Discover what cats see when they watch TV
Have you ever noticed your cat staring at the television, captivated by what’s on the screen? You may have wondered what it is they are seeing. While some cats are not bothered by the small screen, others will watch it intently. Clinical Animal Behaviourist Daniel Warren-Cummings explains what TV looks like to cats.
What do cats see when they watch TV?
Some studies have indicated that cats are able to identify imagery on TV. We know that they can distinguish between outlines, patterns and textures. But we do not know with certainty what they perceive the images to be. Cats rely much more on other senses, such as hearing and smell, to understand the world around them. For some cats it may be the noises and fast movements that attract their attention towards the screen.
Do cats like watching TV?
Cats that are more active hunters may show more interest in the TV than others. If they have their eyes open with narrow pupils and their ears and whiskers pointed forward, they could be stimulated by what's coming from the TV. But if they are watching with dilated pupils and flatter ears, this could mean that they are more concerned and stressed by what is on the screen. They should be given the opportunity to run away from the TV if needed. Find out how to read your cat’s body language.
Do cats care if the TV is on?
Most pet cats won’t be bothered by the TV being on. Cats are good at telling the difference between sounds from the TV and sounds in real life. But particularly loud or unexpected sounds may cause alarm to some cats, particularly cats that are more easily stressed. Find out more about cat stress.
It is good for cats to watch TV?
While some cats can find movement on TV screens engaging, others can find it frustrating. When cats hunt and play, they like to be able to catch whatever they are chasing. This is what releases feel-good hormones in their brains called endorphins. If they can’t catch the object that has caught their attention on screen, they may feel frustrated and stressed. This can lead to other problem behaviours.
If your cat is interested by something on the TV, try offering them a toy to play with so they have something to catch. A ball, kicker toy or fishing rod toy is ideal. Putting the TV on shouldn’t be a substitute for playing with your cat. Letting them watch a bit of TV with you is okay. But make sure you have plenty of playtime away from the screen too. Find out how to play with your cat.
What kind of TV shows do cats like?
- Sports programmes. As natural-born hunters, cats are attracted to fast movements. This is what they look out for when playing or hunting their prey. Sports programmes with lots of fast-paced action may grab their attention.
- Wildlife programmes. Cats may be interested by other animals on screen, particularly their natural prey. Birds, fish and rodents such as mice and rats are the common prey of cats. Cats may also be interested in watching big cats on the TV. Even though they are a different species, they may be able to recognise their feline outline or facial features. If your cat is watching another cat on television, they are unlikely to feel threatened by them. This is because they cannot detect their scent or other cues that tell them it is a real cat.
Find lots of fascinating cat videos on the Cats Protection YouTube channel.
