Why Do Cats Enjoy Watching TV?

It's a common sight to see a cat curl up close to the TV screen, especially drawn to animal programs or shows featuring live-action footage. Marley, for instance, enjoys anything with animals or birds, finding it particularly engaging to listen to bird sounds. He believes that the birds fly around behind the TV when they are out of the camera's view. Similarly, Cat Fishing by Purina Friskies, a popular cat video game on a tablet, is another favorite for many feline fans.

Cat Behavior Explained

While it may seem amusing to watch, this behavior isn't just about companionship. Often, cats are drawn to TV as a source of stimulation and entertainment. The moving images and sounds can mimic the sights and sounds of prey, sparking their hunting instincts.

For example, two out of the three of our cats enjoy nature shows, with one of them particularly captivated by the credits of The Big Bang Theory. Another cat can even be seen running from the house just to catch a glimpse of her favorite newscaster. However, weather segments are a dampener, and both she and her human counterparts tend to get bored when the weatherman drones on.

Engaging Programs and Shows

It's not just nature shows that capture a cat's attention. Some cats are drawn to fast-paced shows like car races, such as the Daytona 500. The constant visual movement of races can keep them transfixed, much like the nature shows, where birds and snakes are among their favorites. Tootie, for instance, enjoys the Westminster Dog Show and Dr. Jeff's Rocky Mountain Vet episodes. The alpha male cat, being a bit more sophisticated, isn't fooled and understands that everything on TV is just images and sounds, not real.

Individual Preferences

Just like humans, cats have individual preferences when it comes to TV. One of my cats, Ice, is almost obsessed with watching the Olympics and enjoys Animal Planet and National Geographic Wild channels. She'll also watch videos on an iPad, which can be pretty challenging to communicate with given her preference for watching instead of engaging in conversation.

Others may not be quite as interested unless they can catch your attention with something more engaging, like birds or squirrels from videos on YouTube. Marley, for instance, will only gaze from afar or from his resting place. My kitten, who is nearly a year old, is completely infatuated with the TV and tries to climb right into the TV screen, which is clearly a place he wishes he could play.

Conclusion

Ultimately, cats enjoy watching TV for the same reasons humans do—because it's entertaining and stimulating. The moving images and sounds can be a great source of stimulation and can also help satisfy a cat's hunting instincts. Whether it's a nature show, a car race, or even a simple app, the allure of the TV is undeniable for many feline friends.