Those cats seem to like it, but if I were a cat, I know it would piss me off if I put all that energy into something and got no reward. I prefer using real toys with my pets. Also, when I use real toys, I feel like I am interacting more with my pets. I don't know if it's cruel necessarily, but if I were using a laser, I would give my pet a treat afterward.

i have a friend whose dog is obsessed with flashlights now because of a laser pointer...not very fun when you're camping!

I've never thought of it like this, so I appreciate the alternate perspective. I am very much interested in feline psychology and neuro-science, I.E. why they do the things they do, as I believe it to be the only way to have the happiest cats possible.

As for the laser pointers, I think it's fine for playing when you can't really get down with them. In other words: it's better than nothing. At the end of a laser session, you could switch to another toy and let them catch it quicker than usual. They'd have forgotten about the laser by then. Win/win.

it's cute! it gives the cat something playful to do! cats love chasing things that move around, so it's just something for them to play with. well of course too much is not good, but once in a while will make them happy. cats understand when you want to play with them.

The first time our cats were exposed to a laser pointer, my bf's dad kept waving it around the room until my poor little cat was PANTING with exhaustion!! We told him over and over again to land the laser on one of her toys so she could "catch" it and then put it away but he's worse than a little kid - he would do that and then pull it out again. So now he's not allowed over the house if he has that stupid laser pointer.

I never thought of it this way... thanks for the alternate viewpoint, Pet. We don't use laser pointers with our cats... but then again the little buggers are too lazy to catch bugs when they get in the house

Agree with some of the others--never thought of it this way. Thanks!

While I can understand this point of view, my cats love the laser pointer and they always finish with a kitty treat so we're all happy campers.

My cat loves chasing the laser pointer! But yes, the first time I turned it off, she became restless and started crying. I found a simple solution for this, though: I opened the door, and let her see the little red dot "escape" into the hall. She knows better than to go out there without me, as the car noises scare her, even though the outside hallway is completely enclosed. Anyway, once the little red dot "goes outside", she is content to find something else to play with.