Should Your Cat Be Watching Cat TV?

Cat TV videos and channels might sound a bit…well…niche. But they’re popping up all over YouTube and other streaming services. Basically, pet cats have their own Netflix nowadays, whether rightly or wrongly.

And why not? Before TV and streaming was a big thing, cats used to hang out in trees or by windows to watch the world go by. And so did kids! But with screen time becoming more commonplace for young and old, cats are moving with the times. Thankfully they’re still tree-in and window-ing too so it’s really the best of both worlds.

Yes? No? 

Whether your cat is an avid watcher of nature documentaries with you on Sunday nights or prefers a good old action movie, here’s what you need to know about cat TV.

What TVs do cats like?

We’re not suggesting you take your cat along to browse for your next TV, but cats do actually have screen preferences. And of course, it’s the newer ones they like best. Obviously.

Cat parents will be nodding along knowing their cats like the best of everything, but there’s a reason behind their preference. Newer TVs have a higher refresh rate, which means that images change faster. Cats prefer this because it’s closer to real life.

So, splurge on that brand new TV. Just tell yourself (or your partner) it’s for the cat.

Favourite cat TV shows

Your cat might cuddle up to you and endure your Saturday series binge, but they wouldn’t watch them by choice. Nope, they’re just humouring you. In fact, studies show cats have their own favourite TV shows.

Unsurprisingly, the shows cats like best tend to be nature-related. But not of the big cat or polar bear variety. They enjoy TV featuring small animals like fish, birds, and rodents. Basically, if cat TV stimulates their prey drive, they love it. Regardless of whether they’re good hunters or not.

It’s kind of like how we love watching those fancy criminal lawyer shows even if we’ve never read a law textbook. Or how we critique Sam Low’s sea dessert despite us burning this morning’s omelette.

If you’re lucky, and you particularly enjoy nature documentaries, you and your pet cat might have some shared favourites when it comes to TV time. But if you’re not really into the whole nature thing, don’t worry – your cat will continue to watch your television with you just for the sake of bonding time. They do make some compromises, after all.

Here’s a video of a cat watching TV, just for the cuteness factor:

Psst … before you keep reading about the pros and cons of TV for cats, do you want more fun content like this? Take our PET PAWSONALITY test! Find out what breed you are at heart and share it with your friends – click here:

Is TV good for cats?

Is cat TV kind of like kid TV? In the sense that it’s useful for distracting them but probably shouldn’t be used all day?

Cat TV can be entertaining for your kitty, that’s a given. If they’re indoor cats, they’re more likely to enjoy TV as they don’t get natural stimulation from hunting and so on.

It shouldn’t be the only stimulation

If they love the TV, you should consider getting them a cat bed near a window so they can see the great outdoors too. And smell it, as well. This will help keep their other senses firing. Unsurprisingly, cats love the smell of trees and all kinds of nature-related elements. Read about more scents cats like.

Outdoor cats get greater stimulation but might be a hazard to local wildlife. So, if you live in an area with lots of birds, fish, insects and so on, you may want to use cat TV as an alternative to hunting.

It’s great for R&R time

It’s also useful if your pet cat is sick or injured and needs some time to recuperate. Often, this requires extended periods of time in small spaces or lying still. Crate rest is no fun for cats, but it is sometimes necessary. Watching cat TV can keep them occupied for some time, giving both humans and cats some relief.

TV isn’t damaging for cats’ eyes, so there are no concerns there. The biggest danger is probably them damaging your laptop or TV. Or vice versa. Sometimes they get so engrossed they start tapping and swatting the screen. So, make sure you’ve backed up your work and any screen is securely mounted if you’re treating your cat to some TV time.

What do cats see when they watch TV?

Seeing smooth, clear movement on TV requires cats to see at least 100 frames per second whereas humans only need to see 20 frames per second. Fortunately, today’s TVs can create images so quickly that even cats, with their hypersensitive eyes, can see them.

As cats have more rods in their eyes than humans, they have better night vision. As the TV emits a bright light, your cat may feel a bit blinded by it, especially in a dimly lit room.

Cats use their hearing to locate prey. In comparison to older TVs with speakers, newer TVs and sound bars might sound more natural to cats.

There’s a lot your floof can sense, like shapes, noises, and movements on your screen. Animal sounds will particularly fascinate your furbaby, whether they’re a smart as whip young Maine Coon or an old as the hills Russian Blue.

Play this puur-fect video below to tickle your pet cat’s senses:

Free cat TV shows

If your cat likes TV, check out these free shows you can put on for them:

• Ultimate videos for cats
• Birds and squirrel fun
• Bird bonanza
• Cat games mouse video

Become the best cat paw-rent you can be by reading some of our other articles:

1. First Time Pet Owner: Preparing Mentally
2. Why Do Siamese Kittens Change Colour?
3. Awesome Christmas Gift Ideas for Dogs and Cats
4. Purebred vs Pedigree Dogs and Cats: What’s the Diff?
5. Is Milk Bad for Your Cat?

Cat insurance for a soft landing

The sofa isn’t the only soft landing you can give your pet cat. Cat insurance makes health care more affordable, so you have a safety net in place for when they use up one of their nine lives. You know, while they’re imitating James Bond after movie night and make an error of judgement.

Injury, illness and other medical mishaps… get cost-effective cover with PD Insurance peace of mind.