Can a cat play with a laser pointer?

It is always interesting for cat owners to watch their furry friend chasing and pouncing on his toys. Sometimes such entertainment includes chasing the elusive light point of a laser pointer. Is a laser pointer harmful to cats and is it possible to choose a safe one among them?

Is it harmful to play with a cat with a laser pointer?

Pets need enrichment in their environment and additional incentives to help them get the exercise they need and stay healthy. Playing with a laser pointer with a cat can be done as a workout, turning it into a fun cardio activity. But directing a laser beam directly into a cat’s eyes can damage their eyesight and even permanently damage their eyes, says Cat Health.

The red laser for cats is still dangerous – it can burn the retina. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the higher the power of a light source, the more dangerous it is: “The natural defense mechanisms of the eye, such as the blink reflex, are ineffective against lasers with an output power of more than five milliwatts, so even short-term exposure can cause serious damage to the retina.”

Can cats play with a laser? Yes, but the following precautions must be observed:

• use a low-power laser with a maximum output power of 5 milliwatts;
• never direct the beam directly into the cat’s eyes;
• store the laser toy in a safe place out of the reach of the cat.

Similar rules apply to any light source, including flashlights, which the cat probably also likes to chase.

Cats run after the laser: what psychology says

Playing with a laser beam can also affect the psyche of a furry friend. As International Cat Care explains, toys like laser pointers can be frustrating for pets. Since the cat is a born hunter, she can become angry if she fails to complete the hunting sequence by jumping on the prey – the laser dot – and catching it.

Fluffy pets love laser pointers in the first place precisely because the fast movements of the light point imitate the movements of a living being. According to Psychology Today, “Cats chase the dot of a laser pointer because it changes direction and speed. Cats consider a moving point to be a living being and want to catch it.” Another danger of a laser pointer is that when a pet recklessly pursues a light point, she does not pay attention to her surroundings and can crash into a wall or furniture. In this case, she may get injured or break something in the house. Therefore, it is better to play with an animal and a laser pointer in an open space.

And of course, it is important to give the cat something to catch. Perhaps you should offer her a toy she can grab, such as a toy mouse, in addition to a laser pointer.

Other cat games

There are many games that will keep your cat occupied and provide her with the mental and physical activity she needs. In addition to standard entertainment, from soft toys to sticks and balls, you can offer your cat a wind-up toy or a battery-operated toy. She will run on the floor, imitating the movements of live prey. If you want to save money on buying toys, you can throw a regular ball of crumpled paper to your fluffy pet, which she will hunt with pleasure. You can also teach your cat to fetch a toy.

In any case, when playing with a pet, safety should be paramount. Therefore, if you use a laser pointer that is safe for cats in the game, then you should not forget to do it as carefully as possible. And if the cat starts to get angry, you should definitely take a break and take a break from active games.

See also:

7 absolutely free cat games Fun games for your cat DIY toys for cats How to keep your cat active with a game