Why Do People Prank Their Cats for Attention?

Is this really something that needs to be said? Using pets as clickbait is just plain wrong. If your pet does something cute naturally, great! But scaring them just to get views? That’s crossing the line.

Absolutely. It’s like parents scaring their kids and laughing at their fear. Not cool at all.

I feel the same about those videos with overweight pets that people find ‘cute’ or ‘funny.’ Letting them get to that size isn’t funny; it’s unhealthy and irresponsible.

Peyton said:
I feel the same about those videos with overweight pets that people find ‘cute’ or ‘funny.’ Letting them get to that size isn’t funny; it’s unhealthy and irresponsible.

Yeah, videos of feeders going off and pets running over are cute! But letting them stay overweight, not so much. Had a family dog like that once; put her on a strict diet, and she got healthy again.

Peyton said:
I feel the same about those videos with overweight pets that people find ‘cute’ or ‘funny.’ Letting them get to that size isn’t funny; it’s unhealthy and irresponsible.

Exactly! My friend had an overweight hamster who couldn’t even flip herself over. I had to take her in and put her on a proper diet; she ended up thriving. Overfeeding isn’t kindness, it’s harmful.

This! Pets depend on us. All I want is to give my cat a happy, healthy life. I make sure he has a good diet, fun playtime, and everything he needs to be comfortable.

It’s true, but sometimes pets come to us already a bit overweight. My cat was, and it’s been hard to get her weight down. Just don’t add to the problem for views.

Some pranks are harmless, like hiding behind a blanket. My cat’s face when he can’t find me is priceless. But the cucumber prank? That’s just cruel.

Kellan said:
Some pranks are harmless, like hiding behind a blanket. My cat’s face when he can’t find me is priceless. But the cucumber prank? That’s just cruel.

Those aren’t even pranks, though! They’re just playful interactions with your cat, not something intended to scare them.

Totally agree. Cats remember those scary moments, and it damages the bond you share with them.

Some people lack basic empathy. If someone needs to be taught not to scare their pet, they’re already a lost cause.

Lin said:
Some people lack basic empathy. If someone needs to be taught not to scare their pet, they’re already a lost cause.

Exactly. Some people just don’t get it until they experience the same thing themselves.

I can’t stand those Halloween mask pranks. The poor pets look so terrified.

Glock said:
I can’t stand those Halloween mask pranks. The poor pets look so terrified.

I made that mistake as a kid, thinking my cat would recognize me. The look of fear on his face changed my mind quickly.

Seeing videos like that makes me so angry. It’s just cruel.

Ainsley said:
Seeing videos like that makes me so angry. It’s just cruel.

And if you say anything about it, people call you soft or overly sensitive.

My cat is jumpy too, even random stuff like a tissue freaks him out. No way I’d do it intentionally.

My dog became scared of everything after my daughter made tons of videos of her reacting to different noises. Now she’s overly nervous and needy all the time. It’s sad.

What’s the deal with all these cat pranks?

Dawson said:
What’s the deal with all these cat pranks?

One trend involved people putting cucumbers behind their cats to freak them out, pretending it’s a snake.