Why does my cat stare at the wall?

Sometimes, you just need to stare into space and ask questions like: How did we get here? Are we alone in the universe? Is cake better than pie? Does my cat actually like me?

Humans can stare into space for lots of reasons. Sometimes, cats stare at a wall too. Usually, it's nothing concerning, but it can indicate some underlying health or behavioural problems.

Don't panic too much, though; it's usually harmless. Like anything else, it's important to know the details behind this behaviour to stay proactive.

Here, we discuss if it's normal for cats to stare at walls, when to be concerned and what to do if your cat continues to do it.

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Is it normal for cats to stare at walls?

Yes - it's perfectly normal for your cat to stare at a wall. Cats are perceptive, curious creatures, so it's natural that they'll sometimes do things that make no sense to us!

Their advanced sight and hearing can detect things that we can't, so it can just be your kitty noticing something interesting on the wall or hearing something through it.

Common reasons cats stare at walls

A cat could stare at a wall because of:

• Boredom

• Sensory stimulation, like hearing noise from your neighbours

• Visual stimulation, like a mark on the wall or a pest 

While your cat staring at the wall is generally okay, you should chat to a vet if it's combined with other worrying symptoms or is very excessive.

When to see a vet

You should contact your vet if your cat is staring at the wall and is showing one or more of these behaviours:

• Ataxia (walking like they’re drunk)

• Disorientation

• Excessive staring

• Head pressing

• Lethargy

• Pacing

• Unusual vocalisations

When to be concerned: health issues to watch for

Before we start, we'd just like to reiterate that these are rare and you should always follow the advice of your vet.

A cat staring at a wall can indicate:

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)

A rare condition characterised by erratic behaviour and heightened sensitivity.

Neurological disorders

It can mean there's an issue with your cat's brain, like dementia and seizures, or even a toxin ingestion. If your cat has neurological symptoms it’s important to contact your vet immediately.

Mental health problems

Cats who are under stress can fall into repetitive, unusual behaviours. If you're asking "why does my cat stare at a wall?", don't just consider physical health reasons; it can mean anxiety or stress.

If this is the case, take a look at your cat's general behaviour and environment to try to find and address the cause of their stress.

Vision or hearing issues

Cats can stare at walls when they have an issue with their hearing or vision. Possible conditions include blindness, cataracts and ear infections.

What should I do if my cat stares at walls?

Your cat staring at the wall isn't normally something you need to do anything about.

But if it's combined with some of the other behaviours we outlined above, then you should take some further steps.

Here are a few things you can consider doing:

Observing your cat

Watching your cat closely is a key part of preventative pet care. It helps you notice if things aren't normal and if anything's changed.

This is a good first step if your cat is staring at the wall. Is there anything else going on? Are they acting strange? Do you notice any other common health issues?

See a vet

Always see a vet if you're concerned about your cat's health. Don't diagnose them yourself - you'll need a professional.

This is especially important if there are other symptoms, as your vet will be able to make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Enriching your cat's environment

Cats can stare at the wall when they're bored or anxious, so you may need to enrich their environment a bit.

We recommend training your cat, playing games and getting them some new toys if they're bored. Ensure they have access to plenty of space (indoors and outdoors if safe to do so) to express their normal behaviours.

Check where they're staring

Cats are more perceptive than us, so check out where they're staring if it's always in the same place. They might have found something!

How cat insurance can help

So, hopefully, we've answered "why do cats stare at walls?" and highlighted the cases where you should seek a vet’s advice.

Generally, though, you'll have nothing to worry about. But if there are medical reasons for this behaviour, cat insurance can help.

Our cat insurance can help with up to £15,000 vet fee cover, a host of ManyPets Perks and 24/7 access to a professional video appointment through FirstVet.

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