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.

One common form of play between companion cat guardians and cats involves the use of laser light pointers LLPs. Although viewed by many as an enjoyable shared interaction, experts have suggested that it may increase the risk of compulsive behaviors. Our earlier study recruited participants through social media to examine the relationship between LLPs and potential abnormal repetitive behaviors pARBs. Because of possible biases in this form of recruitment, this study was conducted utilizing Amazon Mechanical Turk. A total of responses Significant associations between the frequency of LLPs and the occurrence of spins or tail chases, chasing lights or shadows, staring "obsessively" at lights or reflections, and fixating on a specific toy were found.

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. Therefore, a quick moving laser pointer that appears out of nowhere and rapidly darts around is sure to catch the attention of a curious cat.

Abstract Simple Summary Use of laser light pointers for feline play is popular with many cat guardians. Sometimes they just watch the dot. Follow the simple guidelines above and go ahead and breakout the video camera and get some kitty laser tag going!

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.

Looking for an easy-to-use cat play toy that can keep your feline friend physically active? Then lasers must be on your list. Because of this, pet parents hesitate to use it. Are laser pointers bad for cats? Fact is, many cats love laser pointers. But just like any other toy, it pays to know the right way to use laser pointer toys. Feline Living is here to tell you the pros and cons of using a laser pointer for play and much more. Cats are natural predators. Playing laser tag with your cat or your dog has its pros and cons.

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. It triggers their hunting instincts and endless curiosity. When a quick, moving red dot catches their attention, they leap, pounce, and dart to capture the elusive red dot, making it adorable to watch in the eyes of cat owners. Cats are natural hunters, so anything that moves quickly catches their attention, just like the tiny red light. The quick, predictable motions of the laser point pique their curiosity, driving them to stalk and chase it relentlessly. Watching your feline companion leap and dart while chasing the red dot can be hilarious and adorable, but it has some adverse effects. Below are the potential downsides of this popular cat play:.

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Live Webinars CE. Buying or Selling a Practice. References 1. Turner, Academic Editor. Although correlational, these results support concerns that LLP toys may be associated with the development of compulsive behaviors in cats, warranting further research into their risks. Cat ages ranged from 1—2 years They will even run in from other rooms as I pick up the pointer, I have tried to be sneaky so I can start up with them in another room, to NO effect. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Staying perfectly still is less likely to entice a cat to chase! Be careful where you aim the laser pointer. This is important for several reasons, including building confidence. Coefficient B.

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Utilizing veterinary technician skills can benefit patients, clients and staff. We found significant associations between the frequency of laser light play and the occurrence of all surveyed ARBs, apart from overgrooming. Animal Welfare. Staying perfectly still is less likely to entice a cat to chase! Curated By: Buzz Staff. Figure 5. If it is not me on the button, it is not worth chasing. Be careful where you aim the laser pointer. Acknowledgments The authors thank James Oxley for his assistance in conceptualization and survey development. Their instinct is to chase anything that moves quickly around them since something in their brains tells them it is prey. Small Anim. VetXchange CE. Each cat should have their own laser pointer light to chase, and the lights should be moving in opposite directions. This is important for several reasons, including building confidence. You should never use a cat laser toy outdoors or point it out a window, at people, or at cars or planes.