Some cats become engrossed in the television screen. They seem to be enjoying the program, but what truly captivates them is the movement and the type of images they see. The feline gaze has its visual preferences: they are drawn to scenes featuring birds, fish, or other animals they might hunt. But not all cats like to look at screens, nor is it good for them; in some cases, it can even cause anxiety.
What are the unique characteristics of feline eyes? “They see in different colors because they are dichromatic and perceive shades of blue, green, or yellow, but they perceive reds or pinks as grays,” explains Elisabet González de Chávarri, professor of ethnology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Complutense University of Madrid. “Their visual acuity is lower than that of humans, although their peripheral vision is wide and, at close range, excellent for hunting. But what is most remarkable is their ability to detect rapid movements, which makes them good hunters,” she adds.
The unique way cats look and their personalities shape their interaction with screens. “They are naturally curious and enjoy exploring new things, so for them, looking at these devices is like watching a bird through the window. Not just any image will do, though; it has to awaken their hunting instinct, as if they were in nature,” the expert explains.
So, cat programs must meet several requirements to appeal to them, related to the type of movement, color, and content. “The images must awaken their predatory instinct, with sudden or smooth movements that mimic the behavior of their favorite prey, such as mice, birds, or butterflies,” says González de Chávarri. “Modern televisions have high resolution, with many frames per second, which allows them to capture movement well, which is what attracts their attention. However, with older sets, the images are blurry for them,” the specialist explains. Colors also influence cats’ preferences when watching screens. “They like those with intense and contrasting tones, from the range of blues, yellows, or greens,” she adds.
A cat’s brain is designed to perceive the world with the eyes of a hunter, helping it survive. “It is evolutionarily designed to detect quick, small, and erratic movements. That’s why they are fascinated by nature documentaries or videos created specifically for them (like Cat TV) featuring birds, mice, fish, squirrels, or insects — their usual prey,” explains João Pedro Monteiro, a professor at the Polytechnic and University Cooperative of Gandra (Portugal). He also highlights what about these programs mesmerizes felines: “Their innate predatory sequence is immediately activated: staring, stalking, and preparing to pounce. What truly attracts them is not watching television, but the stimuli the screen projects onto their environment.”
But can this interest in certain programs be useful? “Showing videos of prey is an excellent tool for visual environmental enrichment, especially for cats that don’t go outside, as it prevents boredom,” says Monteiro.
Screen time must though be used correctly to avoid behavioral problems. “Supervision is essential because cats can never physically catch their prey, and without being able to touch or bite it, the cycle isn’t completed, which can lead to frustration and obsession,” warns the specialist. Proper use involves letting the cat watch images for a few minutes and then giving them the opportunity to unleash their hunting instincts with an object. “The viewing sessions can last between five and 10 minutes. Afterward, redirect their attention to a toy for them to actually hunt, and finally, give them a small treat. This way, the hunting cycle is completed naturally,” advises Monteiro.
You also need to consider factors like the volume and placement of the television. “It’s best to keep the sound low, because cats have very good hearing, so avoid sudden noises or abrupt changes in music. Background sounds are also preferable, such as the sound of the sea if aquatic animals appear,” says González de Chávarri. “You should also avoid content with bright flashes or intense light, as these can be stressful. In addition, the television should be securely mounted in case the cat touches the screen,” the expert adds. She offers another piece of advice: “When the cat is alone at home, it’s preferable to leave on programs with relaxing content, specifically designed to reduce anxiety in cats.”
Dogs and screens
Are only cats fans of screens? Dogs are also drawn to certain images, but there are differences. According to Paula Andrea Guerrero, a veterinarian at Universidad de la Salle and director of the Visión Vet clinic in Bogotá, Colombia, cats are ambush predators. “Their brains are designed to detect movement, fix their gaze, dilate their pupils, and stalk, so a screen replicates that trigger without the risk or energy expenditure.” In the case of dogs, they are also drawn to certain images on screens, but less so than cats, and they have different interests. “Dogs are long-distance pursuers. However, cats are more visual; they ambush their prey and make short movements. Therefore, a screen is a scenario that better simulates hunting for them,” she explains. “Dogs detect movement well, but they need their sense of smell to confirm that it is real. Since televisions and tablets don’t smell, they quickly lose interest,” the specialist clarifies. “Furthermore, the more social side of the dog focuses it more on seeking human interaction, while the cat entertains itself.”
Dogs are drawn to images of larger animals. “They like large animals in motion and tend to bark or run to look for them on the screen,” explains González de Chávarri. “Dogs rely much more on their sense of smell and hearing to understand the world, so they often need an auditory stimulus, like a bark or a striking sound, to pay attention,” says Monteiro, while also highlighting the individuality of each animal’s preferences regarding on-screen images: “Interest depends on their experiences, personality, and age. For example, kittens are more playful and more easily attracted to things. Some animals can watch television for hours, while others will never even notice.”
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