Laser pointer syndrome in cats

Many cats enjoy chasing after red dots, also known as laser pointer projections, as a favorite pastime.

Laser toys can be a fun way to play with a cat. Cats often go crazy for the red dot of a laser toy, and they can be so cute as they chase it around and pounce on it. A laser toy can be a great way to get an indoor cat some much-needed exercise. But there are some risks involved with laser toy play, so be sure you know what those are and how to mitigate them before using one to play with your cat. Laser lights are dangerous to pets and people if they are shone directly into the eyes. It's important to remember that at all times when playing and it's best if children aren't allowed to handle the laser toy. Laser toys that move constantly are probably safer than those controlled by a person.

Laser pointer syndrome in cats

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! It is ingrained into their very anatomy. House cats are not far from their wild descendants, the African and European wild cats, and their hunting instinct is still strong. In addition, pet cats that are well-fed still enjoy hunting, and do it for enrichment and fun even if they are full. They are, after all, opportunistic hunters.

We found significant associations between the frequency of laser light play and the occurrence of all surveyed ARBs, apart from overgrooming. However, when your cat needs even more play than you can provide with one-on-one time, automatic toys can help fill the gap. Lori R.

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.

Karyn Kanowski. Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and Zazzles. One of the more challenging aspects of looking after indoor cats is making sure they get enough exercise, enrichment, and excitement in their lives. Even Cyril, who is famous for his dedication to a life lived horizontally, cannot resist the flickering allure of that elusive red dot. But after reading about how lasers can negatively affect dogs, I started to become worried about my ginger ninja, Alex. Buried deep within that lazy exterior are the hunting instincts and prey drive of a lion, just waiting to be triggered by some fast-moving beastie.

Laser pointer syndrome in cats

The appeal of using laser pointers during cat play is undeniable for many cat owners. But beneath this seemingly harmless lies a potential problem: laser pointer syndrome in cats. It refers to a cluster of peculiar behaviors some cats develop after prolonged exposure to laser points.

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Table 2 Total amount of time spent over the span of an entire day in cat related activities. There are many reasons cats go crazy for laser pointers. Environmental Enrichment for Indoor Cats. In this way, the cat knows that it's won and that something good is coming. Nonetheless, frequency of LLP play was the strongest predictor of ARBs in the multiple regression model Table 6 , and guardians who frequently used LLPs for playing with their cats were more likely to report ARBs in their cats than others who did not use LLPs, or who used them less frequently Table 5. Grief comes in many forms. The lack of association between frequency of LLP play and overgrooming may be due to the diverse causes of this type of behavior in domestic cats. Business All Business. Thus, in theory at least, using LLPs to play with cats could contribute to the development of compulsive behaviors. A practical review of common veterinary renal toxins. Virtual Care. Your cat may prefer a teaser toy or wand toy with feathers that you can wave in the air to simulate a bird flying. Kruskal—Wallis tests were performed to explore the relationship between LLP play never used; used, but not currently; less than once a month; more than once a month and frequency of ARBs never; less than once a month; about once a week; at least several times a week. Related Videos. Though cats are notorious for chasing after laser pointers, there are ethical concerns with allowing cats to chase a laser pointer.

Luqman Javed.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Nearly half I have one actually an LED pointer that projects different shapes. Top Recommended Veterinary Products. Publications All Publications. Elsevier; Amsterdam, The Netherlands: The Bad: This can be a mental torture to your cat. By becoming a veterinarian , he turned his childhood dream into reality. References 1. The list of behaviors came before any other questions besides demographic questions and the order of the behaviors was randomized. One common form of play between companion cat guardians and cats involves the use of laser light pointers LLPs. I am pretty sure they know it is not something they can actually catch. She mostly ignores the store bought ones so I made her some myself.