Hunger, affection, anticipation: The secret world of feline stares

Staring can be a sign of sympathy. I’s important to blink back when your cat blinks at you. Photo: dpa

Anyone who lives with a cat knows exactly what it’s like to be on the receiving end of one of those piercing stares out of the blue.

Does the cat want something to eat? Or does it just want to let me know it loves me? Many owners find it difficult to know what their pet is trying to say, no matter how long they’ve lived with them.