Cat Sitter DVD vs. Red Lazer Light

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2003
Cat Sitter DVD vs. Red Lazer Light
9
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 11:12am

I posted this on the TLAC board, but thought I'd see what kinda responses I get here too...

Hello,

I recently read an article about the cat sitter DVD, which is a DVD that has all kinds of different birds, squirrels and other kitty-interesting creatures on-screen. It's made to peak the interest of kitties so they can see and hear the outdoors. Originally, I thought "what a great idea" and I thought it would make life a little more interesting for Badger since he's an indoor kitty and there aren't too many birds outside my windows in the winter!

So, I borrowed the DVD from a friend and Badger absolutely loved it! It was adorable how his head was swaying around watching the birds flying and he was trying to paw at the animals. I could see his ears perk up with the different birdy noises. I loved watching him be so happy!! I didn't think he'd find it interesting at all, but it was quite the contrary!

But, then I thought about it last night a little more and I feel as though it's the same as those red lazer lights where they can never "kill" the prey. I once read that the lazer lights make them feel unsatisfied and it can cause more aggression because they can't catch it. Then, I thought...well it's not really the same because the DVD is more like the window. He sees the birds and hears them, but can never catch those anyway.

I'm confused. I don't want Badger to feel like he can't "catch" and "kill" the birdies, leaving him with more confusion and agression.

I'd love to hear your comments!!

Thanks,
Melanie

Avatar for cl_lcni
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Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 12:13pm

Hi Melanie.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2003
Fri, 03-11-2005 - 12:30pm

Hi Leslie,

Thanks for the "welcome" and thanks for your advice! Badger is a bit overweight, but I interactively play with him every evening, so I don't think the DVD will make a difference.

Thanks again,
Melanie

Avatar for rhawk4
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Registered: 09-30-2001
Sun, 03-13-2005 - 11:08pm

Hi Melanie,


We have both here. I have 1 laser pointer and 4 dvd's. I do not think they are cuel at all. Most of the cats LOVE the laser pointer (They call it the little red bug in their journals on my web site). One of them, Hamlet, doe snot seem to be able to see it at all though, oddly. I use it to get them to run around. I often use it with other toys or treats

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2003
Mon, 03-14-2005 - 8:53am

Hey David,

Thanks for that info!

I bought the DVD and Badger loves it! It's so funny watching him paw at the screen and watch his head bonk back and forth.

Melanie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Mon, 03-14-2005 - 9:01am
I haven't read the other posts about this yet, but you bring up a good question/point about this. Which makes me wonder about a fish aquarium for the cat to watch and be amused by. Is this the same problem though, can see but not touch/catch? Donna
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Registered: 12-01-2003
Mon, 03-14-2005 - 10:13am
I think the DVD sounds great!!


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2003
Mon, 03-14-2005 - 10:16am

Hey Donna,

I'm getting a lot of positive responses regarding the cat sitter DVD. I finally bought one for Badger and he loves it!!!

I (personally) wouldn't use the lazer lights, I've heard a lot of negative things about it leaving the cats like they can't ever catch it.

The reason I decided to use the cat sitter DVD is because it's just like a window.

I'm still going to interactively play with him, so that should make him feel like he "caught" something!

Melanie

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2004
Mon, 03-14-2005 - 11:13am
We have a laser light pen. I told everyone to quit using it with the kitties, I'd heard it was bad for their eyes. I have so many cats, 3 cat trees, etc...mine are ok without anything else, the cd sounds good for a 1 or 2 cat household. Probally relaxing for us actually!!! Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-26-2003
Mon, 03-14-2005 - 12:01pm
It is quite relaxing for humans...I feel like I'm in a nice green place!!! I just sit back and watch Badger enjoy the movie and I enjoy the sounds!!