Cat TV is a digital wonderland of birds, squirrels, fish, and the occasional rogue laser pointer. But is it harmless enrichment or electronic overload?
Let’s break down what Cat TV really is, how your feline might be experiencing it, and whether you should leave it on when you're away.
Content:
- What Is Cat TV and Why Do Cats Watch It
- Is Cat TV Good or Bad for Cats
- Should You Leave the TV On for Your Cat
- Conclusion
What Is Cat TV and Why Do Cats Watch It
Cat TV refers to specially designed videos, usually featuring birds, rodents, fish, or natural landscapes, that are created to engage your cat’s natural hunting and tracking instincts.
You’ll find titles like “Squirrel Frenzy 4K” or “Bird Bonanza for Cats” with hours of fluttering, scurrying stimulation.
Dr. Marek Jancovic wrote a study on it, noting that:
“There is a peculiar new clade of moving images populating our audiovisual culture: videos for cats. YouTube titles like ‘Birds and Squirrels HD’ are both inconspicuous and remarkably pervasive, both ordinary and yet strangely noteworthy.”
Some cats are riveted. Others ignore the screen completely. Just like humans and reality TV.
Cats love to watch movement, which is why running water encourages them to drink. This makes the Petcube Fountain a great option to keep them healthy.
Is Cat TV Good or Bad for Cats
Cat TV can be good for cats, since in provides a lot of mental stimulation, especially for indoor cats. Cats love watching movement, because it activates their hunting instinct (much like why they love to chase lasers). So Cat TV can be a great boredom buster and keep them out of trouble.
However, not all cats engage with screens, as some might get frustrated or overstimulated and it’s not a permanent solution for boredom. Without real-world outlets for their energy, it can actually create pent-up frustration. If they watch too much, it could also theoretically interfere with sleep or lead to overexcitement (rare but worth noting).
Another point to keep in mind is that cats have eyes that are much more sensitive than humans, and so we don’t want them staring at screens all day, as it could be bad for them.
Still, it can be great for cats in moderation.
“Our cat loves it. We put it on when we leave the apartment. He gets bored easily and likes to play or have some sort of stimulation.” —u/supersimulatedfeline
Should You Leave the TV On for Your Cat
If your cat enjoys Cat TV, it can be a great tool when you're away with moderation and if you pair it with other enrichment, like puzzle toys or window perches.
And always monitor their reaction: excitement is fine; obsession is not.
Want to see how they behave while you're gone? The Petcube Cam is the perfect way to keep an eye on your cat and their screentime.
Conclusion
Cat TV can be great for some cats. The key is balance: screen time should complement real-world play, not replace it.
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