Your Cat and Dog Are Watching the World Cup Too — Here's What the Science Says

Your Living Room Just Became a Viewing Party for Two

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially here, and for Canadians, this one hits different. As a co-host nation alongside the USA and Mexico, Canada is right in the middle of the biggest football tournament on the planet. Ontario fans are glued to their screens, jerseys are out of the closet, and the group chat is absolutely unhinged.

But here's the thing: you're not watching alone. According to a Rover survey of 1,000 pet parents, a whopping 69% plan to watch soccer with their pet this summer. And honestly? That tracks. Your dog is already on the couch. Your cat is already judging you from across the room. They might as well be part of the squad.

So what's actually going on in your pet's head during match day? Turns out, quite a lot — and the science is genuinely fascinating.

Pets Really Do Tune In

Let's start with dogs. A study out of Auburn University that observed 453 dogs confirmed that dogs actively process and respond to TV content — and their reactions depend on their individual personalities. Some dogs are riveted by on-screen action. Others couldn't care less. But the ones who do watch? They're not just staring blankly.

Dogs have dichromatic vision, so they perceive the green football pitch as blue and yellow. But what they lack in colour range, they more than make up for in motion detection. High-contrast, fast movement is very visible to them, which means that ball flying across the screen might be more compelling than you'd expect.

Cats are wired for rapid visual movement — a holdover from their predatory instincts. That darting, unpredictable ball? Pure cat content. Your tabby isn't a football fan. She's just spotted the world's most elaborate toy.

They Feel What You Feel

Research from the University of Lincoln found that dogs experience emotional contagion — they literally catch your emotions, biologically. When you're tense in extra time, your dog feels it. When you leap off the couch after a goal, they're right there in the energy with you.

Pet parents know this intuitively: 87% believe their pet can sense their excitement or stress during a game. And 73% say their pet plays an active role during big sports events — 55% as a comforting companion and 16% as a full-on participant (we see you, dogs who bark at the referee). A solid 61% are convinced their pet's presence can influence the outcome. We're not here to argue with that. Superstitions built this sport.

The Comical Disruptions Are Part of the Experience

47% of pet parents have experienced a comical disruption — a cat sitting directly in front of the TV during a penalty shootout, a dog losing its mind at a crowd roar, a bird who really has opinions about VAR. These moments end up as family stories. And honestly, they're often the best part.

But the Noise Can Be a Lot

For some pets, match day is genuinely stressful. Dogs' hearing is roughly four times more sensitive than ours, according to veterinary expert Dr. Scott Miller. Sudden, loud crowd cheering from a surround sound setup can be overwhelming for anxious dogs. The same goes for cats who prefer a quieter household.

How to Make Match Day Comfortable for Your Pet

• Create a quiet retreat. Set up a cozy spot in another room where your pet can decompress. A familiar blanket and a door they can access freely goes a long way.
• Pre-game walk or play session. Tire them out before kickoff. A well-exercised dog is a calmer dog — and it gives you a chance to get some fresh air before three hours on the couch.
• Keep the volume reasonable. Try not to spike it suddenly.
• Let them leave if they want to. Don't force your pet to participate. If they're not feeling it, respect that.
• Enrichment before the whistle. For cats especially, a good interactive play session before the match channels that predatory energy productively. Wand toys and feather balls mimic the quick, unpredictable movement cats are hardwired to chase — and a tired cat is a calm cat.

Build the Pre-Game Routine

You've got your match day rituals — the jersey, the snacks, the lucky seat. Why not give your pet theirs too? A 10-minute play session before kickoff does wonders for cats and dogs alike.

At Kimi's Paws, we have Interactive Wand Toys and Feather Ball Toys coming soon — designed with exactly this kind of enrichment in mind. In the meantime, check out what's currently available at kimipaws.ca.

Your pet didn't ask to be a football fan. But they showed up for you anyway. Return the favour — and enjoy every second of the World Cup together.