Feline and human, we all spend a lot more time indoors these
days than in previous generations. This keeps us safe, so on the whole it’s a
good thing. We’re safer from foxes, hawks, coyotes and, of course, automobiles.
And we’re warmer and drier in bad weather. But this step forward in safety and
comfort comes with behavioral changes that have their downsides. For humans,
one of the major downsides of indoor living is screen addiction.
A screen is a flat, rectangular object that may be small and
portable, huge and permanently installed on a wall or in a cabinet, or anywhere
in between. Viewed from an angle they may appear to be gray or black, but seen
face-on they display moving patterns of lines and colors. These moving patterns
are what so entrance a human.
Think of it as a laser pointer for humans. The effect is
similar—it hooks them right in the brain stem and they can’t help but be drawn
in. But unlike a laser pointer, a screen doesn’t spur healthy exercise. In
fact, a lack of exercise is one of the major negative effects of screen
addiction. Feelings of sadness and loneliness are another. What you are most
likely to notice first, though, is that they are ignoring you.
So what is a cat to do? Sadly, total remission of screen
addiction is rare. Your efforts should be directed toward mitigation of the
condition and its side effects. Here are a few suggestions:
- Don’t chew through the power
cords. That is not only counterproductive, but also dangerous. Inserting your
claws through the fabric of their clothes in an effort to distract them is also
unlikely to bring about any lasting behavioral changes.
- Encourage your humans’ personal
relationships. If strange humans come over to visit, be nice. Don’t growl or
hiss. If you can manage to bring yourself to it, try to look cute. This may
encourage further visits and deepening friendship.
- Encourage your human to play with
you. Find a toy and invite her to play. If you can convince her to play a round
of laser pointer, it will do you both a great deal of good. Postpone your next
nap for this if you have to.
- Give your human something real to
look at. Strike graceful yoga poses as you bathe, or chase your tail while
balancing on the back of a chair. If you can make him laugh, so much the
better.
- Give your human pleasant sensory
input. If they can’t stop sitting like a lump in front of an inanimate screen,
you can mitigate some of the negative effects by curling up in their lap and
purring. The vibrating warmth will do them good.
As you implement your intervention strategy, keep in mind
that not all uses of screens are evidence of a debilitating addiction.
Some screen use falls into the category of work. While that word sounds
unpleasant, don’t be too critical. Work is what keeps the kibble coming, so be
tolerant of it in moderation. Some additional screen use falls into the category
of interpersonal relationships. Sometimes humans are actually performing
meaningful communication rituals when they use their screens. Interpersonal
communication helps keeps humans sane, so you should be supportive when they
try it.
It can be hard to tell the difference between work,
communication, and addiction. As a general guideline, the more they are
talking, the more likely it is to be communication. And the longer they sit
there silently, the more likely it is to be addiction.
Good luck as you take on this challenge! If you find additional strategies that work, please share them.
