Here are five awesome video channels for cats featuring everything from wildlife to a laser pointer (2024)

FAQs

What do cats see with a laser pointer? ›

The reason cats love laser pointers in the first place is that the quick movements of the dot of light mimic the motions of a living creature. According to Psychology Today, "cats chase the laser pointer's dot of light because it changes direction and speed. Cats see the moving dot as alive and worth catching."

Laser light play alone, however, does not allow cats to complete the hunting sequence; cats cannot 'catch' the prey. It has been suggested that this might trigger frustration and stress, both of which can contribute to compulsive behaviors.

Cat Box TV is TV for cats. When your cat is home alone, this channel will keep him or her company with fish, birds, other cats and wildlife.

According to John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB, the problem with laser pointers is that they lack an endpoint. Nothing is ever physically caught. Even if the cat is “successful,” there's no reward. Such pointless play, says Dr. Ciribassi, can cause some cats to develop a compulsive disorder.

You may have heard that laser pointers aren't safe for cats. As it turns out, laser pointers can be a good form of exercise and mental stimulation for cats and kittens. Just be sure you are using the laser in a way that benefits your cat instead of teasing, stressing, or frustrating them.

If it were possible, the cat might even bring the laser dot to you after they killed it as a way of showing its affection for you and to show off their great skills. Cats are acting purely on instinct and not able to tell it is a projection of light. To cats, lasers appear as more than a red light on the carpet.

It's undeniable that cats simply love to play with a laser light toy. It doesn't matter whether it's a green laser, or red laser, or any other color light, they just can't get enough. Once they focus on that laser dot, nothing else seems to matter.

After your cat has run after the laser pointer for a while, you can switch to playing with a physical toy. We like toys attached to a fishing rod because you can use them to mimic the erratic movements of the laser pointer.

In the U.S., it is legal under federal law to own a laser of any power. But often people talk about “illegal laser pointers”. This is somewhat confusing shorthand meaning that the manufacturer or seller illegally called a laser above 5 milliwatts a “pointer”, or illegally promoted it for pointing purposes.

You can keep your cat active by providing toys like a cat tree, a brain game or open cardboard boxes which can provide your cat with a daily dose of fun. To make them feel less alone, simply leaving the TV on for background noise or using a pheromone plug-in can help your cat to stay calm.

What type of videos do cats like? ›

“Cats like to watch birds, rodents, and other animals,” Dodman says, but noted that “they're more interested in what's going on outside in the real world,” not on a screen.

Some cats may show interest in programming that features other cats, although researchers have not yet determined whether cats visually recognize other cats, or even themselves.

Laser pointers can be great for helping cats lose weight and mental stimulation. They can also help cats learn to play with each other while building their confidence. Housecats can often lead a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to boredom, obesity, and aggression towards their housemates and humans.

As a result, laser lights can create more frustration, which is why it is not recommended for overstimulated cats.

As is the case with humans, lasers are generally safe for cats so long as its beam isn't pointed directly into the animal's eyes, which may lead to damage of the retinas, says Krista Miller, DVM, veterinarian at Thrive Affordable Vet Care, Baton Rouge.

Why do cats chatter at laser pointers? Chattering at laser pointers is usually due to frustration-provoking play. An element of irritation can develop if your cat is unable to catch the 'prey' and manipulate it.

Laser Pointer Syndrome is a condition that results in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) behavior. Laser Pointer Syndrome causes a dog to quickly become frustrated because they're unable to achieve the target. A dog will become SO fixated on 'the catch' that nothing else matters.

What is about earwax that some cats get so excited about? Cats like earwax because it contains protein, which smells appetizing to them.