Laser light (pet exerciser)

[luv2bmom]

I have a siamese cat about a year old.
I got him a laser light thinking that he would like to play with the light well guess what he does boy howdy But the problem is that we can only play with him for maybe 3-4 minutes as if we play longer he starts panting like a dog I mean really bad his stomach raises and lowers quickly for probably ten to fifteen minutes I just wonder if this is normal ?
This kistten is very very playful anyway he is very fit muscular cat so does anyone have an opinion on this subject?

[Leon]

Hi,

I should definitely have it checked by a vet!

I have one of those laser lights myself and my cat Calvin is obsessed by it, he can probably play for hours if I let him! When he has chased it for a while and he is getting tired, he just lays down on the floor for a minute, without having to breath heavily...and then runs after it again.

The strange thing is that you wrote that your kitten is very playful..so does he only do this when you use the laser light? That seems a bit weird..

Also, you might already know this but it can't hurt to mention: be careful with the laser beam, don't make it shine in his (or anyones) eyes. The laser isn't very powerful, but you'll still have to be careful.

[luv2bmom]

Hey thank for the thought yes I did know that about the beam and eye contact.
Now for the playing yes he only does this with the laser light.He is really funny when you first take it out because I keep it in my pocket and my son likes to play with Jr (our cat) and Jr all he has to hear is the chain click together also if your quiet enough to get it out without clinking the chain and get to click it before he hears it you can click the light on and he comes running he knows that light by the sound he loves this light I just wish he could play with it longer as much as he likes it but it makes you sad to see him panting like that I was curious about it seeings how it is just with the light that he acts this way that is why I brought it to you guys figured I could get some input. Thanks luv2bmom

[Leon]

Hmm, strange, maybe he's a bit TOO obsessed with the light

If you don't get Jr checked by the vet, I would at least ask if it is something to worry about. Personally, I've never seen a cat panting...has anyone else seen this?

My first thought is that it can't be good for him..so I wouldn't play with the laser beam anymore or at least shorter so he doesn't start panting....eventhough he likes it so much.

I could be wrong though, that's why I would suggest to ask a vet...or wait to see if other forum member have ever experienced this with their cats and it appears to be normal

Calvin does the same thing with the sound Whenever he hears the click, he looks down on the floor, searching for the light

[Mommyof4]

I have 3 cats and 1 dog. All of which play with the laser light! They are exact same way as Jr and Calvin. They hear the click and they come running! I mean RUNNING.
As for the panting, I can't say that I have this problem with the kitties. Not to scare you luv2bmom, but I would definatly look into it, or like Leon suggested .. Have him checked by the vet.
I usually play with the laser light when I am watching TV (hey, its exercise for the pets, not me ). I just sit on the couch and shine the light everywhere for them to chase. It is usually an half hour long or sometimes an hour long program, and none of them seem to have this problem
Maybe he gets overly excited because he loves it so much?!? Maybe that is causing the panting.
Either way, I would mention it to Jr's vet just to be sure. If this is something that is harming him it should be taken care of.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

[luv2bmom]

You know I forgot to tell you guys that when Jr plays with the laser light we get him going back and forth on the floor and then head him towards the door in the hall and up the door he goes about 5 feet in the air, Do this a couple of times and run him around the livingroom a few times and back up the door a couple more times and then we have to stop I am wondering if it is cause he does like it so much) He gets so excited about it its almost like you give him a few to many cups of coffee he only does this with the stupid laser light

[mom2bichons]

Hi luv2bmom,

I personally do not own a cat, although maybe some day, but I think I would watch it with the laser light. Use it in smaller time increments. This poor kitten seems to get all worked up, (and I bet that is super adorable too) and as cute as this kitten is, maybe it is sensory overload at the moment. (just like kids, short attention spans and quickly get sensory overload.)

I myself feel a call to the vet is warranted. Maybe just to see if he/she has a better answer. One that is absolutely nothing bad, but it shows your concern, and that you want what is the absolute best for this little one.

Please keep us posted on how the kitten is doing.

[Erica]

Luv2
My cat was a stray when we brought him home well about 6 years ago now. When we first brought him home he was very nervous and would pant. Of course my husband and I thought it was funny because we had never seen a cat pant before. However once he settled in a couple of weeks later the panting stopped. My cats (and dogs) chase laser lights all the time and don't pant. I would be concerned that maybe it may be more of a nervous reaction more so than over exertion. I agree with everyone else that a call to the vet wouldn't hurt. If the cat is panting then most likely the heart rate is elevated during that time. I'm no vet but if the cat were to have a heart murmur, respitory problem or some other issue it would be better to find it out now so it could be treated.

Please keep us updated.

Erica

[luv2bmom]

Everyone I wanted to let you all know that last night we played with Jr only alot slower than we did. I told our son you can't do it so fast ok?
He also did not like to see him panting the way he did anyway we did it alot slower and alot longer Jr can play with his toy and enjoy it we also stop for a couple of minutes in between and let him rest and there was no PANTING ..
I was so excited about it I looked for a long time to find this light for him and then I thought I would not be able to let him play with it at all so Yea I excited.
I am still going to call the vet and find out his thoughts.
I appreciate everyone's input about this anymore stories about the laser lights? I enjoy hearing the stories .

[Erica]

So glad things are going better. Please let us know what your vet thinks.

Erica