defense mode. \u00a0\u00a0They look intently at humans when trying to ascertain what we are thinking and feeling, or if we have moved suddenly or given the cat cause to be on the alert.<\/p>\nEye Contact with Cats<\/h2>\n
Avoiding Eye Contact<\/h2>\n
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