A children’s animated series on Netflix featuring a colony of seals has unexpectedly captured the attention of household pets, becoming popular among dogs and cats more than its young human audience. The show, titled Sealook, follows a group of wide-eyed, pastel-colored seals engaging in lighthearted antics on the ice without any dialogue.

Pet owners across several countries have shared videos of their animals reacting to the series, often showing sustained focus and interactive behavior such as pawing at the screen or tilting their heads. Jessica Blumen of Oregon posted a video featuring her two goldendoodles, Benny and Myrtle, which has garnered nearly 10 million views on Instagram. She noted that the dogs became notably attentive when the animated seals began drumming on the ice, a moment that prompted Benny to sit up and Myrtle to engage with subtle head movements. Similarly, Rio, a golden retriever in Houston, Texas, reacted vocally to a seal approaching the screen and later watched multiple episodes, helping increase his social media following from just over 100 to nearly 4,000.

Cats have also shown interest in the program. A rescue cat named Švepsė in Lithuania, already accustomed to watching wildlife documentaries and even strongman competitions, displayed intense focus on Sealook, attempting to catch characters on the screen with her paws. Her owner, Erika, remarked on the cat’s unusual level of engagement compared to more traditional content.

Experts suggest several factors may contribute to the animals’ attraction to the show. The color palette of Sealook consists mainly of whites, pale blues, and brightly colored seals, which align with the visual preferences of cats and dogs, who perceive blues and yellows with greater clarity than other hues. Dr. David Williams, associate lecturer in veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Cambridge, pointed out that animals are naturally drawn to movement, as it can resemble prey behavior. Given that cats and dogs are crepuscular—most active at dawn and dusk—they are particularly sensitive to motion in low light, which may enhance the show’s appeal.

Sound also seems to play a role. Dr. Emily Blackwell, an expert in companion animal behavior at Bristol Veterinary School, observed that the seals' high-pitched squeaking noises might mimic natural prey sounds, further stimulating the animals’ interest. Blackwell added that while the producers likely did not intend to target pets as an audience, the series has unintentionally become engaging for them as well.

Despite varied levels of response—some pets appear indifferent—the phenomenon has captured enough attention to prompt owners to consider sharing the viewing experience with their animals, sometimes as a calming routine. One owner noted that her goldendoodle’s hyperactivity subsided after watching Sealook, suggesting the show may have potential as a form of pet enrichment or mild distraction. The unexpected cross-species appeal of the series highlights how certain audiovisual stimuli can resonate beyond their intended viewers.