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Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Internet Obsessed With Why Cat Feels 'Special' When Watching Film
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Cats Protection Dorset: 6 cats looking to find new homes
The Cats Protection charity is highlighting a number of cats who are looking to find new homes from its branches around Dorset. The organisation has a number of branches in the county, including Bournemouth & District, Ferndown, Weymouth & District and Mid Dorset. You can donate to help the charity with its work rehoming and caring for cats at the website here. Big Ginge Big Ginge (Image: Cats Protection) Gender - Male Age - 15 years old Colour - Ginger If you want to adopt Big Ginge you can view their full profile here. Big Ginge is described as a "loving and friendly companion" who enjoys attention and would be happy to join a peaceful home. It's believed he had cat flu in the past, but he's responded well to treatment and just needs eye drops to keep him comfortable. Cats Protection adds: "Big Ginge is looking for a quiet retirement home with a garden to explore, away from busy roads. "He'd prefer to be the only cat, where he can enjoy all the love and attention for himself." Louisa Louisa (Image: Cats Protection) Gender - Female Age - Six years old Colour - Black If you want to adopt Louisa you can view their full profile here. Louisa is described as a "stunning long-haired beauty" who has a soft nature and a loving heart. She may be a little shy at first, especially around sudden noises, but she will open up over time. Cats Protection adds: "This lovely girl thrives in a peaceful environment and would be best suited to a quiet home where she can feel safe and secure." Bracken Bracken (Image: Cats Protection) Gender - Male Age - 15 years old Colour - Black and White If you want to adopt Bracken you can view their full profile here. Bracken is a "friendly lad" who is looking for a special home willing to support him in his twilight years. He has mild 'Luxating Patellas' in his hind legs, so will need Loxicom added to his food once a day to help support him. Cats Protection says that Bracken will make a "delightful companion" for an adult-only home or one with older children (over the age of 10). With the right introductions and enough space, he may also be willing to live with a cat-friendly dog, as he has done so previously. Kitty Kitty (Image: Cats Protection) Gender - Female Age - 12 years old Colour - Tabby If you want to adopt Kitty you can view their full profile here. Kitty is described as a "charming lady" who is a "nice mix of sociable and independent". She is happy to be stroked and also doesn't mind being brushed gently. Kitty would best suit an adult-only home or one with older children (over the age of 12). Recommended reading: Jasper and Misty Jasper and Misty (Image: Cats Protection) Gender - Male (Jasper) and Female (Misty) Age - 11 years old (both cats) Colour - Ginger and White (Jasper) and Grey and White (Misty) If you want to adopt Jasper and Misty you can view their full profile here and here. Jasper and Misty are two cats who share a strong bond and they're looking to find a home together. Misty is playful and affectionate, and Jasper is similar in temperament. Despite losing his right eye, Jasper's personality hasn't changed, as he still enjoys playing with a lot of enthusiasm. They would both love a quiet home with a garden to explore, away from busy roads.
The Guardian
21-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
‘It's better for them than being in a cage!' Why are cat cafes suddenly so controversial?
It's just gone 3pm on a sunny Wednesday in Norwich, and the mid-afternoon, midweek slump is hitting hard at the cafe on Dereham Road. Almost everyone here is asleep – before they're roused by the rattle of the Dreamies tub, that is. The Cat House, which opened nearly two years ago, is the city's first cat cafe. From Wednesday to Sunday, for a cover charge of £10, punters can spend 60 minutes (or £13 for 90 minutes) enjoying feline company over a beverage and a snack. There are a few people already here – as well as the 20 resident cats dotted around the spacious converted building. They're curled up above eye level in cat trees, hunkering in boxes and tunnels, weaving in between the table legs. The visitors hover respectfully in their orbit, hoping to be favoured by their attention. From the hushed voices, sound of the water fountain, and nature scenes playing on the TV, the Cat House resembles a library more than a cafe. There's no clue to the controversy about whether it should be in operation at all. Two months ago, the RSPCA and Cats Protection made a joint call for cat cafes to be phased out, saying that it was 'almost impossible' for them to guarantee the animals' welfare. Once a novelty, the concept has become relatively common in the UK, and not just in big cities. According to a freedom of information request lodged by the RSPCA and Cats Protection, there are 32 cat cafes licensed across England (and none in Wales). With 44% of those licences granted in the last financial year, their number may be set to rise further. Not all areas require licences, meaning the charities also suspect more are operating without any oversight. The sudden increase in cat cafes has led both organisations to take a joint stand, calling on local authorities to decline applications for new licences and not renew existing ones. Alice Potter, a senior scientific officer and cat welfare expert with the RSPCA, says the organisation is not solely motivated by the lack of regulation, or the risk of unscrupulous operators. Key to its concerns is the potential for stress from the confined environment, exacerbated by the presence of other cats as well as customers. Though Potter acknowledges that practices 'vary greatly' between establishments, there's no getting around those fundamental challenges, she says. 'Cats are just not built to live in cafes … There's only so much space and freedom they can give.' For cat cafe proprietors, however, the campaign lacks crucial nuance – and seemed to come out of nowhere. 'I was shocked, to be honest,' says Tasmin Hirst, co-owner of the Bad Cat Cafe and Rescue in Wallsend, North Tyneside. She started a petition calling on the RSPCA and Cats Protection to distinguish between commercial cat cafes, run for profit, and those that operate primarily as rescues. It now has nearly 19,000 signatures. Her own venture is intentionally small-scale, home to only eight cats at once, with the aim of finding them permanent homes. When we speak, the cafe has only six felines after two were rehomed the previous day. It is barely even a cafe, Hirst says: 'Ours is run more like a shelter, where we sell food and drink to raise funds for the cats.' The venue's name is tongue-in-cheek, she explains, intended as a playful way of managing customers' expectations should the cats not be forthcoming. Most of the new arrivals come from local shelters that are at capacity, or owners who are forced to relinquish their pets. Hirst says the cafe is also typically able to take bonded pairs or small groups, which shelters might have to split up. 'We quite often take in cats that the RSPCA and Cats Protection have said no to,' she adds, noting the irony. The cats that don't like or aren't suited to the environment are placed locally in foster homes – but 'being in the cafe is a lot better for them than being in a cage', she says. For prospective owners, too, it's a more relaxed way of meeting potential new pets. 'We get to know them so well, we can identify suitable homes … and there's a bit more peace of mind, because we say we'll take the cat back if there's a problem.' She estimates that cats are with the cafe for eight weeks on average – and that, in two-and-a-half years, the Bad Cat Cafe has helped 150 felines into new homes. Hirst has concerns about more commercial operations, and licensing. 'We get the same licence as pet shops used to get, when obviously it's a different concept. I'm not against more regulation, or inspections.' But she worries that the criticism from the RSPCA and Cats Protection, 'unfairly … lumping all cat cafes as one entity', will negatively affect her operation. A few days before our call, the cafe's window was keyed. 'It could just be kids – it was the school holidays – but equally it could be someone who'd heard that cat cafes are bad,' Hirst says. 'People do still listen to the RSPCA and Cats Protection, especially older generations – I don't like how it's going to affect the public's perception of us.' Some may still be catching up on the concept of cat cafes altogether. According to the BBC, the first cat cafe opened in 1998 in Taipei, Taiwan, with just five street cats. When the idea reached Japan in the early 00s, it took off with young professionals prevented by small apartments and strict leases from having pets of their own. Vice reported that 79 cat cafes opened across Japan from 2005 to 2010. Four years later, a pop-up cat cafe opened in New York as a marketing stunt by the pet food brand Purina One – then, in 2015, 'cat cafe' was added to the online Oxford Dictionary. Their steady spread – through the US, UK, Middle East and Europe – coincided with the rise of social media, placing a new premium on novelty, visual spectacle and 'experiences' to post to Instagram. Cat cafes often draw in punters with exotic breeds, photogenic backdrops – and the promise of a photo op. 'While the majority of those who own, work in or visit cat cafes undoubtedly care for the animals, the sad reality is these spaces could be putting people's enjoyment before the welfare of the cats,' says Elizabeth Mullineaux, president of the British Veterinary Association, which supports regulation. Lucy Hoile, a feline behaviourist, agrees that they are rarely 'an ideal environment' for cats and their complex social needs. The perception of them as antisocial loners isn't quite accurate: they can form strong bonds and social groups, but ideally, 'they'd have that freedom to avoid each other, if they want to', Hoile says. 'And the nature of a cat cafe doesn't really give them that opportunity.' The best-case scenario, Hoile suggests, would be a venue built around a 'well-established, stable group of cats who really love each other' – but that is not what she has observed at the handful she's visited as a punter. 'There's a lot of cats that are just making do,' she says. 'They're not attacking people or having huge fights … but there's lots of subtle stress signals you can see, like hiding away and pretending to sleep.' That stress will make them more susceptible to illness as well as unhappy, says Hoile – but the signs aren't always easy to spot, even for experienced cat owners. She is sympathetic to those cafe proprietors who are motivated to help and celebrate cats. 'It must be so difficult to find the right combination of cats, and to set that up for success,' she says. Sarah Price, owner-manager of the Cat House in Norwich, believes she's managed it with her resident group of 20. To see them, lined up together for treats, it's hard to believe that they're all the same species. There's Romeo, an enormous blue-grey maine coon with a lion-like face, whose ears nearly reach knee height. Khamoon, the hairless sphynx, with piercing grey-blue eyes and skin that feels like suede. Augustus Le-Blanc, AKA Gus, a creamy-orange ragdoll who is described as 'nice but dim'. None of the 20 are available for adoption – but Price laughs off the suggestion that that makes the Cat House a primarily commercial venture. 'Business is secondary,' she says, over a mug of tea that reads BEST CAT MOM EVER. 'I do it for the love of cats.' We're seated on the outdoor 'catio', under the observation, from the highest rung of the nearby cat tree, of Lily the Lykoi (or 'werewolf cat', for their somewhat moth-eaten appearance. Nonetheless, she is not without charm). Though Price often highlights cats needing new homes on the Cat House's social media pages, she says she would 'never consider' rehoming directly from the cafe: Today's group has been assembled carefully over time, mostly as kittens, which fit in easier than older cats, Price says. Even so, three have been rehomed because they weren't a personality match, or otherwise disrupted the balance. One, a 10-week-old kitten named Obi, went home with Price, joining her family pets, after he took to haranguing Nellie, Dot and Pearl, a trio of jet-black sisters. 'We took him out of the mix, and everything went back to normal.' Prior to the pandemic, Price worked in care homes, running music workshops. She imagined the Cat House as a sort of community arts centre, with resident cats – reflected now in its regular programming of art classes and craft workshops, all cat-themed. In late 2021, over a five-day road trip, Price visited 10 cat cafes and 'learned that I didn't want to do what they were doing'. Some were on high streets or in shopping centres, with no outdoor access and continual disruption from passersby; others seemed to prioritise the cafe above the cats, serving proper meals, not just snacks. It was clear that many cats weren't thriving, Price says. 'There were lots that were very timid and really didn't want to be touched. You know when you go to stroke a cat, and they arch their back away? A lot of that was happening.' The Cat House opened in August 2023, after a long search for a sufficiently spacious, one-storey venue off the high street. Ensuring peace and harmony on the premises is a constant process of observation and adaptation, Price says. Each cat receives daily grooming, a weekly health check and monthly weighing, meaning there are regular opportunities to check for concerns, signs of stress or changes in mood. There is also extensive record-keeping to ensure consistency and communication across staffing changes – including a 20-point checklist for each cat. 'We write down any incidents – such as: 'Roxy growled at Pearl' – because it's important,' says Price. There are rules for customers, too – chief among them, no feeding the cats or picking them up. The free-form 'lounge sessions' are restricted to ages 10-plus, and 20 customers at a time, but there are regular supervised 'cat awareness sessions' for younger children to learn how to respectfully interact with cats. Price says she 'wasn't worried' by the RSPCA and Cats Protection report. She too has noticed the rapid, recent increase in cat cafes, even in Norfolk, and believes that some would be best shuttered. 'But I just think it needs to be monitored more.' Presently only some local authorities in England and Wales require cat cafes to be licensed and regularly inspected. Those that do tend to use regulations more typically applied to dog breeders, dog daycare and boarding kennels and catteries – so considerations specific to cat cafes can be lost. Instead of phasing them out, Price says a point-based system could be created to prevent them from being opened in high-density areas, to cap cat numbers and account for beneficial factors such as outdoor access and environmental enrichment. 'How much space have you got per cat? ... How big is your building? Can they climb?' says Price. Cat cafes could also be reimagined as add-ons to shelters or sanctuaries. But for the RSPCA and Cats Protection, the concept is not worth fighting for. They are urging the UK and Welsh governments to identify and stop all activities 'that negatively affect the welfare of animals' as part of their review of licensing activities later this year. (Cats Protection has also specifically requested an end to 'cat yoga'.) Potter points to the disagreement, even among cat cafe owners, over which approach is better for welfare – those with resident cats, or those that rehome them. 'There are issues on both sides,' Potter says, 'which is why we don't think cat cafes are suitable for cats, full stop.' It may be possible to design and operate a venue that consistently meets all animals' welfare needs, 'but I think it's very unlikely', she says. Hoile agrees. 'We should be aiming for the best, for every cat … and it's a hugely complicated area to get right, if we do stick with it.' There's perhaps a fundamental tension, she suggests, between cats' needs for escape routes, hiding places and plenty of space, and customers' expectations of coffee with a side of cuddles. 'You wouldn't pay to go to a cat cafe and leave without seeing a cat.'
Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Nation's favourite pet decided as ownership grows rapidly among men and Gen Z
The nation's favourite pet has been revealed as pet shop retailers have noticed a shift in pet owners' buying habits - and celebrities have influenced the surge in the furry friends Having a pet can bring so much joy to people's lives - and now the most common pet has been revealed. While it's a personal choice if you're more of a cat or a dog person, or even a hamster or rabbit lover, the nation's most beloved animal has rapidly grown. With celebrities paving the way for their adoration of the felines, a rise in cat owners has emerged with Gen Z, according to the latest sales data from Jollyes, one of Britain's biggest pet care retailers. The retailer revealed they have seen a "rapid" increase in cat-related purchases, and believe the rate of growth means the number of cats in the UK will overtake the number of dogs in the next two years. The data also suggests that the number of transactions made in their stores from the cat range is now nearly a third higher than the dogs. The demand skyrocketed around a year and a half ago. There are an estimated 13.5 million dogs owned across 36 per cent of UK households, compared to 12.5 million cats owned across 29 per cent of households. However, Jollyes believes the popularity of cats among younger people will mean an overtake in numbers. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus frequently post their furry friends online, which could be a reason for the surge in popularity. Taylor owns three cats, who have all featured in her social media posts and interviews, with one even appearing in her music videos and adverts. It's believed that younger people opt for cats over dogs due to the "personality and convenience of cats", according to Jollyes. With ownership among 18 to 34-year-olds rising "dramatically" in recent years. It reported that 41 per cent of Gen Z now share their home with at least one cat. However, men have also shifted from dogs to cats, and the pet chain found that a quarter of men now live with a cat, an almost identical proportion to women. Celebrities such as Bob Mortimer, Ricky Gervais, and Dermot O'Leary have shared candid snaps of their cats and are doing work to help protect cats. Bob, who owns two cats, previously collaborated with the Cats Protection charity to give rescue cats whimsical names, such as 'DJ Loveham' and 'Lacey Bedspread', to help their adoption. In response to the growing demand for cat products, Jollyes is expanding its cat range, and it believes the drive in popularity may be down to a preference for the ease of looking after cats compared to dogs.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Cat Hates It When Owner Works on Computer, What He Does Next Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A cat has left the internet in stitches for how she assists her owner with his homework. Dolores (@dolorescmge) shared how her cat shuns her boyfriend when he studies, so he has found a solution. The video garnered 57,600 views and 3,628 likes on TikTok. "Our kitty doesn't like it when he does homework so to make her feel better he splits the screen and puts on mice for her to watch," she wrote as the text overlaying the video of his cat watching videos of mice whilst he does his work. The clip shows the white and gray cat completely captivated by her side of the screen, allowing her human to focus on the other. @dolorescmge whenever she's done she sits in front of the monitor to let him know that he is also done ♬ Western Music: Arizona Dreaming - Piero Piccioni "Whenever she's done she sits in front of the monitor to let him know that he is also done," she captioned the video. While it may seem like a quirky trick, it actually aligns with what experts know about cats and screens. According to Cats Protection, cats can indeed see images on television, although they may perceive the visuals differently from humans. Their eyes are more sensitive to movement, so fast-moving visuals—like scurrying mice—are particularly engaging. Purina adds that many cats enjoy watching videos that feature prey-like animals such as birds, fish, and rodents. It stimulates their hunting instincts and keeps them mentally enriched—especially for indoor cats. Cats may follow their owners around or want to stay close by because they feel secure in their presence. According to Cats Protection, this behavior can be a sign of affection and trust. While cats are often seen as independent creatures, many form strong social bonds and enjoy companionship—just on their own terms. Sitting nearby or watching attentively from a distance is their way of being involved and showing they feel safe and content around you. A stock image of a cat looking at a screen. A stock image of a cat looking at a screen. cbglp2/iStock / Getty Images Plus TikTokers were quick to show their appreciation for the thoughtful workaround. "They are both keepers! Bravo," said one user. "Awww green flag guy," said Nicole, while Fleur said: "Most wholesome video of today." "Genius idea," said another user. "Omg," said Ivana. Newsweek reached out to @dolorescmge for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
