01-05-2025
How Cat Spends Time on Bed Rest After Surgery Melts Hearts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Have you ever wondered what a cat might do while recovering from surgery? Well, it turns out they spend their time doing something very similar to what humans would do—binge-watch TV.
The clip, shared by his doting owner Marquita from Cincinnati, Ohio, has racked up over half a million views on TikTok (@marquitalarissa). It shows an orange cat wearing a post-surgery suit covering his torso after his second hernia surgery. While resting, he has found a new love for the animated movie The Secret Life of Pets.
Hernias in cats are rare but can occur, typically due to trauma or congenital defects (present from birth), according to pet food company Purina. They result from muscle damage or abnormalities that allow internal organs or tissue to protrude.
In the comments, Marquita told one user that she thinks his hernia returned because he was "too active during recovery when he should have been resting!"
Newsweek reached out to @marquitalarissa for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
This time, it looks like he has understood the assignment, as the caption states he's probably watched the movie 10 times. It seems he isn't bored of it as he lies on his bed wrapped up in a blanket, earning 126,100 likes.
But life hasn't always been comfortable for Jack, who was found with his brother—now named X—in a parking lot. Another video shared by Marquita states they were "dumped, starved and freezing."
A stock image of orange cat in post-operative bandage lying on sofa with its belly up.
A stock image of orange cat in post-operative bandage lying on sofa with its belly up.
Tat'yana Andreyeva/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Today, they lead a different life with their loving owner at their beck and call. So much so, their owner, who is a single mom, has moved to a larger apartment to cater to their needs. She notes in another video tour of the property that it will cost an extra $400.
But judging by the countless videos about the duo, who appear to be inseparable, they're worth every cent. Not only have they stolen Marquita's heart, but the internet's too.
"Aww sick day in his jammies on the couch with a movie," resonated one commenter, with over 20,000 likes.
"I wish my cat did this. he doesnt even understand the concept of a screen," said another user, and Marquita replied, "Jack's an iPad kid."
Other users have commented to share what their feline's favorite animation is too—but can cats see TV?
Hill's Pet Food Company states they "sort of" can. Vision is a primary source of television engagement, so when you wonder if cats can see television, it's helpful to think about how their eyes work. The way in which cats see the world begins when light hits the retina. The two main photoreceptor cells in the retina, cones and rods, transfer the light into electric signals. These electric signals are sent to the brain, allowing cats to "see" the images in front of them.
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.
