Introduction
Cats are beloved pets in many households across the world. With the rise of online cat videos, owners now have an endless supply of feline footage to show their furry friends. But is gathering the family cat around the screen to watch playful kittens and cats doing silly stunts actually enjoyable for them? Or could it cause stress and overstimulation?
In this article, we’ll explore the research behind cats’ reactions to videos, including potential benefits and risks. We’ll provide guidelines on the type and amount of cat videos that may be enriching for your pet. You’ll also learn how to tell if your cat is really interested in what’s happening on screen. While videos can be a fun form of enrichment, they shouldn’t replace actual playtime and interaction. We’ll suggest alternative activities to try instead.
Popularity of Cat Videos
Cat videos are immensely popular online, especially on platforms like YouTube. According to Wikipedia, in 2015 there were over 2 million cat videos on YouTube, with an average of 12,000 views each – a higher average than any other category of YouTube content (Source). The popularity of cat videos reflects the widespread appeal of cats and cat-related content in internet culture. Treehugger notes that cats rule the internet because cat people inhabit the internet in large numbers. Cat videos allow cat lovers to share and enjoy cat-related content. Given that cats are the most popular pet in the United States, their ubiquity online is no surprise. From funny cat fails to cute kittens, cat videos have become an integral part of internet culture and content.
Do Cats Enjoy Watching Cat Videos?
Studies have shown that cats may actually enjoy watching videos of other cats. In 2015, Indiana University researchers conducted a study where they measured cats’ responses and engagement while watching cat videos. They monitored the cats’ heart rate, pupil dilation, ear and head movements and behavioral reactions. The results showed increased energetic arousal, positive emotions and engagement when cats viewed cat videos compared to videos of fish or landscapes.
The researchers theorized several reasons why cats may enjoy cat videos:
- They find the content stimulating and intriguing.
- Watching other cats satisfies their curiosity.
- The videos allow them to virtually interact with other cats.
- It acts as a form of cat TV entertainment.
Overall, the evidence indicates cats are attracted to and captivated by videos of fellow felines. It provides them mental stimulation and enjoyment.
Benefits of Showing Cats Videos
Watching videos can provide mental stimulation for cats, keeping their minds active and engaged. Viewing moving images on a screen taps into feline predatory instincts and provides cats with an outlet for these natural behaviors indoors. Many experts believe that activities like watching videos can enrich the lives of indoor cats and prevent boredom or frustration.
For pet parents, sharing videos with cats can be a fun way to bond. Cats who snuggle up with their owners to watch videos together may strengthen their social connection and attachment. Video time can provide owners quality time to interact in a positive way with their cat.
According to research from Raleigh NCVET, watching cat videos can elevate people’s mood, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and bring feelings of happiness and connection. For both cats and humans, viewing cat videos can have measurable mental and physical benefits.
Risks of Overexposure
While cat videos can provide enrichment, there are some risks associated with overexposure.
One risk is boredom. Cats require variety and novelty in their environments. According to a 2022 article in Mint Lounge, cats can get bored with too much screen time, just like humans can.[1] Constantly showing a cat the same videos may not engage their interest for long.
Another risk is overstimulation. A 2015 study in Science Direct found that the internet can foster negative outcomes in cats linked to overuse.[2] Too many videos may visually overstimulate a cat, causing stress. Moderation is key.
Guidelines for Showing Cat Videos
When showing cat videos to your feline friend, it’s important to follow some guidelines around frequency and length of viewing sessions. According to this source, a good guideline is to limit screen time to no more than 30-60 minutes per day for cats. It’s also a good idea to provide other forms of enrichment between video sessions, like play time, cat trees/scratchers, and treats.
Try to break up video watching into multiple shorter sessions instead of one long session. For example, two 15-30 minute sessions per day is better than one hour straight. Take notice of your cat’s interest level – if they lose interest, it’s fine to stop the video early. Additionally, according to experts, the best videos for cats are those under 5 minutes long featuring birds, mice, fish and squirrels.
Types of Videos Cats Enjoy
There are certain types of videos that are known to captivate cats’ interest and attention. According to Purina[1], cats are attracted to movements that mimic those of their natural prey, like birds and fish. Therefore, videos showing birds and fish in active motion can keep your cat entertained for some time. Cats also seem fascinated by other cats, so videos showing other cats hunting, playing or engaging in intriguing behaviors can capture your cat’s attention as well.
Some specific types of videos cats tend to respond positively to are:
- Bird feeder live streams showing active birds
- Underwater scenes with fish swimming
- Compilations of cats being silly or curious
The key is to find videos with quick movements, animals exhibiting natural behaviors, and minimal cuts or CGI effects. The more life-like the video, the more intriguing it will be for your cat! Select videos that show animals and environments your indoor cat doesn’t get to experience firsthand.
[1] https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/behaviour/common-questions/videos-for-cats
Signs Your Cat Enjoys Videos
There are a few clear signs your cat is actively engaged with and enjoying cat videos you play for them. These include:
Body language like a relaxed, attentive posture with ears perked up, eyes wide, and tail curled around their feet shows engagement. Cats may follow movement on the screen by turning their head. Purring, chirping, or trilling sounds can indicate happiness.
Playful behaviors like pouncing, batting, or attacking the screen suggests they may think real prey is present. Kneading while watching intently is a sign of contentment. If your cat tries to sniff behind the screen or TV, they likely believe the images and sounds are real.
Increased activity levels and energy during and after viewing, and coming readily when you start a video can show eagerness. However, signs like hiding, aggression, urinating, or fleeing the room may indicate fear or overstimulation.
Overall, an attentive, stimulated cat that interacts with the screen and stays to watch likely finds cat videos enriching and enjoyable when played in moderation.
Alternatives to Videos
While cat videos can provide enrichment, relying too heavily on screen time can be problematic. There are many other ways to engage your cat’s natural instincts and provide mental stimulation.
Focus on providing physical and interactive toys that allow your cat to express natural behaviors like pouncing, scratching, hiding, and chasing. Good options include puzzle feeders, treat balls, scratching posts, cat towers, and interactive wand toys. Rotate different toys to keep things interesting and appealing.
Another excellent form of enrichment is providing opportunities for your cat to look out windows or access outdoor spaces like patios or catios. Outdoor access allows them to watch birds and other wildlife. You can also set up bird feeders outside windows.
Consider using food for enrichment by hiding treats around the home for your cat to hunt and forage. Praise them for successes to make it rewarding. Food puzzles and maze feeders also encourage natural hunting behaviors.
Finally, the best enrichment is quality playtime with human companions. Interactive play stimulates your cat mentally and physically. Set aside 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day for play with wand toys, laser pointers, or fetch. This bonding time is enriching for both cat and human.
With a little creativity, there are ample alternatives to videos that provide cats with enriching mental and physical stimulation.
Conclusion
Despite their sleepy reputations, cats can enjoy watching videos made for their fellow felines. While there are some benefits to playing these videos for your cat, moderation is key. Limit viewing sessions to no more than 15-30 minutes per day. Look for signs of overstimulation or stress, like dilated pupils or panting. Videos should enrich your cat’s environment, not overwhelm them. The best cat videos feature prey animals, birds, fish, or other cats exhibiting natural behaviors at a realistic pace. Slow-moving videos or those with familiar objects, places, and sounds are ideal. Videos should never replace vital human-feline bonding and playtime. With mindful moderation and supervision, cat videos can provide harmless entertainment and cognitive stimulation for our feline friends.
The key is finding the right balance based on your individual cat’s personality and preferences. Pay close attention to their reactions. If videos are enhancing their enrichment and engagement in moderation, then it’s perfectly fine to let cats watch cat videos!