MUMBAI: This is the BBC's idea to take care of pets - a TV channel devoted to them. The channel Pet TV will specifically target pets in an attempt to find out what types of programming make animals respond.

The channel will hit the airwaves on Saturday, 1 May, for a weeklong trial run.

Pet TV will feature loops of animal sounds, pet IQ tests, clips of Frisbees flying through the air and segments with cartoon characters such as Top Cat, reports the Washington Times. Other programs on the line up include EastEnders, Neighbours, The Muppet Show and Animal Hospital.

"Do pets pick up messages from the television? See if they respond to dogs barking, wolves howling, parrots talking in English," offers a BBC release. "The sound of running water might attract your fish to the screen, and the sight of fish swimming around a tank might attract your cat to the television more than the sight of mice."

The service will be available in the UK with Freeview, Sky Digital or digital cable TV.