Why Do Cats Want You To Watch Them Eat

Whether you have a cat that is permanently attached to your hip or one that mostly keeps to themselves, something they likely have in common is wanting you to watch them eat. This quirky trait is seen in many cats and seems to be relatively common. Some cats will even go so far as not to eat unless you are there to watch them. Why do cats want you to watch them eat?

Cats want you to watch them eat because it helps them feel more relaxed.

A cat is in its most vulnerable state when eating, so having someone they trust watch them helps them relax and let their guard down. It is endearing for your cat to want you to watch them eat. It is their way of telling you they trust you and know you will protect them.

Why Won’t My Cat Eat Unless I Watch Them?

Your cat might not eat unless you watch them for several reasons. The most common one is that they trust you and feel safer when you are around. Cats are at their most vulnerable state while eating because of how dulled their senses become as they eat. They can mostly smell their food, their eyesight is affected by looking down into a bowl, and their hearing is impaired from their chewing.

These reasons are also why they usually don’t like loud noises while they eat. So they feel safer when someone they trust is there to watch their back as they let their guard down. Wanting you to watch them eat is a gesture of endearment because they want you to know they feel safe and comfortable with you because of how much they trust you.

Sometimes beyond trust and comfort, it has simply become a habit for them. Cats are creatures of habit and don’t like when their routines or environments are changed. If they have always eaten in the same room where you could watch them, they have likely become used to that and seek you out to watch them whenever they eat.

If you move or change their eating area, they may be upset that they can no longer eat in the same room as you, which will change their eating habits. If they are used to a particular setup for their dining situation, try to keep that consistent so that they continue to eat well.

If your cat has recently gotten sick or injured, they might want you to watch them eat to help them feel better. Cats might also need help while recovering, and once they feel better, they will go back to eating without observation. Some cats are also in pain and feel better if someone is around to care for them. You can gently stroke your cat’s fur as they eat to help them calm down and relax.

Your cat could also be driven by fear when wanting you to watch them eat. If they have had a previously traumatic event happen while they were eating, they might not be able to eat unless you are around to help them feel comfortable. This situation has a little more dependency than simply wanting to show you they trust you, and they may refuse to eat unless you are present.

What Should I Do If My Cat Refuses To Eat Without Me

If your cat refuses to eat without you, there are a couple of things you can do to try and alleviate their anxiety. Try to review recent changes to determine what could be causing this behavior in your cat. Perhaps you moved recently, and they feel disturbed by all of the changes to their environment and routine.

Or maybe something more serious happened that caused some long-lasting trauma. Depending on the cause, getting them to eat on their own may be challenging.

The most important thing to remember is to be patient with them, as it will likely be a long process to rectify this behavior. Cats do not do well with change, especially one that directly affects their comfort. Take baby steps to start and slowly adjust as they get comfortable.

Start with something like moving their food bowl to another room. Ensure that the space is clean and welcoming, with plenty of space. Stay out of this room when they eat to try and encourage them to enjoy eating in there alone.

To tempt them more, you can try offering foods they don’t usually get to eat, like wet food or pate. These new smells could entice them into that new space, and soon they will feel comfortable. If these steps don’t work, consider consulting your veterinarian and a feline behavioral specialist for further advice on how to get your cat to eat without you watching.

Why Do Cats Sit And Watch You Eat

Your cat might be sitting and watching you eat because they are what is known as an affectionate eater. They show you affection by inviting you to watch them eat, and they want to return the favor to you. They are showing you they love you and want to protect you by watching you eat so they can watch your back. Your cat deeply trusts you and wants you to trust them just as much.

Cats also show affection through staring. If they are staring intently at you, they could be satiating their curiosity, or they may find you immensely interesting. Some cats will stare intensely back at their owners to communicate, “I love you.” This stare is often paired with a slow blink to let you know they love you and are there to protect you.

You could also have a beggar on your hands who is watching for the exact moment you drop a piece of food so they can swoop in for it. If your cat’s begging becomes excessive, you may have to consider eating in a different room from them so that these behaviors are no longer enabled.

Things To Consider

You can make a cute little tradition out of eating with your cat, which will help you stay on a consistent schedule. It would be great for your health and your cat’s health to eat meals together at the same time every day. You can create a routine of preparing food and plating everything simultaneously so you two can sit down together and eat. Pair this with an after-meal nap to bond with your kitty more daily.