This question sparked a debate about the use of laser pointers in cat entertainment. The debate centers around the potential for laser pointers to cause frustration and stress in cats. While some argue that laser pointers are harmless and even beneficial, others believe that they can be detrimental to a cat’s well-being. The debate is fueled by the fact that cats are natural hunters, and laser pointers mimic the movement of prey, triggering their predatory instincts.

Some cat owners believe that laser pointers are a great way to engage their cats and provide them with mental stimulation. They argue that the chase is a natural instinct for cats and that the red dot provides a stimulating visual experience. However, there are also concerns about the potential negative impacts of laser pointers on cats.

Tallying online survey responses from 618 cat owners, the authors found that the frequency of laser play was correlated to more abnormal repetitive behaviors, including spinning and tail chasing, pursuing lights and shadows, and staring obsessively at lights or electronics. The authors concluded, “These results, although correlational, suggest that laser light toys may be associated with the development of compulsive behaviors in cats.” They also couldn’t mark a threshold for the amount of laser time that might be unwise. The bigger names in the YouTube cat-o-sphere, including Jackson Galaxy and wildlife biologist Marci Koski, largely endorse laser pointers but recommend switching to a tangible toy, like a feather at the end of the string, at the end of the play session, to allow the cat to live out the thrill of capturing prey. Commentors in these spaces have chimed in with the recommendation of giving a treat so they feel the expected reward of some protein.

Veterinarian Luqman Javed, of the Catster YouTube channel, is more skeptical, suggesting that “[T]hey never, ever get to catch the elusive laser pointer and they become stressed.” As for the potential damage to a cat’s eyes, the consensus is that laser toys can cause damage, but cats should be fine if you have common sense not to point it in their eyes and, Javed said, “if you inadvertently do shine it somewhere [near the eye], the odds of damage to your cat’s eye would then be minimal.” In the places where people go for authoritative guidelines about pet care—like PetMD and the websites of the Humane Society and ASPCA (sorry, Reddit)—there are no strong warnings about laser pointers. It seems like with good sense and consideration for the cat’s naturally encoded hunt cycle, they are generally OK.

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