10/25/23

 Why Do Cats Chase Lasers?

Laser play may seem like a game, but it primarily taps into cats' instinctual behaviors.

Laura Mueller, an esteemed animal rescue expert and writer with nearly a decade of experience in animal advocacy, is a former editor of Tails Pet Magazine and is actively involved in animal rescue, including organizations like Chicago’s Anti-Cruelty Society and Starfish Animal Rescue.

All cat owners are well-acquainted with the timeless battle between cats and laser pointers. For something as small and scentless as that little red dot, it has a remarkable ability to keep cats engaged, even though they can never actually catch it. Interestingly, there is some debate about whether laser pointers are a suitable toy for our feline companions. So, why do cats chase lasers, and should we consider replacing lasers with other types of toys?

The Allure of the Laser Cats are inherently drawn to lasers because they mimic fast-moving prey. Just because your cat doesn't need to work hard for its food (unless you count incessant morning meowing as effort to fill its food bowl), doesn't mean it has lost its innate hunting instincts.

As the laser dot swiftly moves around the room, your cat interprets it as a small creature attempting to escape and hide. Consequently, natural feline behaviors like hunting, pouncing, and "killing" the prey are triggered. The fact that it's merely a projection doesn't matter much, as your cat operates on instinct rather than intellect.

How Cats See Lasers Another factor at play when your cat chases a laser is its visual appeal. To understand why, it's helpful to know how cat vision differs from human vision.

The retina is a key eye structure consisting of two types of cells: rods and cones. Rods are responsible for low-light vision and detecting movement, while cones help perceive color. Humans have more cones than rods, enabling us to see the world in vibrant color. In contrast, cats have more rods than cones, making them experts at detecting even the slightest movements.

What does this have to do with lasers? It means that lasers are hard for cats to ignore. The moment you turn on a laser pointer, your cat will detect it in its peripheral vision. Even if it hasn't quite realized that it can't actually catch the red dot (or doesn't care), it's enough to trigger its predatory instincts.

The Debate Over Cats and Lasers It may be surprising to learn that there is controversy surrounding the idea of tempting your cat with lasers, but the cat-laser debate has been ongoing.

The primary concern among cat enthusiasts who oppose lasers is that luring your cat to chase the laser is a form of teasing. Your cat is stalking and pouncing on the red dot because its instincts tell it to catch and "kill" the prey. Cats don't perceive it as play, even if they seem to be having fun.

The laser represents an unattainable target, and no matter how skilled your cat is at hunting, it will never capture the elusive red dot or complete its predatory cycle. Many cats eventually figure out the ruse and lose interest in the laser. Others find it frustrating and may exhibit undesirable behavior as a result. Frustrated cats can engage in destructive or aggressive actions. If you notice a connection between laser play and negative behavior in your cat, it's advisable to retire the laser pointer for good.

To make laser play more satisfying for your cat and less teasing, consider offering a treat or a physical toy after the game, allowing your cat to enjoy the "kill" even if it's not the laser itself.

Laser Pointer Safety Tips If your cat genuinely enjoys chasing a laser and isn't caught in an endless cycle of hunt, pounce, and disappointment, there is likely no cause for concern. Chasing a laser is an excellent way for your cat to get both physical and mental exercise, while indulging its natural instincts—something that indoor cats don't often have the opportunity to do.

Nevertheless, you should follow safety guidelines to prevent harming your cat during play. Two essential safety tips to keep in mind are:

  1. Avoid shining the laser directly into your cat's eyes. Even toy lasers emit an intensely bright light that can potentially cause vision problems or eye injuries if pointed at your cat (or yourself).

  2. Provide your cat with a variety of other toys. If the laser is your cat's sole play outlet, it's more likely to become frustrated. Ensure your cat has access to other items for hunting and play, including catnip toys and wands.

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