How To Wrap Up A Play Session With The Laser?

[Mango the Maine Coon]

I usually like to simulate the hunt as accurately as possible for his playing, and want him to feel satisfied in this regard, but I don’t know how to end the play session because he can’t “catch” the laser and dig his claws into something. I usually end up grabbing a wand toy and I let him finish with an epic catch. Is this ok ?

 

[Wenda]

I think that sounds like a nice way to end laser time. I usually do what my dad does with his cat. Make silly bug noises and have it fly out the window and then toss him a treat or toy to pounce on...that is if he doesn't get lazy and bored with it before then lol.

 

[abyeb]

Yes, that definitely works! Having the laser land on a Kickeroo or catnip mouse that Mango can “kill” is another thing you can try, to mix things up a bit. Feeding a meal (or at least a treat!) afterwards is another way cats can get the feeling of a successful hunt.

 

[duckpond]

Mine like the laser too, and i always throw a treat or two, or a toy mouse, a time or two during play. That way they feel they actually caught something

 

[Mango the Maine Coon]

Yes, that definitely works! Having the laser land on a Kickeroo or catnip mouse that Mango can “kill” is another thing you can try, to mix things up a bit. Feeding a meal (or at least a treat!) afterwards is another way cats can get the feeling of a successful hunt.

I just recently learned they like eating after play, Mango was burping during exercise and I finally found out it was because he ate food before play.

 

[neely]

I think all the above replies are great ideas. My kitty enjoys the laser as well and when he's done playing I usually transition to a different toy that I know he likes, e.g. a lattice ball with bell inside or one of his stuffed catnip toys.

 

[EmmiTemmi]

I like to direct the laser to one side of the room and then quietly place treats on the floor/table/sofa while the boys are occupied. Then I'll make them chase the laser for a bit before landing it on a treat, and then turning it off once they pounce. They get their 'kill' and their exercise! I'm sure wrapping up a laser session with a wand toy gives a similar feeling.

 

[Mango the Maine Coon]

I like to direct the laser to one side of the room and then quietly place treats on the floor/table/sofa while the boys are occupied. Then I'll make them chase the laser for a bit before landing it on a treat, and then turning it off once they pounce. They get their 'kill' and their exercise! I'm sure wrapping up a laser session with a wand toy gives a similar feeling.

I love this idea so much. Thank you!!!! Gonna do this every time now

 

[happilyretired]

My girl loves to play before she eats her breakfast, and she LOVES the laser. When she's decided to end play time, she just goes to her dish where her breakfast is waiting:-)

So I've never had to decide how or when to end play sessions--she's in charge (as she is in everything:-)