Have you ever heard the saying: Cats can’t stare? Many old people will warn us that looking directly into a cat's eyes will "suck away the soul." This sounds like superstition. However, after scientific research, we found that this is not entirely groundless. Today, we are here to unravel this mystery for you and let you understand the scientific basis for it!

1. Mysterious eyes: The mystery of cat eyes

There is a special muscle in cat eyes called the "nictitating membrane", which can cover the surface of the eyeball and play a protective role. When cats look at people, their nictitating membranes may contract slightly, making the world in the cat's eyes look blurry.

Moreover, there is a structure called a "fundus reflector" at the back of the cat's eye, which can reflect the light entering the eye, allowing the cat to see things at night. When we look directly into the cat's eye, this reflector may reflect our image back into our eyes, creating a "soul-sucking" illusion.

2. Ancient legend: Why the old man said not to stare

The ancients may not have understood the scientific principles of these special structures of cat eyes. But they observed these phenomena in their daily contact with cats and gave them a mysterious color. They believe that a cat’s eyes have a special kind of magic, and if you stare at them for too long, your soul will be sucked away. Therefore, this saying spread among the people.

3. Scientific explanation: why you feel attracted

When we look directly into the cat’s eyes, we will feel an indescribable attraction and confusion. This is a visual effect caused by the special structure in the cat's eyes. When light reflects in the cat's eyes, it creates a unique visual effect that makes people feel as if they are being deeply attracted.

Human eyes have a similar structure. When we look directly at strong light, we will feel some pain or discomfort in our eyes. This is because our pupils instinctively constrict to reduce the amount of light entering. Cats’ pupils are more sensitive to light, so when we look directly into their eyes, we may feel a strange feeling.