Better input, clearer evidence

Record a moment CatMind can clearly analyse.

You do not need a studio or special equipment. A short, natural phone video with a clear view of your cat gives CatMind the strongest starting point.

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 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 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 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'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.

Ready when the moment happens

Choose your cat and use the existing upload control.

CatMind will return you to the Dashboard and highlight the available upload buttons. Your browser will ask you to choose the file only after you select a cat.

Try CatMind for freeUpload your video