Use The Right Laser Toy
Although most laser toys that youll find on the market today are safe for human and pet eyes, not all of them are up to the code.
Consequently, opt for brands that clearly indicate that they are safe cats.
Avoid modified lasers, high-powered lasers , or lasers that arent specifically designed for cats. They can be harmful to your kittys health.
Why Does My Cat Stare At Me And Meow
There are several reasons why a cat stares at you and meows, one of the most common being hunger. Each cat may ask for food in their own way. Another reason a cat may meow while staring at you is due to pain or discomfort. They want you to pay attention because they dont want to feel such pain.24.02.2019
What Colors Can Cats See
A cats vision is similar to a human who is color blind. They can see shades of blue and green, but reds and pinks can be confusing. These may appear more green, while purple can look like another shade of blue. Cats also dont see the same richness of hues and saturation of colors that we can.2018/03/10
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Are There Safe Ways To Play With Laser Toys With Pets
If you do decide to try a laser toy with your pet, here are some safer ways to do it. These do not guarantee that your pet won’t develop an obsessive condition surrounding its use, but they will greatly decrease the chances of that happening.
- Always let your pet catch something at the end of the play session. That means throwing a toy to your cat after you turn the laser light off and letting her catch it and attack it like she would prey. After she’s done wrestling with the toy, give her a nice tasty treat or a meal because that simulates her catching and eating prey. You must do this every time your cat plays with the laser toy, so she gets to have the satisfaction of a successful hunt. With a dog, it’s a good idea to end a laser light play session with a game of fetch with a real toy. Let your dog catch the toy and do what he wants with it at the end of the play session, so he is not left feeling unsatisfied with not getting to catch anything.
- Always take care with where the laser light is pointed, and don’t allow children to play with laser toys with your pet.
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Using A Cat Laser Toy The Right Way
Before getting into action, set up the environment for the game. In addition to the laser pointer, soft cat toys and highly prized cat food are needed for the job. Before playing, place the toys strategically throughout the play zone. Have food and treats at the ready.
Begin the laser game by aiming the beam in front of the cat and zigzagging it away from her. Periodically, encourage the cat to catch the elusive beam by pausing the light on one of the stuffed toys that is now doubling as prey. Before moving the beam off the toy, the cat needs to feel the toy solidly under her paws.
The intensity and length of the sessions will vary and depend on the individual cats age, physical conditioning, and level of interest. The play session endings are as important as their beginnings. Instead of ending abruptly, gradually slow down the beam until it finally comes to rest on a soft toy. After the cat makes her final catch of the session, feed a good meal. She will eat, groom, and then take a well-earned nap.
Thumbnail: Photography ©borzywoj | Thinkstock.
Got a cat behavior question for Marilyn? Ask our behaviorist in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. If you suspect a behavioral problem, always rule out any possible medical issues that may be causing the behavior by first having your cat examined by a veterinarian. Marilyn can also help you resolve cat behavior challenges through a consultation.
Read more about cat behavior on Catster.com:
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Spsobuj Laserov Ukazovtka U Maiek Zkos
Niektoré maky sa vak stanú úzkostnými alebo dokonca paranoidnými po tom, ako sa budú hra s laserovým ukazovátkom a budú sa preháa po bodkách, ktoré zmizli pred niekokými minútami alebo dokonca hodinami. Ak sa to stane vaej make, dajte si pauzu od hry s laserovým ukazovátkom alebo ju jednoducho úplne zastavte.
Laser Pointers: A Good Idea For Your Cat But Not For Your Dog
Most cats love laser pointers. You can press the button and let the red laser land in a pinpoint on the floor, or the wall…just out of reach of your cat, and watch him pounce. Its entertaining to watch and its entertaining for your cat. Theyre not so good, however, for your dog. But first, lets look at how they benefit your kitty.
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B Is It Cruel To Use A Laser Pointer With A Cat
No. When used in the right way , laser pointers arent cruel to cats.
The main concerns when using laser pointers like effects on kitty eyes, hazards, and anxiety are things that can be eliminated if you use the laser pointers responsibly.
If anything, a bigger percentage of indoor cats end up being obese at some point in their lives, and one of the main contributors to this is lack of exercise.
Laser pointers are excellent toys that can help you deal with such issues by keeping your feline friend active and running throughout the day.
What Does It Mean When Cats Let You Touch Their Paws
It is a very important and sensitive part of their body. However, if your cat lets you touch its paws, it means that they love and trust you. This small action truly demonstrates that you have created a great bond with your cat as they trust you enough to let you touch one of the most sensitive areas of their body.26.11.2020
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Helps With Weight Loss
Obesity is one of the most frequently diagnosed health issues in our fur babies and regular exercise is vital for helping to assist with healthy weight loss for cats. Laser toys offer an outstanding physical workout because your cat is constantly on the move, so if you have an indoor cat whos largely sedentary, a few sessions each day with a laser toy can really help them to shed those unwanted pounds.
Why Are Cats So Obsessed With Laser Pointers
There is no one answer to this question as cats are individualistic creatures and have different reasons for wanting a laser pointer. Some cats may enjoy the idea of being able to point out things in their environment with ease, while others may simply enjoy the feeling of being in control. Ultimately, it is up to the individual cat to decide why they enjoy using a laser pointer.
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Are Laser Pointers Bad For Cats What You Should Know
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One of the most innovative cat toys on the market is the laser pointer. These high-tech laser toys offer endless entertainment as your cat chases around the red light. While your cat has fun with the toy, some pet owners may wonder are laser pointers bad for cats?
Holistically, laser pointers are not bad for cats to play with in a safe and controlled environment. The most significant danger involved is damaging your cats vision if the laser shines in their eyes.
Laser pointer toys offer a lot of enjoyment and entertainment to most cats, and you can feel confident knowing it isnt bad for your cat to play with one as long as you are using it safely. Lets dive more into the safety concerns with lasers and how you can effectively use the toy with your cat.
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Is It Bad To Use A Laser Pointer With Cats
When used properly, playing with laser pointers is a fun cardio activity. If you shine a laser light directly into your cats eyes, however, it can harm your cats vision and can even permanently damage their eyes, emphasizes Cat Health. A lasers light can burn the retina in the blink of an eye literally.
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Are Laser Pointers Bad For Cats Mental Health
A topic that often comes up is whether or not laser points are bad for cats mental health.
What I can say is that Ive used laser pointers for years with various cats, and when used correctly laser pens are not bad for cats mental health.
Sure, some cats do not like them. Some will get frustrated or anxious at not being able to really catch the dot, so thats something you need to be aware of.
When used in short bursts for playtime and to help give your cat some exercise, if your cat enjoys chasing the red laser dot its an awesome way to interact with them.
Do Laser Make Cats Crazy
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual and their personal experiences. Some people believe that laser therapy may be a cause of cat madness, while others believe that the bright light and sound of lasers is simply too much for some cats. Ultimately, it is up to the cat to decide if they are attracted to or scared of laser therapy.
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Can A Laser Pointer Harm A Cat’s Eyes
Laser pointers can harm a cat’s eyes, so always play with caution. Never shine the laser directly into the cat’s face, and be wary of reflected light as well. Cat’s eyes are more sensitive than humans eyes, but laser pointers can be harmful to both of us. Keep a safe distance when you play, and take short breaks during playtime.
Laser pointer beams affect humans and cats differently. A cats eye can let in three times the light of a human eye. Cats eyes have a reflective layer behind the retina that allows light to bounce back to the rods and cones.
This is what helps cats see better at night. So, cats may be more susceptible to laser pointer injury because of the reflective layer in their eyes. We should also consider the power of the laser beam. Most countries establish a 1 milliwatt power limit of handheld laser pointers.
Should I Use Laser Pointers To Play With My Cat
Youve heard the good and the bad, so now its time to decide whether laser toys should be trashed or not.
Well, Philips suggests that the laser pointer shouldnt be your cats only source of interactive playtime. She also suggests that You can also end the play session by pointing the laser on a toy that your cat can grab onto or switching to a wand toy towards the end of the play session.
So, basically use the laser pointer in moderation, pay attention to your cats reaction and keep their interaction with the red dot short. Sure, this type of toy brings to life an aspect of the hunt, but your kitty never gets the satisfaction of proving that theyre a successful hunter.
When it comes to an eye injury, the risk might be low during routine play, but Philips states that its best to use a laser that has lower milliwatts. There are several pet-safe laser pointers on the market, so make sure you read the label before making the purchase.
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Is A Laser Toy The Right Choice For Your Cat
As with most things, there are benefits and pitfalls to consider before choosing a laser cat toy:
- Physical Exercise Cats need physical activity, and especially if your cat is an indoor cat, it may not have the same opportunity to run around and exercise. A laser toy is one way of ensuring that your cat is getting the exercise it requires but do start off slowly.
- Mental Stimulation Hunting requires a lot of focus and thinking, as your cat works out where the prey is and anticipates where it will be. The red dot stimulates mental activity and keeps your cat on its toes.
- Less Effort For Owners Most owners know their cats need physical exercise and mental stimulation, but after a long days work, it can be challenging to sit down with a string toy and have your cat chase it. You can use a laser toy from the comfort of your chair.
- Fun For All Playing with your cat is not only fun for the cat, but its fun for you, and it helps to develop a bond between you both.
Why Do Cats Like Lasers
Cats are natural predators and often have a high prey drivethe instinctual drive to catch rodents, birds, and bugs.
Its the reason your cat stares at small bugs crawling on the floor before pouncing on them or looks longingly into the yard at the birds at the birdfeeder. It is also the reason your outdoor cat may occasionally bring you presents, such as birds, lizards, or even small bunnies to leave on your doormat.
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Why Do Cats Like Laser Pointers
If youve ever had your feline friend bring a mouse or bird into the house as a gift for you, then youre likely very familiar with what a high prey drive these little fur balls have.
Cats are natural hunters and they love nothing more than having an object to stalk, chase and pounce on. And thats exactly why laser pointers are so appealing. The light from a laser moves in unpredictable ways, which mimics how their prey would move.
Laser Toys Can Trigger Anxiety In Dogs And Cats
The other big problem with laser toys and some pets is that they can become obsessed with the red dot. The reason this happens is because that pet has a particularly high predator drive and becomes extremely frustrated when the dot can never be caught. This inability to catch the prey can result in a cat or dog that is constantly watching for the red dot, even after you’ve put the laser away, and is always on edge, jumpy, and becomes obsessed with shafts of light and shadows.
When a pet develops an obsession with the laser light toy, it can negatively affect every aspect of their life. You may find that she is unable to settle down and relax, especially during times of the day when there are a lot of shadows coming into the home. Also, these pets often have a hard time at Christmas when there are twinkly lights around, and they can develop negative behaviors associated with this obsession, too.
For example, a cat that is suffering from OCD related to laser pointer toys may engage in negative behaviors like scratching inappropriate items or eliminating inappropriately outside of the litter box. These are responses to stress that are common in cats, and the stress of not being able to catch the laser dot can trigger them.
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What If My Cat Doesnt Like Laser Pointers
Not all cats like laser pointers they may just not be that into chasing the light.
There are plenty of other interactive electronic toys to help get your cat moving, like remote-control mice. Your cat may prefer a teaser toy or wand toy with feathers that you can wave in the air to simulate a bird flying. There are even cat-safe toys that make bubbles for cats to chase!
You may need to try several different types of toys to see what your cat likes best. But dont get discouraged if you are having trouble finding the right toy. There is always one toy that gets kitties moving for any budget.
Is It Safe To Play With A Laser With A Cat
cats, if you have a multi-breed household, you may opt NOT to include laser pointers out of respect for your pooch. Also, if you do play with a laser and your cat, one last reminder about laser pointers from Dr. Sims: NEVER point them toward the eyes of pets or people. They can cause serious injury.
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Another Benefit Is Mental Stimulation
Many cats stay home alone most of the day, without a lot of stimulation or activity. Cat laser pointers can provide key stimulation and keep them from becoming overly bored.
The laser beam bounces off the wall, the floor, even your kitty itself, mimicking fast moving prey. It can provide plenty of fun for your cat, but not so much fun for your dog.
Do Laser Pointers Work On Cats
Benefits of Laser Pointers for Cats As you know, kitties are natural predators and love capturing things. The laser pointer provides an outlet for your normally sedentary kitty to have fun chasing and batting about the moving dot. light the cat will resume its normal activity quickly, explained North Elms Dr. Sims.
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Other Options For Playtime
There are plenty of fun things to do with your cat that engage them physically and mentally. In addition to the usual cast of cat toys from stuffed animal critters to wands and balls try offering your kitty a windup or battery-operated toy that skitters across the floor and imitates the movements of live prey. If you’re in a pinch, you can throw a wadded piece of paper across the room for your cat to bolt after. You even can teach your cat how to fetch and bring a toy back to you.
As always, safety comes first when playing with your furry friend. If you choose to use cat-safe laser pointers during playtime, remember to do so as safely as possible and give your cat a reprieve when your cat is getting frustrated.