A laser pointer is a hand-held device that emits a beam of light from the tip of the device. The beam can be directed to any surface, making it an excellent toy for cats. However, because it can be directed at any surface, the laser pointer can also be used as a weapon to aim at unsuspecting humans.
Are laser pointers bad for cats?
The answer is no, but it depends on how you’re playing with your cat and the laser pointer. If you are directing the beam at your cat’s face, then it is not good for them because it could cause eye damage or blindness over time. If you’re playing with your cat and using the laser pointer as a toy, then it’s all good.
How are laser pointers bad for cats?
Laser pointers are dangerous for cats because their intense light can cause eye injuries or burns on your cat’s skin. Lasers can damage the eyes. They cause the tissues around and in the eye to get burned or melt. Be aware that cats’ eyes are temporarily blinded when they look at laser pointers or a direct view of an operating laser.
The recommendation for owners is to avoid using lasers as toys or as weapons against other animals or people. Pet owners should not use laser pointers at all.
How does a laser pointer work?
A laser pointer is a small, hand-held unit that emits a beam of invisible light that can be moved around and focused as needed. The possible uses of this light are to point out things, help locate objects, or entertain your cat!
Do cats like laser pointers?
Up until now, no definitive studies are available on how much cats like laser pointers, but many cat owners report that their pets do not react well to them. Flashing lights distract the cats, and loud sounds can terrify them. One should not attempt to use a laser pointer with your cat unless you’re sure that it won’t be harmful to him or her.
Should I keep my cat away from a laser pointer?
Pets are especially vulnerable to laser injuries because they have a lower tolerance for light than humans do. If you own a cat and use a laser pointer, you must keep your pet away from the beam of light, which could cause serious eye damage if they come in contact with it. The doctors recommend covering the beam of light with a piece of paper or cardboard before aiming it at your pet since the beam has enough power to burn through fabric and skin.
Owners must keep their laser pointers away from their pets and refrain from using them as toys.
Why should I care?
A single red dot of light can blind your cat for up to 20 minutes if it directly bothers its eyes. Remember that cats’ pupils are much smaller than humans’ eyes. So even a small dot can cause them discomfort for quite some time. If you want your cat to still be able to enjoy playing with you without the risk of this potentially deadly situation happening, you need to buy a special-purpose laser pointer for cats.
If you want to know about cat health issues, you should read: My Cat Has Diarrhea and Vomiting: What should I do?
How to Play with Your Cat and a Laser Pointer?
There are several effective and exciting ways to play with your cat using a laser pointer.
- You can direct the beam of light to your cat’s favorite toy for a “catch” game (He or She might have to figure out how to use it!)
- Can direct the pin-pointer onto a wall, floor, or another surface and create a laser maze for cats and humans alike to play on
- You can chase your cat around with the pointer itself.
Types of laser pointers:
The most common type of laser pointer is the Class 3B red dot style. This is the type that is the safest option for pets and children. The red dot on this model only comes on when you press the button, so your cat won’t get scared by an intense beam of light suddenly appearing in their eyes.
-
Class 3B: Red Dot Laser Pointers for Cats
Petco offers two other types of laser pointers: Class 2 and Class 4. Both are extremely bright and can be dangerous to your cat.
-
Class 2 Laser Pointer for Cats
Class 2 laser pointers are the same as Class 3B red dots, except they are green or blue. These pointers are extremely bright, so you’ll have to be careful when playing with them.
-
Class 4 Laser Pointer for Cats
Class 4 laser pointers are very bright and are safe for pets and children. They can give your cat temporary blindness if you shine them in their eyes. This is especially dangerous because your cat may try to chase the beam of light around the room, which could lead to serious injury if they bump into something.
You should never use Class 4 red dots or any other type of Class 4 laser pointers on cats! The only way to ensure that your cat won’t get hurt by a Class 4 laser pointer is to buy a laser pointer specifically designed for cats that emit only invisible light.
Where can I buy a laser pointer for cats?
You can buy laser pointers for cats at most pet stores or online. You can also get them from a company that makes laser pointers for pets.
If you choose to buy a pointer from a pet store, make sure that the pointer is specifically designed for cats. If it’s not, your cat will threaten to hurt itself.
Conclusion:
People used laser points as a fun and engaging toy for pets and humans for a long time. Laser pointers are not dangerous if you use them carefully while playing with your cat. I hope this blog post has helped you gain a better understanding of whether it is bad for your cat to play with a laser pointer.
