If you have just brought your new cat home from the pet store or a shelter, you may be excited about his new laser toys. You may have also researched the health benefits of owning an Indoor/Outdoor cat. To fully understand the advantages and the pitfalls of cat laser toys, it is important to know cat physiology and how best to utilize laser toys with your cat.
The main advantage of Laser gun toy is that they simulate a cat hunting situation while providing him with a great way to exercise. What is most important to know is that the laser toys must mimic a real live hunting predator and prey scenario in order for them to be effective. Therefore, if he were to hunt in his natural environment, he would need to learn what food items the prey is most effective against, his environment and the current situation. It is this understanding which provides the benefit of helping him make a better, more accurate kill.
Another benefit is that his senses will be stimulated which are necessary in hunting. Most cats are well accustomed to high-intensity, bright lights. In addition, the presence of reflective materials on the game will fool his sense of sight and sound. The use of high-energy laser beams, on the other hand, does not make a sound or produce any light.
Many people are concerned about the safety of using lasers with cats. There have been reports of skin burns and even hearing damage from excessive laser noises. The manufacturers of these products are constantly looking for ways to reduce their potential harm and are continually working on introducing newer, safer models of their laser toys.
One drawback to many of these pet laser products is their inability to target animals that are naturally elusive. For example, all white cats do not respond to laser light. This makes them difficult to shoot during early trials of the toys. Also, any red light, which is typically emitted by a red laser pointer, does not affect these pets. Their reaction to bright yellow or orange lights is the same as it would be for a human child.
While their use has not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, there have been some encouraging studies in terms of the stimulation of the brain and visual systems of pets. The use of the pointer also stimulates the release of two chemicals, acetylcholine and dopamine, both of which can help alleviate depression. At this time, no clear evidence exists linking laser cat toys with an increase in cat behavior, though they may provide a greater amount of fun for your pet. Some veterinarians have indicated that younger cats that are hyperactive or anxious in general might benefit from these types of toys.