Laser Pointers Can Be Entertaining For Cats And Owners Alike, But You Have To Protect Your Feline’s Eyes And Be On The Lookout For Frustrated Behavior
If you have a cat, then you know how much these frisky felines love to chase anything from mechanical toys and ping-pong balls to laser pointers.
Laser pointers are popular among cat owners because they’re affordable, easy to use, and are a great source of entertainment.
They produce a lot of laughs, occupy the cats, and allow them to get in some exercise. This type of play provides several benefits, but there are concerns about the strong beam of light that lasers emit and how safe they are for cats to be around.
In general, lasers are safe for cats as long as the beam is not pointed directly into their eyes, which may lead to damage to the retinas.
It is recommended that you purchase a laser with a low-power output. That way, you can reduce the risk of injury while still letting your cat play with a bright light.
It’s important to protect your cat’s eyes from the little red light, but it’s also just as crucial to pay attention to their behavior when they’re subjected to a laser pointer.
Lasers can contribute to a cat’s mental stimulation and help keep them physically fit. However, feelings of frustration may arise during this type of play.
Cats are drawn to things that move. Lasers can zigzag all over the place, and the movement triggers their predatory drive and hunting instincts.
But since your cat can’t actually capture and kill the red dot, they can’t complete the predatory sequence and are left feeling unsatisfied.
mediaeugene – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual cats
So, when using a laser pointer, let the light eventually settle on a physical object or a treat that the cat can attack.
If your cat is not provided with something appropriate to bite and pounce on, they may redirect their frustration and target the closest thing to them that moves, including you or another pet.
In addition, take note of when your cat wants a break from playing to make sure you don’t overdo it. It is recommended to engage in multiple regular sessions of play per day, with each session lasting up to 15 minutes.
Some alternative ways to play in place of the laser pointer include wand play, playing without toys, and motion-activated toys.
Most cat experts agree that wand play is the best method for replicating the hunt. Many wand toys make a sound when thrown into the air. Your cat will go crazy for it!
Sometimes, cats don’t need toys to enjoy playtime. You can play hide-and-seek with each other. Make eye contact with your feline and then quickly dart behind a door or couch. Your pet will have fun jumping out and chasing you. At the end, reward your hunter with a treat.
For solo play, motion-activated toys are ideal. Your cat will want to catch and bite it. Try to follow playtime with mealtime to complete the predatory cycle.
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