05/05/2022
Really interesting information… I find that my cats (who are all hunters) have never been interested in playing with laser pointers - there’s nothing to catch!
New research has been published on the use of laser pointers in play and its possible effects on cat behaviour. The study, published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, concludes:
"Guardians that frequently used laser light pointers to play with their cats reported significantly more potential abnormal repetitive behaviours such as spins, tail chases, chasing lights or shadows, staring "obsessively" at lights or reflections, and fixating on a specific toy."
It is worth noting that the majority of cat owners in the study (262 participants, 73.6%) did not end the laser pointer play sessions by letting their cat ‘catch’ something. The lack of opportunity to ‘pounce’ or ‘catch’ a physical toy at the end of a play session is hypothesised to be frustrating for cats as they cannot complete their natural predatory behavioural sequence. Further research is required into whether or not completing this type of play session with ‘catching’ a toy, plays a role in the development of abnormal repetitive behaviours.
Play is an important source of mental stimulation and physical activity for cats, but it is important to understand that all cats have unique preferences in how they best like to play and interact. To learn more about playing with your cat, including our top ideas for toys and games, visit:
https://icatcare.org/advice/playing-with-your-cat/
https://icatcare.org/playing-with-your-kitten/
Reference: Grigg, E.K. and Kogan, L.R., 2022. Associations between Laser Light Pointer Play and Repetitive Behaviors in Companion Cats: Does Participant Recruitment Method Matter?. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, pp.1-16.
