Cats and Video Chats: Why Doesn't Clutch React to the Computer?

Hi, I'm Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.

Let’s face it, video calls were one of the best technological advancements of the last century. Working from home has taken on a whole new look, and for people like me who live half a world away from friends and family, it has allowed us to be right there in the room, even when you’re on the other side of the planet. I try to get a video call in with my parents once a week, although it can get a little tricky with the time difference. My schedule isn’t too bad, but as my Dad likes to say, “retirement is a full-time job.”

Apart from my Dad’s sharp wit, one thing I can always rely on during our weekly video chats is that Mum will try to talk to the cats. Usually, it’s Clutch, because he’s always hanging around downstairs with the dogs. Despite the fact that Clutch has never – not once in 10 years – given the slightest reaction to her waving, calling his name, and insistent calls of “puss, puss, puss,” she is completely undeterred. And in case you’re thinking that he might have some sort of personal vendetta against my mother, he is equally rude to anyone who tries to get his attention through the computer screen.

Screen Blind?

Clutch’s unwavering ignorance of this particular mode of communication got me wondering - is he somehow blind and deaf to digital images and sounds? Obviously, I had some experimenting to do. Naturally, I am completely opposed to testing on animals, but in this case, exposing my cat to a range of sights and sounds on the laptop and television screen seems pretty harmless!

Side by side, Clutch and Cyril both came running when called. However, when I played a recording of me calling them, I got nothing. Nada. But then I play one of those wildlife videos on YouTube that are designed to entertain cats  – have you seen them? Chirping birds flying and squirrels and chipmunks darting about the place – and I have clear evidence that my felines can both see and hear things on a screen.

Almost As Good As the Real Thing

I once worked with another vet who had adopted a lovely cat she named Spartacus, who had been brought into our practice with horrible burns all over his back. After weeks of nursing, Sparta made a full recovery with just a few scars and became a most loving and devoted indoor kitty. He also loved nature documentaries. The fast-moving images really grabbed his attention, and no matter where he was in the apartment, when he heard the opening theme music for David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, he would come running and perch himself in front of the TV.

He would occasionally paw or jump at the fish as they darted across the screen, but for the most part, he just sat, transfixed, for the whole hour. Clearly it ignited some of his hunting instincts, but it also seemed like he simply enjoyed watching the images without feeling the need to interact with them. He also enjoyed a spot of tennis!

Maybe This Time

It’s clear that cats – including Clutch – can see, hear, and understand digital images to some extent. Their behavior suggests that they aren’t under the impression that there are actually birds or fish inside the television, but are simply enjoying watching and playing with the fast-moving images on the screen, much like they enjoy chasing a laser pointer. Perhaps it is this understanding that leads Clutch to ignore the people in the computer – because he knows they’re not real.

Despite this, I know that Mum will still call out to Clutch at our next video catch-up. Who knows, maybe this time he’ll react!

Do any of your cats like to watch TV? Or perhaps you have a feline that is happy to interact with friends online. Let me know in the comments below.