{"id":687711,"date":"2025-01-31T15:00:49","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T15:00:49","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2025-02-11T16:55:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T16:55:49","slug":"cats-and-video-chats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/felines-weekly\/cats-and-video-chats\/","title":{"rendered":"Cats and Video Chats: Why Doesn’t Clutch React to the Computer?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction<\/a> to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s 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\u2019re 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\u2019t too bad, but as my Dad likes to say, \u201cretirement is a full-time job.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apart from my Dad\u2019s 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\u2019s Clutch, because he\u2019s always hanging around downstairs with the dogs. Despite the fact that Clutch has never \u2013 not once in 10 years \u2013 given the slightest reaction to her waving, calling his name, and insistent calls of \u201cpuss, puss, puss,\u201d she is completely undeterred. And in case you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Screen Blind?<\/h2>\n
\"Transfixed\"
Transfixed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clutch\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

Side by side, Clutch and<\/em> 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<\/a> that are designed to entertain cats\u00a0 \u2013 have you seen them? Chirping birds flying and squirrels and chipmunks darting about the place \u2013 and I have clear evidence that my felines can both see and hear things on a screen.<\/p>\n

Almost As Good As the Real Thing<\/h2>\n
\"Spartacus
Spartacus also enjoyed a spot of tennis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019s Blue Planet, he would come running and perch himself in front of the TV.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, 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!<\/p>\n

Maybe This Time<\/h2>\n
\"Clutch
Clutch could not be less interested in video me<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s clear that cats \u2013 including Clutch \u2013 can see, hear, and understand digital images to some extent. Their behavior suggests that they aren\u2019t under the impression that there are actually birds or fish inside<\/em> the television, but are simply enjoying watching and playing with the fast-moving images on the screen<\/a>, much like they enjoy chasing a laser pointer. Perhaps it is this understanding that leads Clutch to ignore the people in the computer \u2013 because he knows they\u2019re not real.<\/p>\n

Despite this, I know that Mum will still call out to Clutch at our next video catch-up. Who knows, maybe this <\/em>time he\u2019ll react!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Dr<\/p>\n

This article is a part of Dr. Karyn's series with her five hilarious cats.<\/div>
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