Why Playing With A Laser pointer Could Be Harmful To Your Cats? Are you playing with your cat with a laser pointer? If you are? Then STOP! Whatever you are doing right now. Your action could be harmful to your cats and cause more problems in the future. I will tell you why? And what is the best way of playing with your cat with a laser pointer and leaving them satisfied at the end of every play session.
So letβs GO!
Why Playing With A Laser Pointer Could Be Harmful To Your Cats?
When you are playing with a laser pointer the cat misses the last component of the play sequence which is pounding or going for the kill.
An indoor cat play session is a simulation of outdoor cat hunting. Hence, we would like an indoor cat to simulate the same thing while they are outdoor hunting. And, if you were to observe a cat hunting outdoors, they usually go through the step of Stalking, Sprinting/Jumping and pounding or going for the kill when they grab the prey with all four paws.
Problem With Playing With A Laser?
The problem with playing with a laser is that it is made out of light. Light is something that we cannot physically touch. It is something that the cat cannot touch and cannot catch.
So, what happens is that your cat will be going through the play sequence of stalking, sprinting and jumping but unable to go for the kill? Itβs like playing basketball or football. But, you are just unable to catch the ball, why? Because the ball is made out of a shadow.
Just imagine this situation and think how frustrating that is to you. And put that frustration into your cat.
What Happen If Cat Is Unable To Complete The Play Sequence?
It leaves the play session unsatisfied. Since it misses the last component of the play sequence which is pounding or going for the kill.
It still have the need to physically catch something and bite it. In this case, it might redirect its energy to a moving leg OUCH! Just to meet that physical need of grabbing the prey and biting it.
Excessive meowing and dashing around the house could also be a symptom of improper playtime.
How To Play With Your Cat?
When playing with your cat, ensure that your cat goes through the play sequence Stalking, Sprinting, Jumping and pounding or going for the kill.
For pounding, we can use a catnip toy like Yeowww Banana. And also, you can switch it up with a wand toy.
The idea here is that you would want them to grab something and give it a good bite. Leaving them to satisfy at the end of every play session.
Also, ReadΒ 8 Incredibly Famous Cat Breeds That Almost Went Extinct
Final Words
If you want to leave your cat fully satisfy as a whole just give them a treat at the end of every play session. As cats usually eat, for every successful catch. Because as a whole, a cat goes through the routine of hunting, eating, grooming and sleeping.
By giving them a treat at the end of every play session, we actually help them to complete their routine. Leaving them fully satisfy as a whole.
I witnessed the adverse effects of using the laser pointer a few days ago. I was thrilled using the pointer with my cat, Mochi. However, after a while of playing, I noticed she became withdrawn and stand-offish. I was worried at first that something was wrong, since she’s normally very affectionate. I realized that the laser pointer was the only different thing in her day. I researched and found several articles that indicate the same thing you mentioned here. For some cats, the laser is fine but, for others, it can cause frustration and irritation and make them somewhat depressed.… Read more »
thanks for this..
I agree. Big time π
your words means too much for catsbin