Internet Obsessed With Why Cat Feels 'Special' When Watching Film

Newsweek

3 days ago

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A TikTok video featuring a black cat with an unusual TV habit has drawn the attention of social media users, who can't cope with how cute it is.
The clip, shared on Saturday under the username @itsjojiandmochi, shows the black cat, Joji, lounging on his owner's bed, with his eyes locked on the screen, watching the animated series Flow, which follows the adventure of a lookalike cat.
"PSA: this is your sign to have your black cat watch Flow because it makes them feel special," the poster writes in the clip as Joji gets even closer to the TV, following all of the protagonist' movements.
"This is his second time watching it and he stays up to watch it," she adds in the caption.
Joji really seemed to enjoy watching the lookalike animated version of himself on TV, but can cats actually see what's happening on the screen? Science says possibly, though maybe not always.
Some studies have found that felines are able to identify images on TV, but the way they perceive these images in their brain is still unknown.
If you find your cat is staring at the television while it is on, it may be for two reasons: they are either stimulated by what's on; or they are being disturbed by it, says the U.K. charity Cats Protection on its website.
When your feline watches with narrow pupils and ears, and whiskers pointed forward, they may be stimulated by the image on the TV. If their pupils are dilated and their ears flat, it may be a sign that they're stressed by what is on screen.
A Catster article medically reviewed by Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca says that watching TV programs featuring prey animals and linear movement may be beneficial for cats, as it provides enrichment and stimulation.
However, just like with humans, watching too much TV is not healthy, especially when it is used as a substitute for environmental enrichment. Another danger of watching the TV is your cat attacking it, which could cause it to fall on them and get hurt.
A stock image shows a black cat lounging on a bed, watching the TV.
A stock image shows a black cat lounging on a bed, watching the TV.
getty images
The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 552,900 views and 96,200 likes on the platform.
One user, Rae, commented: "This reminds me of when I played Shrek for my orange kitty and he meowed so loud the entire time pussnboots was on screen. He was the best kitty in the world."
Nicorudu said: "My cat LOVED Flow. Could not stop watching and was SO expressive throughout. Amazing movie."
Jameelaamira added: "My black cat has to watch cat TV channels on YT—she loves watching the live feeds of the birds. She'll love this."
Newsweek reached out to @itsjojiandmochi for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case.
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