Watching Cat TV: Visual Stimulation Effects Outweigh Emotional Stability

Information has been released regarding whether a cat's reaction to moving objects on a screen leads to emotional stability. In a video uploaded to the YouTube channel 'Nyangshin TV', veterinarian Na Eung-sik explained the reactions cats show when watching TV videos, the correct way to watch them, and the impact of videos on a cat's psychology.

Cats' Reactions to Colors and Movement

According to veterinarian Na Eung-sik, cats can distinguish colors, but they do not distinguish the differences between red, green, and blue as richly as humans do. While they can distinguish between blue-toned and yellow-green-toned colors, the difference between red and green is less distinct. He stated that while a seal in the Netflix video 'Sillugi' might attract a cat's attention because it is blue, there are no research results suggesting that specific colors calm cats down.

The key element in a cat's reaction to a video lies in 'movement' rather than color. Cats have highly developed dynamic vision, making them sensitive to scenes where small objects move, such as a bird hopping or a fish swimming. According to a 2008 study by Ellis and Wells, shelter cats showed more attention to videos of moving animals like birds or fish, or a rolling billiard ball, than to a turned-off TV screen. However, interest in the video tended to be high for the first hour and gradually decreased over the following two hours.

Why Video Watching Is Not Directly Linked to Emotional Stability

Just because a cat is staring at a screen does not necessarily mean it is in an emotionally comfortable state. Na Eung-sik explained that a cat focusing on a screen might be in an 'aroused state' where curiosity or interest in hunting has increased, rather than being in a state of rest. He specified that there is insufficient research evidence to conclude that videos directly reduce a cat's stress or provide pleasure.

Therefore, when a cat watches a screen, one should not simply look at the act of staring but observe the reaction of the entire body. If the ears and clavicle are pointed forward and the cat follows the object, it may be in a state of heightened interest; conversely, if the ears are flattened or the body is lowered to avoid the screen, it may be a signal that the video feels overwhelming or scary. It is not recommended to forcibly bring a cat in front of the screen if it does not wish to watch.

How to Use TV When Going Out and Appropriate Viewing Time

It is not necessary to leave the TV on for a cat when leaving the house. A safe place to rest, water, a litter box, and toys should take priority, and the TV should be used as one of the options for providing visual stimulation. Rather than leaving it on for a long time from the start, Na Eung-sik recommended showing it for about 10 to 15 minutes while with the owner to check the reaction. If the cat is not uncomfortable, one can try playing it for a short period of 20 to 30 minutes using a timer when going out.

When watching videos, it is advisable to avoid videos where the sound suddenly becomes loud and to set it to mute or low volume. Additionally, care should be taken to ensure that unwanted videos do not appear due to autoplay or that advertisements do not continue, and the TV should be secured so that it does not fall if the cat hits the screen. It was emphasized that videos are merely a means to induce interest, and it is important to provide play that leads to actual behavior.