Cats and laser pointers

So, as everyone knows, nothing is as entertaining as watching cats chase laser pointers. I got one recently and have been having endless amounts of comedy ever since. But yesterday kind of got me thinking...One of my cats in particular, Bowie, is VERY playful, and takes this laser stuff very seriously. After a few minutes of running him back and fourth and whatnot, he started panting, which I know is a sign of stress. So I stopped. Then today as I was playing with them again, he started doing this chattering thing with his mouth, which according to what I've read is what they do when they're frustrated.

So now I kind of feel bad. I mean, they're indoor cats, so they need the exercise and mental stimulation, but I just wonder if they're having fun or if they're just pissed off and frustrated. It's so hilarious though, and they get restless if I don't play with them enough. So...do you think it's kind of cruel? Or is it better than them being bored? Sometimes I'll make the laser disappear when they "catch" it, but that just seems to confuse them even more, lol.

 

let them outside

 

well the cats never get any gratification from chasing the lazer because they cant actually catch the lazer. it becomes stressful for them.

 

My cats LOVE the laser pointers . Hours of fun for them . Sometimes they get catitude like w.t.f. , Why can't I catch this damn thing . I don't think this magical light is of this world ! Seems to be controled by the stupid human over there . Damn ! Don't I look foolish now .

Mine figured it out that I was making it work and come right to the source now . But they love it . It's great exercise for indoor cats and hones their hunting skills . I have 4 and the first time I put it on one of them he FLIPPED OUT ! w.t.f , is this red dot on me ? He was all fluffed up and walking sideways .

 

If they even hear the tiny click of the button they are all over me. I think they know it's not for real, and don't care. It's just FUN.

 

great fun for them to chase, dogs too, but maybe not aim at the animals, it could harm their eyes for a while, but guesd you all know that.

 

ahahah you can do this with flashlights or anything aswell Cats just like playing and having targets to hunt down... Making them go in circles is the funniest but watch out don't make them too dizzy or they might puke

 

also give them some other toy to play with that they can catch

 

Red dot hunting is serious business. One of the cats I used to have did that chattering thing too. I thought it was very strange.

 

I found that I have some sort of telepathic ability. I talked to my cats the importance of exploration. I lead one of them outside across the yard before my grandmother came over to walk the dog and got mad. (My cats eat grass and throw up but hey. Good things are not without consequences) An hour later they were in the spice cupboard. 20 minutes later the catnip bag was on the floor, being pawed around.

 

I remember one time when my grandmother was living with me and my mom. I had a cat Mittines may he rip. she was in the kitchen and I kept moving the laser and he kept running in the kitchen, was too funny, she was getting pissed at him going back and forth.