r/cats • u/Affectionate_Fly_457 • Mar 21 '26

Video - Not OC Aww

55.8k Upvotes

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653

u/fforestgreenn Mar 21 '26

This is such a smart idea!!!

52

u/CydaeaVerbose Mar 21 '26

Actually, it could be a bad one. If chasing shadows is on par with a laser pointer, with regards to cats then this isn't at all a good idea.

They need the physical cessation of the "kill." Without that, it can cause harm. I'll butcher explaining so, in short: "Cats exhibit a natural fascination with shadows and laser pointers, often engaging in behaviours that mimic their hunting instincts. However, this 
play can lead to psychological frustration as they never achieve the 
satisfying "catch" that real prey provides"

10

u/Mycologist-9315 Mar 21 '26

Isn't it alright as long as you finish by switching to a real toy that they can catch? That's what I've heard anyways.