If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you'll have probably spotted these amusing clips. Many owners are sharing videos of their cats lounging on the sofa, eyes wide and staring in fascination at the TV screen.
At the heart of this delightful craze is Sealook, a short cartoon available on Netflix. The series features no human dialogue, following instead colourful little seals in the Arctic as they play around to funny noises, slide on the ice, and perform absurd antics.
A vet's explanation: it's all down to instinct
But why are our four-legged friends so head over heels for this show? As reported by French news outlet 20 Minutes, the reason is purely instinctive. The rapid and unpredictable movements of the characters mimic those of real, moving prey.
Vet Sylvain Hawawini confirms that these stimulating animations directly trigger a feline's hunting instinct. Curled up comfortably in the living room, the cat goes into intense observation mode, watching out for every single small creature bouncing across the screen.
An entertaining distraction, but don't overdo it
While the sight of these cats glued to the TV is adorable, experts urge a bit of caution. Although the screen can keep a feline occupied for a few minutes, this shouldn't replace real, interactive play sessions, which are essential for their well-being.
What's more, too much screen time can cause mild frustration, as they are unable to catch the virtual prey they are watching. It is also a good idea to keep an eye on the volume, as cats have incredibly sensitive hearing. All in all, it is a fun little treat best enjoyed in moderation!
Article generated and translated by artificial intelligence from the FR Wamiz website and reviewed by our editorial team
