Does your cat look at you as if hypnotizing you? It's not your imagination!
Scientists from the University of Portsmouth have discovered that cats have developed a unique “gaze-manipulator” mechanism that activates the release of oxytocin, the hormone of attachment, in humans.
Dr Karen McComb , author of the study, explains:
"The soft squint, slow blinking and dilated pupils are an evolutionary trick.
In the wild, this is how kittens communicate with their mothers, and domestic cats have adapted it to control their owners."
But how does this work in practice? For example, when a cat asks for food, it combines a "baby" look with a high-pitched meow, imitating the cry of a baby.
A study published in Current Biology found that 76% of people can't resist this combination, even if their pet has just eaten. Bengal cat owner Artem from Sochi admits:
"Mars literally hypnotizes me in the morning. I used to feed him 4-5 times a day until the vet diagnosed him with obesity."
However, not all manipulations are harmless. Zoopsychologist Lidiya Sokolova warns:
"If a cat stares into your eyes and doesn't blink, it's a sign of dominance. It's how she checks who's the alpha in the house."
The story of the Siberian cat Vasilisa became an example: after moving, she began to "hypnotize" the new owner, forcing him to give up his place on the bed. The solution was a course of games with a teasing rod to redirect the energy.
How to resist cat hypnosis? Experts advise:
- Set clear rules (for example, feed only on schedule).
- Use the "mirror technique": blink slowly back to show trust, but don't give in.
- If your cat demands attention at night, ignore it - it will adapt in 2-3 weeks.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
