Portraying Cats Humanely in Filmmaking

By Sonise Lumbaca

Cats have captivated audiences on the silver screen for centuries, from silent films to modern blockbusters. Their grace and independence make them compelling subjects in the various landscapes of storytelling. In "hiring these actors" to grace us with their presence in our films, I believe that filmmakers have a responsibility to portray them humanely, respecting their well-being while creating engaging content. This blog explores best practices for filming cats with care and authenticity. 

Understanding Cats’ Behaviors

Key Traits of Cats

There are various personas that cats embody, like their human counter-parts; this includes staple behaviors as well. Below are some of the most prevalent:

• Independence: Unlike dogs, cats are often more self-sufficient and require less supervision when left alone. They enjoy their space and may not always seek human interaction for short periods of time. But, when fur mommies and fur daddies return home, the only issues discovered in most cases are the mouthful of disgruntled "meows;" which is understandable.

• Territorial Nature: Cats are territorial animals. They can become quite possessive of their humans, which is partially why we probably love them so much; that unconditional love they give us. They can also feel stressed or anxious in unfamiliar environments. Likewise, they can become reclusive when there is an unfamiliar individual, intriduction to a new environment, or another fur baby suddenly introduced into the mix.

• Playfulness: Cats have a extremely playful and sometimes mischievous side, which can be showcased in films. Engaging them with toys can lead to natural and entertaining footage.

• Communication: Cats communicate through body language and vocalizations. Understanding these signals can help filmmakers capture genuine moments, or know when to back down.

  
  

By understanding these traits, filmmakers can successfully create a more humane and realistic portrayal of cats on screen.

Pre-Production Considerations

Selecting the Right Cats

There are a few considerations to look at when selecting the purr-fect kitty for one's film.

• Temperament: Look for cats that are comfortable around people and can handle the filming environment.

• Training: Some cats can be trained to perform specific actions, but this does not happen overnight and can actually take weeks to months to achieve. Working with a professional animal trainer can help achieve desired behaviors without stress.

• Health: The best practice is ensuring that all cats are healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. This not only protects the kitty, but also the crewmembers, not to mention avoiding liabilities and even perhaps lowering the insurance coverage for the film.

  
  

Creating a Safe Environment

A safe filming environment is vital for the well-being of the cats. Here are some tips:

• Familiar Spaces: Whenever possible, film in familiar environments for the cats. This reduces stress and allows for more natural behavior.

• Quiet Areas: Choose locations that are quiet and free from distractions. Loud noises can frighten cats and lead to undesirable behavior; everything from acting out and hiding.

• Comfort Items: Providing comfort items, such as blankets or toys, can go a long way in helping cats feel secure during filming.

• The best practice is scheduling short sessions to prevent fatigue.

Production Considerations

Filming Techniques

Once you have selected the right cats and created a safe environment, it’s time to focus on filming techniques that promote the scenes while providing humane treatment to our kitty actor:

Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool when working with cats. Some people don't believe that cats can perceive how a person is feeling emotionally, but research shows they can distinguish between human expressions of happiness and anger, and often respond to sadness or stress with comforting behaviors. How that relates to working on a filmset? Cats can perceive animosity through tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, showing higher stress levels and avoidance when exposed to anger, while responding to positive behavior with increased affection, purring, and close contact, demonstrating their ability to read and react to human emotional cues. Here’s how to implement it:

• Treats: Treats can be used to reward desired behaviors. This encourages the cats to perform naturally without coercion.

• Praise: Verbal praise can also motivate cats. A calm and encouraging tone can help them feel at ease.

Capture Natural Behavior

Cats are so loveable in all their glory and all that they do. Now, that might be a biased statement, but there is definitely truth to this. Just about every humans can pantomime our little furry friends without having to have step into a room with them. We know in general what behaviors distinguish a cat; and can sometimes we do this with exaggeration. So, to portray them authentically, when filming, aim to capture their natural behavior. Here are some techniques:

• Patience: Allow time for the cats to acclimate to the filming environment. Rushing can lead to stress and unnatural behavior.

• Candid Shots: Instead of staging scenes, why not look at capturing candid moments. This approach often results in more genuine and relatable footage.

• Close-Ups: Using close-up shots can highlight the cat’s expressions and emotions. This can create a deeper connection with the audience.

  
  

Post-Production Considerations 

After filming, there are still important considerations to ensure the humane portrayal of cats.

Edit with Care

During the editing process, try to be mindful of how the cats are portrayed. Here are some tips:

• Avoid Sensationalism: Steer clear of editing techniques that exaggerate or misrepresent cat behavior. Authenticity should be the priority. Gone are the days of treating cats as throwaways, and the once common negative portrayals of audiences seeing them as nuisances and carriers of disease.

• Respectful Narration: If your film includes narration you can be an advocate to cats, and how society at large treats them, by ensuring that it respects the cats’ nature and does not anthropomorphize them excessively.

  
  

Promote Awareness

Use your film as a powerful platform to advocate for cat welfare by integrating awareness into both your content and its distribution. Here are some ideas:

• Leverage the Film’s Credits and Content

  • Feature the "No Animals Were Harmed"® Endorsement: If you follow humane guidelines (e.g., from American Humane Society), prominently display their certification in your credits. This builds trust and signals your commitment to ethical treatment.

  • Showcase Real Rescue Stories: If your film features cats that have been rescued, dedicate a segment in the credits or a post-credits scene to their "before and after" journey. Include their names, their shelter or the foster homes they came from.

  • Include a Call-to-Action (CTA) Screen: At the end of the film, display a clear, visually engaging screen with a direct message like "Adopt a Cat Today" and a QR code that links directly to a national pet adoption database.

    
    

• Provide Actionable Resources

  • Create a Dedicated "Resources" Page on Your Website: You don't have to just list local shelters. There are a plethora of helpful information that you can provide. Providing this information can go such a long way. You can curate a comprehensive page with some of the following:

    
    

    • Links to national adoption platforms.

    • Information on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for community cats.

    • Contact information for animal welfare organizations featured in your film.

      
      

  • Partner with a National Organization: Collaborate with a group like the ASPCA or Alley Cat Allies. They can provide expert resources for your website and potentially amplify your film's message to their large audience.

    
    

  Amplify Your Message Through Marketing

  • Launch a Social Media Campaign: Use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share behind-the-scenes content of your cat actors, focusing on their care and training. Run a campaign with hashtags like #AdoptLike[YourFilm'sCatName] to generate buzz.

  • Host Screening Events with Shelters: Partner with local shelters for premiere events. Have them set up an adoption booth in the lobby, turning your audience into potential adopters.

  • Utilize Existing Campaigns: Align your release with events like International Cat Day (August 8th). This taps into a pre-existing audience already interested in feline welfare.

  
  

Ethical Considerations

Follow Industry Guidelines

As filmmakers, it’s essential to adhere to ethical standards when working with animals. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Adhere to American Humane Society (AHS) standards. Some of the standards are listed below:

  • Age:

    • Under 12 weeks: Strictly prohibited. No kitten under 12 weeks is allowed on set under any circumstances.

    • 12 to 16 weeks: Allowed only with prior approval. Kittens in this age range may be used, but you must contact American Humane early in pre-production to obtain written approval and provide veterinary records.

    • 16 weeks and older: Generally permitted (provided they are vaccinated and healthy), though standard guidelines still apply.

  • All cats must be vaccinated and monitored by owners or trained handlers.

  • You can use CGI, animatronics, or split-screen techniques for risky scenes.

• Limit filming hours and monitor stress levels closely. 

• Permits: When required, obtain any necessary permits for filming.

  
  

Prioritize Cat Welfare

Always prioritize the welfare of the cats involved in your film. This means:

• Monitoring Stress Levels: Keep an eye on the cats’ behavior and stress levels. If a cat appears distressed, take a break or adjust the filming process.

• Limit Filming Hours: Avoid long filming sessions. Cats, like humans, can become fatigued and stressed.

  
  

To portray cats authentically, including their funny, peculiar, or even aggressive behaviors, filmmakers should observe and capture natural actions like sudden sprints, curiosity, or minor squabbles, but avoid staging or exaggerating conflict such as "cat fights." Real feline interactions are often subtle and brief; prolonged or violent scenes are typically fabricated for drama and can perpetuate negative stereotypes. Use patience, positive reinforcement, and candid filming to showcase genuine behavior, and rely on editing or CGI for intense moments rather than stressing animals. This approach maintains authenticity while prioritizing welfare and avoiding harmful clichés.

Case Studies of Cat Filmmaking Considerations

Case Study 1: A Street Cat Named Bob The film used seven cats to portray Bob, with the real Bob performing only close-ups and shoulder-riding scenes.  Director Charles Martin Smith emphasized animal safety, stating, “The main thing you have to consider is the safety and wellbeing of the animal.” Trainers used buzzers and treats to guide behavior, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Case Study 2: The Aristocats While the film features cat characters, its animation is stylized rather than realistic.  Animators did not prioritize lifelike movement, and the characters behave more like humans than cats. As such, it serves as a reminder that anthropomorphism can overshadow authenticity; a balance filmmakers should carefully consider. 

Conclusion

Portraying cats humanely in film means prioritizing their welfare over spectacle. By understanding their behavior, using ethical practices, and following AHA guidelines, filmmakers can create authentic, respectful stories. Let their true personalities shine without compromise. The audience will appreciate your film and the care taken to make it.