The cats watch Animal Planet on the large screen downstairs. I assume that if you are a cat, there is nothing like watching your large cousins take down large prey in a grudge match. They certainly aren’t rooting for the antelopes and other critters. Watching the flashing tails and, sometimes, small growls, you can see that they are really into it. Then, in quieter moments, they’ll lie on my desk and watch cat videos on YouTube. The live-action on the real feeder in the window doesn’t offer the same sort of instant gratification as watching fat titmice and sparrows devour seeds in front of your very eyes.
So far, no “influencer” on YouTube or TikTok has tapped into this potential market of, shall we say, eager marks. But it’s only a matter of time before the cash potential is realized.
My credit union has secure credit card for kids. You get to monitor their purchase habits, and add cash as needed. With declining birth rates in the USA I can see marketeers pushing limits to make active consumers out of our pet cats. I can envision the talk now. “Sabrina, you over spent your credit allowance by ten dollars for a package of Zesty Freeze Dried Wildebeest Crunchies”, “Meoor. Meow.” “Yes I understand you saw them on Wild Kingdom, and all the cats want them, but you have a budget, Young Lady – Princess or not!”
I can see this descending into the tawdry depth of commercialism as cat parents organize for responsible advertising for pets.
But, you know cats are simply the beginning. Most dogs ignore TV, but that’s only a challenge waiting to be overcome.
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I’ve had herding dogs (Max, are you listening?) enjoy watching animals run across the screen. Definitely piqued the interest of my Australian Shepherds (Max are you going to let a bunch of Aussies out view you?)
Max will carefully reconsider. But!!! I am an Australian cattle dog. Those shepherds are another matter!
Max, I have it on good authority you Australian cattle dogs are good herders — some of the best. You might want to look again at those antelope running across the screen. They need to be rounded up! Your pal forever, Teddy Bear T. Dog, Australian Shepherd
This is so funny. We often stopped at the pet store with Zoey (our border collie) so she could get a treat after a long walk, she always wandered the store checking every option before making a choice…if I didn’t pay close attention she would choose more than one thing, one instance cost me almost $20.00 and she ended up with three treats. She definitely needed her own credit card and a budget.
You may have to limit screen time and access to the computer. They may place a sure bet on those gladiatorial contests.
I hadn’t thought about that, ” Sabrina!! Get away from that remote!”
I’ve probably told you this before, but Luther (Catorze’s big brother) liked programmes about dogs herding sheep, and Catorze himself is a fan of sharks and brown bears. 🤣🤣🤣
Sharks! I can just imagine! Incredible!
Yes! It must be like going to those restaurants from the 1970s where you could choose the lobster you wanted.
We still have some of those here in New England.