Thoughts on laser pens for cats

lisajane8482

Was looking at some new toys for Salem and Gizmo on Zooplus and saw the laser pens. What are peoples thoughts on these and the best ways to play with them to make sure the cats get the most out of playtime?

I should expand to say that it would not replace the traditional games of dangler toys and playing fetch etc was just think of having it as another toy to add to the endless supply they have. I also realise that it's not something you should play with for hours and that once play is over they should be rewarded.

Shoshannah

I bought one, but my cat just ignored it! Lol.

his_missus

My kitten loves it. He actually recognises the clicking of the switch now and will come running to play. We usually use it inside when it's too wet for him to want to go out just for 15 mins or so. Sometimes my younger cat (4yrs) will join in. Kitten likes to find where the dot is whereas the 4yr old likes to chase/follow the dot.

Occasionally, we've used it outside on the patio so he can have a proper run around.

Mine really aren't into danglers at all.

davenport151

I totally recommend them. My kitty is 8 months and she loves it. Loves plenty of other things too but this one is a favourite.

tea_lover

Really bad idea imho. Cats can get obsessed with them just as much as dogs can, plus it's incredibly frustrating for them to chase something they can never catch. Can't post links at no but a quick Google should show some of the research.

gettingready

My boys have one since Xmas, 3 out of 4 go crazy for it but as Tea Lover says above - do a bit of google search, apparently not very good for them. My boys get to "play" with this perhaps once per week for just few minutes. NO good to drive them crazy chasing something they can never catch, no good for their poor brains

paddypaws101

I think that as long as you use it sensibly as outlined in your first post, it can be a great addition to their play regime.
My deaf cat went through a bad phase of chasing shadows round the house and is still quite obsessed with lights/reflections etc, so I banned the laser pen for a long time in case it encouraged that behaviour
It is one of the few toys that ALL my cats are interested in though, even the geriatrics, so I have gone back to using it on occasion and it has not exacerbated her obsession at all.

KxMx

I only use mine maybe once a week at most due to the issues outlined.
She loves it though As soon as I go to where it's kept she purrs, runs over then starts looking on the floor for the dot.

Sinhanada

Our cats love them. It's by far their favourite toy, but it winds them up no end! Usually they end up having a mad fifteen minute dash around the house, but great for when the weather's awful outside!

lisajane8482

Thanks everyone.

I've been reading articles on google and can see the good and bad points. One I read suggested placing soft toys around the room so that you stop on the toy and the cat then "catches" the toy. I liked this idea but I also read (in the same article) that it could make them aggressive with the other especially if they become obsessed with it.

They are both indoor cats and at the moment hubby and I are out of the house quite a bit due to shift patterns/deadlines so I was wanting something extra that we could play with together when we get home.

Part of me is tempted to buy one to try and place a few stuffed toys around the room as an assault course almost and under the last one hide some Cosma snackies and see how they go. The other part is worried that they may become over stimulated and become agressive to the other.

paddypaws101

I have not notice any increased aggression at all. In fact i often use it to distract a bully cat away from it's victim.