It’s likely you’ve seen at least one video online of a cat going crazy for a laser pointer. Cats are naturally drawn to the movement of a laser pointer, as it mimics the erratic and fast-moving nature of their natural prey.
These fun scenes might make for a cute video as the feline darts around. However, Amanda Campion, a clinical feline behaviourist who goes by @Kittysittycatbehaviour online, claimed that pet owners who use these toys could unintentionally be “stressing their cats out”.
She said: “Laser toys can be fun for cats, but, they also could stress your cat out so if you’re not playing correctly with your laser pen your laser toy will stress your cat. Lasers activate prey drive, there’s no doubt about that, but if you’re just [waving about] with the laser, and the cat’s jumping around, there’s no reward.”
Amanda said pet owners may find playing with a laser toy fun, but they have to do it properly to avoid causing stress to the cat. Cats who experience a no-win situation often enough may become prone to increased anxiety or even destructive behaviours, experts claim.
However, if play is conducted responsibly, it can be enjoyable for both the cat and the owner. Amanda suggested using a cat wand to encourage their natural stalking behaviour before the laser game comes out.
She said: “Get the cat’s energy going and then always land the laser pen on something like a little woolly toy or a mouse that the cat can actually ‘win’. The cat can actually complete its predatory play cycle and it doesn’t then go off and get frustrated.”
Amanda said that cats “aren’t very good losers,” so owners should keep these laser sessions short. She recommended that owners “don’t want to be playing with a laser for five minutes or more,” but this could be a little more or less, depending on your cat’s age, breed, and general temperament.
She also warned that playing with laser toys should be accompanied by one major caution. Shining a laser pointer directly at a cat’s eyes can cause eye damage, including burns to the retina.
Even brief exposure to a laser beam can be harmful, and the higher the laser’s wattage, the more dangerous it is. In some cases, the damage to the retina can be permanent, leading to vision loss or blindness.
Cats that can freely go outdoors will often engage in hunting activity, according to Cat’s Protection. They may find as much joy ‘hunting’ fallen leaves or grass blowing in the wind if there is no access to true prey.
The experts claim: “The drive to hunt is not because they are hungry, but because hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. It’s important that your cat is given lots of opportunity to play to keep them mentally stimulated.”
Play is very important for cats, particularly kittens, as it teaches them the skills needed for life and lessons about the world around them. Play is a great way for a cat to use up some of their energy, keep fit and healthy and keep their brain alert and active.
Play needs will vary depending on your cat’s age and if kept indoors or allowed outside. The organisation has lots of helpful advice on how best to play with your cat and ensure their needs are met on its website here.