Introduction
It’s a familiar scene – you’re headed out for the day and your cat looks at you with those big, sad eyes as you grab your keys. You feel a pang of guilt about leaving them home alone all day. Maybe putting the TV on will provide some companionship in your absence? According to a recent survey, over a third of pet owners admit to leaving the television on for their furry friends when they are away from home.
Do Cats Enjoy Watching TV?
It seems that many cats do enjoy watching TV, especially when the content features other animals or high-motion scenes. Cats have good vision and can perceive images on screens, even though their eyes process images differently than human eyes. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, while some cats go “nuts” watching the TV screen, others calmly observe or don’t show much interest at all.
Researchers have found that cats tend to be drawn to TV images of birds, fish, and other prey animals. The movement seems to catch their attention and trigger their natural hunting instincts (Petplan). This reaction suggests that cats can see and make sense of what’s happening on the screen, similar to the way they view real prey in their environment.
So while TV may not provide the full interactive experience that cats crave, it seems many enjoy watching certain stimulating, fast-moving content that engages their senses. Their individual personalities and moods may also determine how intrigued they are by the television on any given day.
TV as Companionship
Television can provide a sense of companionship for lonely people. Research has shown that unhappy people tend to watch more TV, while happy people spend more time reading and socializing (Source: https://www.today.com/popculture/some-tv-cure-loneliness-1c9414970). Another study found that older adults who watched more TV experienced less loneliness, suggesting TV serves as a companion in late life when social circles narrow (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9372884/). The characters and hosts on TV can provide a para-social relationship for viewers who lack real-life social connections.
Watching TV mimics social interactions and relationships. Lonely people may feel comforted by the chatter, laughter, and familiar faces of TV shows and characters. The noise and activity can make them feel less alone. However, too much TV has risks including inactivity and missing out on real social connections.
Cats as Social Animals
While cats are often thought of as solitary creatures, research shows that they are actually quite social and form close bonds with other cats as well as humans. In the wild, cats live in colonies and depend on group members for companionship and protection [1]. Domestic cats retain many of these social tendencies and can suffer from loneliness or isolation if left alone for long periods without social interaction [2].
Cats are highly social and form strong attachments to their human families as well as other household pets. They communicate through purring, meowing, scent marking, and body language. When deprived of companionship and social stimulation from humans or other animals, cats can become stressed, anxious, or depressed.
While some indoor cats may prefer solitary time, complete isolation can negatively impact their mental and physical health. Just like humans, cats are social creatures who need social interaction and companionship. Leaving a cat alone for long periods without interaction from humans or other pets can contribute to feelings of loneliness.
Noise as Comfort
Studies have shown that certain sounds and ambient noise can actually help reduce stress in cats. According to research cited on PetMD, cats are comforted by some repetitive or continuous sounds because it provides a consistent sensory stimulus. The sounds mask sudden loud noises like door slams or fireworks that could startle cats and cause high anxiety. Mundane noises like the TV, radio, white noise machine or music are examples of ambient noise that can be soothing for some cats, especially if they live in a noisy environment[1].
The key is to find the right volume and sounds that do not aggravate the cat. The Humane Society also warns that many cats are sensitive to loud volumes, so blasting the TV may cause more stress[2]. It’s best to observe the individual cat’s reactions and adjust the sound accordingly. If the cat appears relaxed, calm and even naps with the TV on, then it is likely providing a comforting, stabilizing effect for them.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/5-things-stress-out-your-cat
[2] https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keeping-your-cat-stress-free
Alternatives to TV
While leaving the TV on provides auditory stimulation, there are other options for keeping cats entertained and less lonely that don’t involve screens. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Provide puzzle feeders or food dispensing toys. These stimulate a cat’s natural hunting instincts and make them “work” for their food. It’s an enriching activity that engages their brain.
Rotate different types of toys to keep things interesting. Try interactive toys that your cat can bat around, like balls with bells, toy mice, or feather wands. Rotate toys so they stay novel and appealing.
Set up a bird feeder outside a window for entertainment. Many cats enjoy watching and listening to birds through the window.
Consider getting a second cat for companionship. Properly introduced cats often become close friends and can provide social interaction.
Spend playtime interacting with your cat daily using wand toys or laser pointers. This social interaction helps fulfill their need for stimulation.
Set up a cat tree or climbing area with different levels, cubbies, and scratching surfaces. This provides mental and physical enrichment.
Use synthetic feline pheromones like Feliway to help induce a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Risks of Leaving TV on
While leaving the TV on can provide cats with stimulation and comfort, too much screen time does come with some risks. According to Space Coast Pet Services, cats should not be left alone with a TV on for more than 4-6 hours per day, as too much passive stimulation can cause anxiety or hyperactivity.
Cats Protection warns that leaving TV screens on when you’re not around means cats may get overstimulated and stressed. This can lead to unwanted behaviors like aggression or destructive scratching. So it’s best not to make a habit of leaving TV on for cats all day.
Veterinarians also caution against allowing kittens or cats under one year of age to watch TV. Their developing brains and vision could be overstimulated. Plus, normal cat behaviors like play and exploration should take precedence at this age.
Moderation is key when leaving TV on for feline companions. Limit viewing time and monitor for signs of anxiety. The risks of excessive screen time do need consideration alongside the potential benefits.
Owner Experiences
Many cat owners report that their cats enjoy watching TV, especially nature shows with birds and other small animals. As social creatures, cats may feel less lonely with the TV on for company. According to an owner interviewed in a Quora post, her two cats love watching TV and will sit enthralled by shows with birds and other animals. She believes the TV helps provide stimulation and entertainment for her cats while she is gone.
Other owners note that some cats are indifferent to TV, while others may be overstimulated or stressed by it. As reported in Newsweek, one owner set up a camera to see what her cat did while home alone. The cat mostly napped and ignored the TV entirely. However, all cats are different, so owners recommend observing how your individual cat responds.
Overall, many owners find the TV provides comfort for cats home alone. But it’s important to monitor your cat’s response and adjust accordingly to their needs and preferences.
Expert Opinion
Veterinarians and animal behaviorists have mixed opinions on whether leaving the TV on is beneficial for cats.
Some experts believe television can provide comfort and companionship for cats, especially senior cats or cats left alone for long periods. The sounds from TV can make a cat feel less isolated. Veterinarian Dr. Katherine Miller says, “Leaving the TV on can really help your pet feel more occupied and secure.” (https://heronscrossing.vet/articles/does-your-senior-cat-really-like-watching-tv/)
However, other experts warn against leaving TV on unattended. Veterinarian Dr. Linda Simon cautions that cats can get overstimulated or stressed by certain images or sounds on TV, which is not ideal for their health and wellbeing. She recommends cat-specific programs or music instead. (https://www.thesprucepets.com/cats-and-tv-553912)
In general, experts advise monitoring your cat’s reactions to assess if TV relaxes them or causes anxiety. Leaving the TV on all day is not recommended, but brief, supervised viewing of calming content may provide enrichment for some cats.
Conclusion
In summary, there is evidence to suggest that leaving the TV on for cats provides them some companionship and comfort. As social creatures, cats seem to enjoy the simulated social interaction and background noise that TV provides. The sounds and moving images can make cats feel less lonely when their owners are away.
However, it’s still best not to leave the TV on all day, every day for cats. Moderation is key, as too much passive TV watching can lead to obesity and behavior issues in cats. Owners should also be mindful of the content, avoiding overstimulating or stressful shows.
The ideal solution is to provide cats enrichment through playtime, cat towers, toys, and interactions with humans and other pets. Leaving the TV on occasionally can supplement, but not replace, real socialization and exercise for cats. Overall, used in moderation, TV can provide some comfort for feline companions home alone.