Cat TV Can Help—Or Hurt. Here’s How to Get It Right

Physical and mental stimulation are both important for keeping your cat happy and healthy. To meet some of these needs, many pet parents are turning to “cat TV,” or videos designed specifically to entertain felines. But is cat TV beneficial for your pet? Or is it a potentially harmful gimmick?

Experts say cat TV is generally good for cats. But there are some considerations to keep in mind before you hit play—here’s what to know.

What Is Cat TV?

Often found on platforms like YouTube, cat TV typically features real or animated birds, fish, squirrels, and other critters. These videos are created to capture your cat’s attention and provide mental stimulation, and many pet parents report that they do just that.

Why Do Cats Like Cat TV?

It’s no surprise that some cats like to engage with screens, as they tend to be attracted to movement, according to cat behaviorist and trainer Rita Reimers.

“Sports are also particularly interesting to them, since there is a lot of motion,” Reimers says.

Your pet may also enjoy cat TV because it activates her prey drive and taps into her natural hunting instincts, says Jessica Sewell, CVT and director of career progression at VCA Animal Hospitals.

The Pros and Cons of Cat TV

Pros

Watching cat TV can be a positive experience for cats for several reasons.

When they’re feeling bored or lonely, some cats act out and exhibit destructive behaviors like scratching and overgrooming. Cat TV can help prevent some of these issues by providing a much-needed dose of enrichment, Sewell says. It can be an especially helpful source of stimulation for indoor cats, older kitties, or those with limited mobility, she adds.

Watching TV can also be soothing to some cats, especially if they’re anxious or prone to overstimulation from real-world sights and sounds, Sewell adds. And if you have to step away for a while, cat TV can be a calming distraction until you return.

“A silent house can be scary for cats and make them hypersensitive to noises,” Reimers says. “Think about when you are home alone. If the house is silent, every little noise might get your attention and get your heart racing.” 

Cons

However, there may be drawbacks to cat TV. Some cats may become frustrated when they can’t physically “catch” the animals they see on the screen, Sewell says. Cats that do try to nab the critters they see may pounce or paw—behaviors that could damage your device or potentially injure your pet.

In addition, fast-moving visuals and loud noises can be too much for some cats. Cat TV may cause some kitties to become overstimulated, which could lead to agitated behaviors like pacing. “Not all cats enjoy visual stimulation,” Sewell says.

Best Practices for Using Cat TV

If you’re curious about cat TV and want to try it out with your pet, keep these best practices in mind.

Limit Your Cat’s Screen Time

Remember that cat TV is not a substitute for playtime and exercise. “Playtime is bonding,” says Reimers. “Plus, it gives pet cats a chance to run out all the bottled-up energy that cats in nature use for hunting.”

Just like humans, cats need limits on screen time. Reimers recommends keeping cat TV sessions to an hour or less.

Keep It Fresh

For cats, variety is the spice of life. Think of cat TV as just one tool in your toolbox—along with toys, window perches, scratching posts, training, leashed walks, and other activities. “Cats need a variety of things that stimulate them and give them something to focus on,” says Reimers.

Always monitor your pet while she’s watching cat TV. If she doesn’t seem to be interested or she’s not enjoying the experience, turn the video off. “Some cats love it, others ignore it,” says Sewell. “As with any enrichment, it’s all about knowing your cat.”

Make Sure Your Cat Stays Safe

Make sure your TV is firmly secured. “Use wall-mounted TVs or stands that won’t tip if your cat jumps or swats at the screen,” says Sewell.

Reimers recommends avoiding videos with mice and squirrels, as these creatures might send your cat’s prey drive into overdrive and cause her to become aggravated. She also suggests avoiding videos with realistic sounds for the same reason. “It’s a good idea to stick to the videos that use calming music,” she says. “Birds and fish tanks are popular with my cats.”

Follow Up With a Hunt

Once you’re done with the cat TV for the day, break out a wand toy to let your cat “succeed” in a hunting conquest, says Sewell.

The Final Say on Cat TV

Experts say cat TV is generally beneficial as part of a balanced enrichment plan, especially for indoor cats. “The key is observing your cat’s reactions and using it to supplement—not replace—real interaction and physical play,” says Sewell.