A cat recovering from surgery has found a surprising way to pass the time—binge-watching TV.
Marquita, a pet owner from Cincinnati, Ohio, shared a video on TikTok showing her orange cat, Jack, wearing a post-surgery suit after his second hernia operation. The clip, which has gained over 126,000 likes and more than half a million views, shows Jack resting comfortably while watching the animated movie The Secret Life of Pets.
Hernias in cats are rare but can happen, usually due to injury or birth defects, according to Purina. They occur when muscles are damaged, allowing organs or tissue to push through. Marquita told a commenter she believes Jack’s hernia returned because he was “too active during recovery when he should have been resting.”
In the video, Jack lies wrapped in a blanket on his bed, watching the movie for what Marquita says is probably the tenth time. He seems far from bored.
Jack’s journey has not always been easy. He and his brother, now named X, were found abandoned in a parking lot. Marquita shared that they were “dumped, starved and freezing.” Despite their rough start, the two cats have become inseparable and have captured not only Marquita’s heart but also the internet’s.
One TikTok user commented, “Aww, sick day in his jammies on the couch with a movie,” which received more than 20,000 likes. Another added, “I wish my cat did this. He doesn’t even understand the concept of a screen.” Marquita replied, “Jack’s an iPad kid.”
Many viewers also wondered if cats can actually see TV. According to Hill’s Pet Food Company, cats “sort of” can. Their vision begins when light hits the retina, where two types of cells—cones and rods—convert the light into electrical signals. These signals travel to the brain, allowing cats to perceive images on a screen.
For Jack, watching his favorite movie is a cozy way to heal and enjoy his downtime.
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