Why Does My Cat Stare at the Wall?

Cats are odd creatures. From sitting in small boxes and making chirping sounds to knocking things over and doing zoomies, cats are anything but boring. While most of these behaviors can be chalked up to normal cat activity, there are some things cats do that leave us perplexed. Staring at walls is one of them. If your cat spends a lot of time staring at a wall that has seemingly nothing of interest on it, you may be wondering why. Let’s look at some of the reasons why your cat may be staring at the wall.

Reasons Your Cat May Be Staring at the Wall

Cats are known for their peculiar quirks, but when a cat starts doing something that you can’t explain, it may raise some concerns. There is no one reason why cats stare at walls. In fact, your cat may perform this weird behavior for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from boredom to seeing something that you don’t see yourself. While most cases of wall staring in cats are harmless, knowing some of the reasons why your cat may be staring at the wall can provide some peace of mind.

Some of the most common reasons cats stare at walls include:

Sensory Stimulation

With their acute senses, cats can often see, smell, and hear things you can’t. Cats have a wider field of vision compared to humans and the unique ‘cone’ cells in their eyes allow them to see in much clearer details.

They also have great low-light vision, allowing them to see in dark environments with little to no light. This means that your cat could be seeing a small insect scurrying across the wall that you don’t see.

Their reason for staring at a wall may also be due to a sound they heard. Cats have one of the top hearing ranges of all mammals, allowing them to hear both low and high-pitched sounds. If your cat is wall-staring, it may be because they hear something within the wall or on the other side, such as a rodent or an outdoor noise.

Hunting Instincts

You may think that your cat’s hunting activities are limited to the yard or neighborhood but that isn’t always true. Cats also hunt in their own homes. Felines enjoy observing their prey before they pounce to ensure that the time is right, and they don’t miss their opportunity.

Your cat may be staring at the wall because they have their prey in sight and want to keep a close eye on it. This “prey” could be something as small as a house fly, as innocent as a spider, or a larger catch such as a mouse or rat.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can sometimes be the cause of odd cat behavior, such as staring at the wall. This cause is most common when there have been changes in the environment or new additions in the home. For example, maybe you moved into a new house or apartment recently and your cat is unsure of this change.

Making decorative changes can also cause your cat to stare at the wall as he takes in his new surroundings. This could be a bold new paint color on the wall, new pictures or decorations, shelving that the cat wants to jump onto, or something else that catches your pet’s eye.

Health Concerns

While not as common, health issues may be behind your cat’s odd wall-staring behavior. Some of the most common conditions associated with wall staring include:

• Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) – Also referred to as feline dementia, this condition generally occurs in older cats due to the natural aging of the brain. Cats with this condition may also show other signs of cognitive decline, such as difficulty with learning, memory, attention, and spatial awareness.
• Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome – Cats who appear to be in a trance may be experiencing feline hyperesthesia syndrome. While the cause of this condition is not fully understood, it is often accompanied by other symptoms such as meowing loudly, howling, frantic grooming, enlarged pupils, and touch sensitivity.
• Epilepsy – Most people associate epilepsy with seizures in which the entire body is shaking or convulsing. However, some forms of seizures can manifest in other ways, such as drooling, twitches, excessive vocalizing, or abnormal movement. Some affected cats may appear to be staring off into space, making them look as if they’re staring at a wall.

Boredom/Lack of Stimulation

In some cases, a cat may stare at a wall out of boredom or lack of stimulation. Like all animals, cats can experience boredom and may not be getting the mental stimulation they need. If you suspect that this may be the problem, it’s important to find ways to help relieve your pet’s boredom. Treat mazes, catnip toys, climbing towers, and similar activities can help keep your cat entertained and content.

Cat Staring at the Wall? The Problem Is Often Benign

It can be worrying when you find your cat staring at the wall for no reason. However, this behavior is often nothing to worry about. Most cats will not repeat this behavior often and may seek out other ways to keep busy. If you find your cat staring at the wall much of the day, speak with your veterinarian about your concerns, especially if the wall staring is accompanied by other symptoms.