Leaving the TV on for the cat: does it work?

[huskerlaw]

Many people have mentioned leaving the TV or radio on for their cats while they're at work in this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x4652613

I've got a cat who's alone 8 hours a day and bored. Does this really help? If not...any other ideas?

[purr]

1. Did you ever think of getting him a buddy?

I know mine keep each other company during the day.

[huskerlaw]

2. I'm trying to get him a buddy

but it's been far more difficult than I thought it would be. It's apparently not "kitten season" and I'm looking for one that's about 6 months old. And for some reason, the kitten shelters aren't returning emails. AARGH. Ok, end rant.

So, short answer, yes I'm trying. ;)

[LynneSin]

11. I've adopted two adults and I'm so glad

The rescues are filled with adult cats who need loving homes.

[npincus]

25. I agree- I've always adopted adult cats. However,

when it comes to introducing a second cat into the home, I have heard it works better if the cat is a kitten and of the opposite sex as the first cat.

I adopted an adult female cat to keep my adult male cat company... it didn't work well. The male was furious, and used to attack the female. Eventually he adjusted but the female cat never took to him! They were either fighting or avoiding each other. I felt very badly; I tried to do a good thing becaue I wanted my cat to have a friend. But it stressed him out, and he bagan to urinate around the house... don't ask. I would be very cautios the next time I tried to bring a second cat into the house, and would probably go with a kitten if so... now we just have one, but I am home a lot more so I think she is ok.

[Strong Atheist]

3. It works for the ones that notice t.v. Not all do. nt.

[Jokerman]

4. Why would I want to expose them to the black hole of "daytime TV"

Next thing you know they'll be joining Oprah's book club or hootin' at Jerry Springer.

[huskerlaw]

5. Fair point

but there's always Animal Planet :shrug:

[Patiod]

6. I think it depends on the cat

I heard or read somewhere that it depends on their eyesight and brain waves - "slower" cats can see TV better than "faster" cats. Mine only likes soccer - the only time I've ever seen her bat at the TV or even pay attention was during the last Olympics, when they would show a bird's eye view of the playing field.

[GOPisEvil]

7. Buy him some Husker football highlights on DVD.

:7

[huskerlaw]

9. No can do...

then I wouldn't ever leave! Though that would work for Riley, I suppose.

[GOPisEvil]

12. He can sit on his red blanket, kick back with some kibble and water.

I can see it now. :D

[huskerlaw]

21. He does love

that red blanket. x(

[ScreamingMeemie]

8. Merlin LOVES Judge Joe Brown! I kid you not. If MrG is watching,

Merlin will come running from the bedroom, hop on the couch and watch. I think it's his voice. Merlin belonged to my father in law. When he died, we took him. I have always said that Judge Brown's voice reminds me of my fil's. :hi:

[huskerlaw]

10. Aww, that's so cute!

Riley likes watching Animal Planet, but usually only if I make a point of showing him that it's on. So I don't know if leaving it on will help that much. I might try it though. :hi:

[MANative]

13. My two don't seem to

notice the picture as much as the sound. They seem to appreciate the background noise, at least for a little while. I usually put the TV on a timer for them, and then they fall asleep - TV goes off, everybody's happy. :tv:

[huskerlaw]

20. that's a good idea

I'll try it. :)

[MANative]

23. Hope it works!! n/t

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

14. I leave the TV on for my parrot all day

Animal Planet of course. I think he enjoys, but I dont know for sure...

[no name no slogan]

15. My two cats learned how to turn on the TV

This was back when I was married and had a different TV. We woke up one Saturday morning and heard the TV from the living room. My wife and I go out there, and there are the cats, curled up together on the couch, watching cartoons.

[quiet.american]

16. :) n/t

[quiet.american]

17. Delete. Dupe. n/t

[quiet.american]

18. Dupe again!

[quiet.american]

19. Don't know if it works, but my cats are TV junkies.

If I'm home and the TV's not on, they come over and yell at me. When I put the TV on, they seem happy. I've gotten in the habit of leaving PBS on all day for them during the week. They start out with Jakers! and when I arrive home in the evening, they're inevitably settled down to NewsHour.

They even have favorite DVDs -- "Rumpole of the Bailey," and "Columbo." They also love foreign films!

[MiwSher]

22. Leaving the TV on for the cats, or other pets, does work

But don't ever teach them how to use the remote. Bad. Very bad. :evilgrin:

MiwSher

[kedrys]

24. Yes, absolutely

We left both TVs on last night while we were out to dinner. When we left, there were 5 cats in the living room. I muted the commercial and left. When we got back, there were 5 cats (not the same 5, but hey) in the bedroom where the sound was on (same channel). Go fig. :P

[npincus]

26. can you set a mirror on the floor? My cat likes to look in the

mirror.

Have you tried petfinder.org? I live in NJ- not sure if they have cats in your neck of the woods. that's how we got ours (a month ago).


She still needs a name... we can't decide.

[Zomby Woof]

27. It irritates them

First, they are too smart for TV. Second, they prefer quiet so they can nap all day and bother you all night. :P