How good a cat toy is a laser pointer?
20/5/2023
Translation: Megan Cornish
The commonly held belief that cats love chasing a red laser dot usually proves to be true. But there are a few things to keep in mind when using a laser pointer.
If a laser dot appears, it usually means that we humans are in danger. I know this from my extensive study of crime series and films. But things can get «dangerous» for the laser if there’s a cat nearby. Most cats are immediately fascinated by the red laser dot. Its rapid movements stimulate their natural hunting instincts and they want to catch it. I’ve never met a cat that doesn’t go crazy when a laser dot dances through the apartment.
When cats see red
No matter how tame and trusting your cat is, they are and will always be a predator with an innate hunting instinct. As long as they’re allowed outside, they can let that out perfectly well. If you have a house cat, you’ll need to help them. Physical activity is especially important for them. They also want to hunt from time to time, and you can allow them to do so in a playful way. A laser pointer is as good a way as any.
Before you send your cat off to hunt for the red dot, please bear a few important rules in mind:-
Never aim for the eyes!
In Switzerland, only laser pointers in the lowest hazard class 1 are permitted. So, they’re considered safe for your eyes. But this doesn’t automatically mean they’re safe for your cat, as their eyes are more sensitive. Cats’ eyes absorb light much more than ours due to a reflective layer behind their retinas. And as a laser is no more than bundled light, looking directly into the beam can have serious consequences. Your cat is at risk of irreparable eye damage and even blindness in the worst case scenario.
So, never aim the laser beam at your cat’s head, let alone its eyes (don’t do that with humans either, whether the laser is supposedly eye-safe or not). Also be wary of reflective surfaces such as mirrors, laminate or tiles, as you could accidentally blind your cat while playing with the laser.
Source: Shutterstock
When fun turns to frustration
No matter how clever your cat is, they’ll never catch the red dot…even if the satirical portal «Der Postillon» claims otherwise (in German). Sooner or later your cat will realise this too and lose interest. To avoid a frustrating hunting experience as far as possible, you should limit the game with the laser pointer to ten to 15 minutes at a time. You can also use treats to ensure that your cat «captures» something, even if it’s not the red dot.
Variety is key
As much as the laser pointer entices your cat, it only appeals to their sense of sight. Hearing, touch and smell – which are just as important – aren’t part of this game. So don’t just rely on the laser pointer when playing. The more varied your cat’s toy, the more comprehensive their entertainment. There’s an enormous range of cat toys: searching the Galaxus shop alone brings up almost 1,500 products. There are fake mice, cat rods with feathers, scratching toys, catnip toys and much more. Almost everything has an advantage over the laser pointer in that it appeals to more than just the sense of sight.
Each pet to their own
My cats have undoubtedly enjoyed playing with a laser pointer in the past. Now I wouldn’t even know if we still have one and, if so, where it is. All four cats can come and go as and when they please. If they’re in the apartment, they usually want to eat, sleep or be stroked. I especially enjoy the latter, which is why I don’t want to send them hunting for the red dot at the exact moment they want affection.
What are your and your cat’s experiences with laser pointers? What alternatives do you use to drive them to playful madness? Let me know in the comments.*
Header image: Shutterstock
I'm a full-blooded dad and husband, part-time nerd and chicken farmer, cat tamer and animal lover. I would like to know everything and yet I know nothing. I know even less, but I learn something new every day. What I am good at is dealing with words, spoken and written. And I get to prove that here.
