Specialists say a typical cat will engage in at least 8 to 10 ‘hunting expeditions’ daily. It goes the same for indoor cats who do not need to hunt. That’s the reason felines are mad about laser pointer toys. Undoubtedly cats love chasing things, whether it is accurate or virtual. Cats enjoy running around the laser point and find a thrill in it. But how do you know if a laser pointer toy is the best thing for your baby cat to play with?
It is worth noting that even while laser toys provide much fun, entertainment, and exercise, they can damage your cat’s vision when directly pointed at its eyes. In such a case, you might have to deal with untimely vet visits and hefty vet bills. This is one reason why you should think about buying cat insurance.
Cheap pet insurance SA policies are affordable and help provide your furball with quality medical care during unexpected health issues and medical emergencies. Consider purchasing a policy and while you make this decision, read this article to learn the benefits and ill effects of using laser pointer cat toys.
1. Benefits
Cats are incredible hunters and can instantly fall in love with toys that offer them a hunting opportunity. The red dot moving across the floor, on the wall, or over the furniture brings out a feline’s predatory instincts. Your cat might find it pretty enticing to stalk the red dot, take it down, and kill it. It’s been 5000 years since cats were first domesticated, But they were mainly appointed to catch mice. So cats have always been outdoor animals. But now, as they live indoors, they have become lazy. If your cat is alone at home, a laser pointer helps to provide stimulation and keep them engaged. For cats playing is very important, as it teaches them social skills and boundaries. Laser pointers for cats can be an excellent way for you to bond while playing and satisfying your kitten’s organic instinct to stalk their prey. A laser pointer toy encourages your furball to jump, run, leap, and get things moving when catnip and feather toys seem dull—pep by activating a laser pointer and allowing your furry pet to chase down the dotted prey.
This toy helps you interact and bond with your kitty. It provides physical and mental stimulation and helps keep your munchkin active and in good shape. It is easy to burn a few extra calories when you have a toy that nudges your cat to go there and get it.
2. Ill effects
Cats are natural predators. Hunting is their instinct. Hence your cat might get frustrated quickly. The red dot moving encourages your cat to attack and pounce, But this might lead to a problem when they realize there is no way the stubborn dot could be caught. Just think, what would you do if your target was fast and elusive? Give up on the game. This is exactly how your kitty can feel when it can never grasp the prey. Dissatisfaction and non-accomplishment can hamper your furball’s spirits, and it may even stop playing the game altogether. Why would your cat want to play a game that it never wins?
Suppose your kitty cat shows signs of frustration, anxiousness, aggression, paranoia, chasing imaginary things, clawing, and other negative behaviors after a few rounds of playing with the laser toy. In that case, engaging your furball in a game like this is probably not safe.
Watch your cat’s attitude towards the game and how it responds after a few gaming sessions with a laser toy so you can decide what to do next. If this game needs to be fixed, switching to other games that leave your cat content is best.
Safety tips for laser games
- Pointing the laser beam directly at your feline’s eye is very harmful. Laser light, when pointed directly, harms humans and cats.
- Avoiding continuous staring at the laser light is advised.
- Ensure your cat is not overstimulated, and keep your cat’s play session limited.
- Provide your cat with different play toys, other than a laser, so their attention is diverted.
- Remember that nothing will replace your time, love and affection for a toy. Ensure you spend time and bond with your cat.
In any case, consider being prepared with pet insurance in the least to tackle unexpected health events and emergencies more effectively. Cat insurance covers your furball’s testing and treatment costs during non-routine vet visits, which is why you should contemplate buying a policy.
