As a cat parent, it's fun to watch your feline friend chase and pounce on their toys. Sometimes, that includes the elusive dot of a laser pointer. But you might be wondering if laser toys are safe for cats, and if so, which ones are safest?
Cats need environmental enrichment and stimulus to help them exercise and stay healthy. When used properly, playing with laser pointers is a fun cardio activity. If you shine a laser light directly into your cat's eyes, however, it can harm your cat's vision and can even permanently damage their eyes, emphasizes Cat Health.
A laser's light can burn the retina in the blink of an eye — literally. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the higher a light's wattage, the more dangerous it is: "The natural protective mechanisms of the eye — such as the blink reflex — are ineffective against lasers with an output power greater than five milliwatts, and severe retinal damage may occur, even after momentary exposure."
If you use a laser pointer while playing with your cat, follow these safety precautions:
These same guidelines apply to any light source, including flashlights — the dots of which your cat probably also likes to chase!
Playing with laser light toys might also impact your furry friend's psyche. As International Cat Care explains, toys such as laser pointers might frustrate your cat. Because cats are natural-born hunters, they can get frustrated if they aren't able to complete their hunting sequence by pouncing and catching their prey — or, in this case, the laser light.
The reason cats love laser pointers in the first place is that the quick movements of the dot of light mimic the motions of a living creature. According to Psychology Today, "cats chase the laser pointer's dot of light because it changes direction and speed. Cats see the moving dot as alive and worth catching."
Laser pointers can also be dangerous if your cat chases them and is not paying attention to their surroundings and runs into a wall or furniture. Or if they knock something over it could harm them or potentially break something in your home. If you do decide to use a laser pointer make sure to do so in an open space where they're not likely to harm themselves.
What's the best thing to do in this situation? Give your cat something to catch! One way to do this is to offer them a toy that they can grab, like a toy mouse, in addition to the laser pointer.
There are plenty of fun things to do with your cat that engage them physically and mentally. In addition to the usual cast of cat toys — from stuffed animal critters to wands and balls — try offering your kitty a windup or battery-operated toy that skitters across the floor and imitates the movements of live prey. If you're in a pinch, you can throw a wadded piece of paper across the room for your cat to bolt after. You even can teach your cat how to fetch and bring a toy back to you.
As always, safety comes first when playing with your furry friend. If you choose to use cat-safe laser pointers during playtime, remember to do so as safely as possible and give your cat a reprieve when your cat is getting frustrated.
Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien.
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
When is a cat considered a senior? Learn how to recognize signs of aging in cats and tips to support your cat's age through better nutrition and care.
If you're wondering, "Why does my cat meow without sound?" read on to discover what a silent meow actually means (as well as the other types of meows).
Learn important information about a perineal urethrostomy, or PU surgery in cats, including reasons the procedure & how it helps with urinary blockages.
Learn how to build an easy, homemade DIY cat scratching post using items around your house! She'll get exercise and you won't get a ruined staircase.
Discover some of the signs of feline skin conditions, how to help improve them, and when to consult your veterinarian about your cat's skin health.
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Does your kitty's lack of appetite have you asking, "Why won't my cat eat?" Learn reasons why she may be snubbing her food and tips for getting her to eat.
Chocolate is known to be poisonous for dogs, but it can also be toxic for cats. Learn why chocolate is bad for cats & what to do if she's eaten it.
Learn what your cat's meow really means, so you can understand what they are trying to communicate to you.
Learn important information about giardia in cats, including signs, diagnosis and treatment options for dealing with this parasitic infection.
Learn how to tell if your cat is too skinny, including key causes of weight loss, and what you can do to help your cat get back to a healthy weight.
Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them.
Learn important information about rabies in cats, including how it's transmitted, common signs of infection and steps for preventing infection in your cat.
Learn important information about cat leukemia, including how it spreads, common symptoms, testing & diagnosis info, treatments and prevention options.
Learn about different types of cat foods, why your cat might actually like certain ones over others and questions to ask your vet about cat food taste.
Learn the signs of a cat in good health, as well as abnormalities that you should consult your veterinarian on.
Cats believe that they are in charge of you, not the other way around, and here are three behaviors that might just prove that it's true.
Learn fun ways to involve your cat in this holiday season, from preparing your house for holiday guests to participation in holiday traditions.
Learn the proper way to pick up a cat. Practicing the right technique will make her feel safe & secure, and you'll avoid getting a bunch of scratch marks.
If you're interested in getting a kitten, read this article to find out about the different places you can get one from adoption to pedigree breeders.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool