Laser pointer syndrome in cats

Many cats enjoy chasing after red dots, also known as laser pointer projections, as a favorite pastime. So why do cats like lasers so much?

There is a genre of cat video for all tastes. All standard fare, really. Then there are the infamous laser pointer videos. A kitty chases and bats wildly at the tiny red dot on the wall, purring, mewing, and batting at the beam of light. These videos are endlessly entertaining for sure, but are laser pointers safe to use for cats? The Good: Cats are natural hunters and thrive when given the opportunity to chase something. Their predatory nature is not often allowed to thrive in an indoor environment.

Laser pointer syndrome in cats

But you can educate your well-meaning veterinary clients on how to use them in the most rewarding way. Cats and laser pointers. Name a more iconic duo. Unfortunately for our feline friends, many cat owners are using laser pointers in potentially harmful ways. Nothing is ever physically caught. Such pointless play, says Dr. Ciribassi, can cause some cats to develop a compulsive disorder. Instead of engaging in normal activities like playing with their owners or even eating, these cats will spend a large portion of their day chasing things that are similar to the laser pointer light, such as shadows or reflections. But that doesn't mean you need to instruct clients to surrender their laser pointers. Ciribassi still thinks they're great for getting cats the exercise and predatory stimulation they need. Let's just use it in a way that's more effective.

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Luqman Javed. Why do cats seem obsessed with laser pointers? Cats like laser pointers because their instinct is to chase after anything that moves. Cats are predatory animals, and they are made to be top-notch hunters. Their instinct is to chase anything that moves quickly around them since something in their brains tells them it is prey. Almost all species of cats, including large wild cats, are more inclined to chase after something that moves. Staying perfectly still is less likely to entice a cat to chase!

Bennett received her DVM degree in from Purdue University and later completed a residency in animal behavior with a focus on shelter medicine, obtained a master of science degree, and became certified as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in Sara Bennett and Dr. Margaret Gruen. His current research interests include canine and feline cognition, age-related changes in the brain, and novel therapeutic approaches to behavior disorders. Compulsive disorders can be defined as normal behaviors that are abnormally repeated, sustained, and out of context. However, all repetitive behaviors should not be considered compulsive. Diagnostic criteria generally include an abnormal repetitive behavior performed excessively and out of context, which is difficult to interrupt and is performed in replacement of other normal behaviors.

Laser pointer syndrome in cats

Luqman Javed. Laser pointers are popular toys, and it can be fun watching your cat chase after that little red dot. The good news is that if you do use a laser pointer carefully, it can be a safe and suitable toy for your cat. Cats love laser pointers for the same reasons that they love any other toys. Unlike kicker toys, which your cat has to interact with to get it moving, the quick movement of a laser pointer can encourage even the most laid back cat to indulge in playtime. If your cat turns up their nose at most toys, a laser pointer is almost guaranteed to catch their interest. Playing is a great way to encourage your cat to exercise and help them maintain physical strength. Play is also a great enrichment activity that helps keep your cat from getting too bored. You should never use a cat laser toy outdoors or point it out a window, at people, cars, or planes. Cat lasers are indistinguishable from laser sights on guns or more powerful lasers that can cause eye damage, even from long distances.

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Respiratory Medicine. Vance April 29, While significant, the low R 2 of the regression model likely reflects the high variability among both cats and their human guardians, and suggests that other intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the development of ARBs in companion cats. Curated By: Buzz Staff. Housecats can often lead a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to boredom, obesity, and aggression towards their housemates and humans. Risks of Laser Toy Play for Cats Laser lights are dangerous to pets and people if they are shone directly into the eyes. Compulsive behaviors are usually brought on by conflict, and appear abnormal because they are repetitive, exaggerated or sustained, and displayed out of context [ 8 ]. The retina is at the back of the eye and captures incoming photons light particles and transmits them along neuronal pathways as both signals for the brain to perceive a visual picture. Please wait Live Webinars CE. For these reasons, laser pointers are not considered the best toys for cats. Pet Connections. Terms and Conditions. Sometimes it runs in a straight line, or into a corner, or back and forth.

But you can educate your well-meaning veterinary clients on how to use them in the most rewarding way. Cats and laser pointers.

Many cats will chase the laser pointer at a high pace for several minutes. Cats are predatory animals, and they are made to be top-notch hunters. Are Lasers Bad for Cats? There are even cat-safe toys that make bubbles for cats to chase! Dennis C. All prices are in USD. Most cats were not declawed Christine February 14, A kitty chases and bats wildly at the tiny red dot on the wall, purring, mewing, and batting at the beam of light. Amie July 28, Monroe-Aldridge P. These results support previously unsubstantiated concerns that LLP toys may be associated with the development of feline compulsive disorder. Shoe laces were tied to the laser pointer, which allowed the videographer to move the box around.