Better input, clearer evidence

Record a moment CatMind AI can clearly analyse.

Direct answer: Record one natural 10–30 second moment in normal light, keep the cat’s head, body, paws and tail visible, hold the phone steadily and preserve relevant natural sound. Never provoke a reaction for the recording.

Compare real examples Return to Dashboard
01

10–30 secondsRecommended length

02

1080pNormal phone video

03

Normal speedNo slow motion or filters

04

One behaviourOne natural moment per clip

Three real recording examples

Small camera choices make a visible difference.

Each example is ten seconds long. Select a video to play it and compare framing, stability, focus and light.

GoodWorks well
0:10 Muted example

Clear subject, steady movement

The cat stays visible in good light. The camera moves smoothly from a wider view to a closer one without losing the subject.

  • Cat remains clearly visible
  • Stable, gradual camera movement
  • Useful light and focus
ModerateUsable, but weaker
0:10 Muted example

Part of the cat leaves the frame

The recording may still contain useful evidence, but body posture, paws or tail can be missed while the cat is moving.

  • Some behaviour remains visible
  • Incomplete body view during movement
  • Weaker posture and motion evidence
PoorBetter to avoid
0:10 Muted example

Too close, unstable and difficult to read

Only the face is recorded, with abrupt camera movement, moments of poor focus and weak lighting. Most body evidence is unavailable.

  • Body posture cannot be assessed
  • Camera shake can distort movement
  • Blur and low light reduce reliability

A simple recording checklist

Capture the behaviour, not a perfect film.

CatMind AI benefits from a complete, natural moment more than dramatic camera work.

✓

Works well

  • Keep your cat clearly visible.Include the body, paws, tail and head whenever possible.
  • Record one main behaviour.A focused 10–30 second moment is usually more useful than a long compilation.
  • Start a little early.Begin 1–2 seconds before the behaviour and finish just after it ends.
  • Hold the phone steadily.Follow slowly only when the cat moves out of the current view.
  • Use ordinary, even light.Natural daylight or normal indoor lighting is enough.
  • Keep relevant natural sound.A quiet environment helps CatMind AI separate vocal events from background noise.
×

Better to avoid

  • Do not use digital zoom.Move closer only when it is safe and does not change the cat's behaviour.
  • Avoid filters and slow motion.Use the phone's normal video mode at normal speed.
  • Do not record only the face.CatMind AI also uses posture, movement and tail-related evidence.
  • Avoid television, music and speech.Background sound can hide or imitate relevant audio events.
  • Do not provoke a reaction.Never manufacture fear, aggression, discomfort or vocalisation for a recording.
  • Do not turn one recording into several “different” examples.Record separate natural moments when you want to compare behaviours.

The cat comes first

Never create distress for a better video.

If your cat avoids contact, hides, freezes, becomes defensive or tries to leave, increase the distance and stop interacting. A missing video is always better than a forced one.

01

Observe natural behaviourDo not chase, restrain, corner, tease or repeatedly handle the cat.

02

Keep people privateAvoid faces, documents, screens, addresses and conversations. Show only a hand when it is relevant and you have permission.

03

Stop when the cat says noRespect avoidance and defensive signals. Record from farther away or end the attempt.

Sources and scope

Why visibility, context and calm handling matter.

This practical guide follows CatMind AI's input requirements and is informed by feline-friendly handling guidance and research on the challenges of recognising behaviour when body parts are intermittently visible. It does not teach diagnosis.

Editorial information

How this guide is maintained

Written and source-checked by the CatMind AI Editorial Team. Published 30 July 2026; updated 26 August 2026. Read the CatMind AI publishing methodology. CatMind AI supports observation and does not provide a veterinary diagnosis.

Ready when the moment happens

Choose your cat, then record or upload a video.

On a supported phone, CatMind can open the rear camera. You can also choose a video already saved on your device.

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