My cats have started avoiding the television ever since we replaced our old set with a newer LG model. The new TV is about the same size and looks similar, so I don't think its appearance is the issue. They seem wary of it even when it's turned off. Could the TV be producing a high-pitched sound, flicker, or another signal that cats can detect but humans can't?
4 Answers
Don’t rule out simple novelty. Cats often distrust new, large objects, especially ones that make unfamiliar sounds or smell like fresh electronics. Let them investigate at their own pace, leave a familiar bed or treats nearby, and keep the volume low. Sudden loud commercials and sound effects can be particularly startling.
A high-frequency noise from the TV’s power supply is a reasonable possibility. Cats can hear much higher frequencies than people, and some electronics produce a faint whine even when they appear to be off. Try unplugging the TV completely for a day, including any new connected devices, and see whether they still avoid it. That can help separate the TV itself from something plugged into it.
It could also be the screen flickering in a way that’s more noticeable to cats. Try disabling power-saving and motion-processing features, increasing the brightness, and testing a different refresh-rate setting if the TV allows it. Also compare their reaction when the screen is covered but the TV is powered on; if they still leave, sound or flicker is more likely than the image.
Most likely they’re reacting to a combination of unfamiliar noise, light, and the TV being a new object in their territory rather than seeing some mysterious signal. If they’re comfortable in the room when the set is unplugged, test it by turning it on with the screen covered and then uncovering it. That should give you a pretty good clue about what bothers them.
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