A black cat’s love for television has captured the hearts of TikTok users, with a video showing the feline glued to the screen going viral over the weekend.
The video, shared by user @itsjojiandmochi, features Joji, a black cat, lying on his owner’s bed intently watching the animated film Flow. The show features a black cat protagonist, and Joji seems completely captivated. At one point, he even inches closer to the screen, tracking the character’s movements.
“PSA: this is your sign to have your black cat watch Flow because it makes them feel special,” the video caption reads. The owner added in a separate comment that this was Joji’s second time watching the film and that he stays up just to see it.The charming clip struck a chord with viewers, racking up more than 552,900 views and over 96,000 likes.
But can cats really watch TV? According to experts, it’s possible. Some studies suggest cats can identify images on a screen, though how they interpret those visuals in their brains remains unclear.
The U.K.-based animal charity Cats Protection notes that cats watching TV may either be stimulated or stressed. If a cat’s pupils are narrow and its ears and whiskers are forward, it’s likely engaged. But if pupils are wide and ears pinned back, the cat may be anxious.
An article from Catster, medically reviewed by veterinarian Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, explains that shows with prey animals or quick, linear movement can be enriching for cats. However, experts warn against excessive screen time. While short bursts of TV can offer stimulation, it shouldn’t replace real-life environmental enrichment. There’s also a risk of injury if a cat tries to pounce on the screen.
Many TikTok users responded with their own stories of TV-loving pets. One user, Rae, commented: “This reminds me of when I played Shrek for my orange kitty and he meowed so loud the entire time Puss in Boots was on screen. He was the best kitty in the world.”
Another, Nicorudu, wrote: “My cat LOVED Flow. Could not stop watching and was SO expressive throughout. Amazing movie.”
User Jameelaamira added: “My black cat has to watch cat TV channels on YouTube—she loves watching the live feeds of the birds. She’ll love this.”As for Joji, he seems perfectly happy with his new favorite show—and the internet is loving every second of it.
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