Why do cats attack or "go on the offensive" when you stare them in the eyes?

Question

ok well my cat does this and i've been wonderin why

Answer 1

When animals stare at each other in the eyes it usually means they are about to attack or fight.  

Answer 2

My cats purr and run over to me if I look at them... yours must just be nuts.

Answer 3

hmmm my cat never does tht atleast i dont think so, i think ill try tht right now lol

Answer 4

Because they perceive this as a challenge.  Animals use subtle eye language to communicate, and directly staring at an animal is like looking at another person and saying "wanna fight??"  Unless you want an aggressive animal, stop staring....it has nothing to do with who is boss or who looks away first.

Answer 5

Stare a person in the eyes, and you're probably not going to get a real favorable response, either. How do you feel if someone does that to you? Probably uncomfortable in the least.

It's a challenge.  You're silently telling your cat to bring it on... and they will.