Laser pointer syndrome in cats

Laser toys can be a fun way to play with a cat.

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

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? Are laser pointers good or bad for cats? There are many reasons cats go crazy for laser pointers. And it turns out, when used properly, lasers can actually be good for your cat. Cats are natural predators and often have a high prey drive—the instinctual drive to catch rodents, birds, and bugs. You may have heard that laser pointers are not safe or are bad for cats. For example, if your cat is usually a couch potato, try starting slow. Be careful where you aim the laser pointer. That can lead to injuries if your cat tries to jump higher than they should. With laser pointers and any other chasing-type toys, you should let your cat catch them occasionally. This is important for several reasons, including building confidence.

Nothing is ever physically caught. Compulsive behaviors are usually brought on by conflict, and appear abnormal because they are repetitive, exaggerated or sustained, and displayed out of context [ 8 ].

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.

Federal government websites often end in. The site is secure. Use of laser light pointers for feline play is popular with many cat guardians. It can be an enjoyable shared interaction and provide an easy way to encourage cats to exercise. It has been suggested that this might trigger frustration and stress, both of which can contribute to compulsive behaviors. This study examined the potential relationship between the use of laser light pointers for play and the occurrence of excessive or abnormal repetitive behaviors ARBs often linked to diagnosis of feline compulsive disorders. A total of responses, primarily female participants from the United States, were analyzed.

Laser pointer syndrome in cats

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.

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Possible total scores for the Affectionate Companionship subscale range from 8—48, with higher scores indicating a closer bond. A laser pointer is a fabulous and easy way to play with your cat. The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Laser plays are linked to cats developing abnormal repetitive behaviours or Feline Compulsive Disorders, says a new study. Christopher Bays. Cat ages ranged from 1—2 years If I ignore her she starts nipping and scratching at me. Laser toys can be a fun way to play with a cat. The race will soon be on again. One Health. They can also help cats learn to play with each other while building their confidence. It is perhaps also important that overgrooming was the behavior that guardians reported having the most difficulty in redirecting to other behaviors Figure 2. Hall S. Related Videos. This in turn would underscore concern for the impacts of laser light toys on frequency of some types of ARBs in pet cats.

You may want to try these more satisfying methods of play instead. Janelle is a cat mum to two resident adventure kitties, Lyra and Atlas, and numerous cat and kitten fosters. Janelle and her furry family enjoy filling their days with hiking, kayaking, and seeking out the best cat-friendly destinations around the Pacific Northwest.

A total of responses It is ingrained into their very anatomy. Let's just use it in a way that's more effective. Contact Info. Amat M. This study examined the potential relationship between the use of laser light pointers for play and the occurrence of excessive or abnormal repetitive behaviors ARBs often linked to diagnosis of feline compulsive disorders. Published online Jul Behavior problems are a significant risk factor for relinquishment and euthanasia of domestic cats [ 7 , 18 ], and even without these tragic end points, often negatively impact animal welfare, especially when they are a result of stress or anxiety [ 7 ]. But one day he found that the dot is uncatchable!! A common recommendation for enrichment involves interactive play with toys.