As an owner of two young cats, I know that these animals, especially when confined to an apartment, need a lot of attention. People often play with cats because it is fun, but I have long known that it is also a duty. Otherwise, those furry advertisements for cuteness will literally turn into a disaster and your apartment into a warehouse in no time. I used to use a laser pointer to keep the cats entertained without having to get off the couch. But now I know that’s not right.

Not only were the two cats chasing the red dot across the floor, but my shiba inu was also chasing it lovingly. Having grown up around cats, he has some rather strange habits for a dog at times. Some time ago, however, I discovered that a laser pointer is the worst toy to use when entertaining pets. And in retrospect, it all makes sense and I should have figured it out sooner.

They’re confused, you can hurt them.

A laser pointer may look like a fun toy, but veterinarians and behavioral experts warn of several risks. The main problem is that cats don’t understand that the red dot is not real prey. In nature, every hunt means a reward. The cat gets some tangible prey. But when playing with the laser, it never gets it, which can lead to frustration and stress.

“Frustration is actually the main problem. Even though the cats enjoy the chase, their reward at the end of the game doesn’t come. So it’s virtually a game they can never win,” explains vet Rebecca MacMillan. And this is also true if the dog is playing with the pointer.

A laser pointer is practically mandatory equipment for cat owners. What they don't realise is that they are often actually hurting the animal. ━━ A laser pointer is practically mandatory equipment for cat owners. What they don't realise is that they are often actually hurting the animal. ( Source: Sergey Meshkov /  Unsplash+ )

Danger in many ways

A laser pointer is generally a very bad toy that can harm a cat in several areas:

  • Mental stress and frustration: cats can become preoccupied with chasing the elusive dot, which can trigger anxiety, over-excitement, or aggressive behavior.
  • Behavioral changes: Excessive laser use can lead to obsessive light chasing even outside of play, such as chasing shadows or reflections of light.
  • Eye injuries: Looking directly into a laser light can damage the retina, although a small pointer is usually not very powerful.
  • Lack of satisfaction from hunting: Cats need to end the hunt with a real reward. Without this, the game is not complete.

So there are far better ways to keep a cat entertained. If you really want to play with it, give it plush toys that it can chew and destroy. Let her chase a ball. Or simply get a teaser. A stick that has feathers, plush toys and jingle bells on it is safe and fun for your cat. Personally, you don’t have to get up off the couch, but the cat has something to chase and may “catch” something as a result, so the satisfaction of play comes in this case.

So personally I just think it’s important to pay attention to how the teasers are made. Under no circumstances should cats rip the plastic or feather pieces off of them, lest they inhale them. Also, don’t leave the toy freely accessible without your supervision. For one thing, there is a risk that the animal will destroy it and swallow parts of it, and the rubber band or string can then cause them injury.