I think my cat understands it’s not catchable, I don’t think she cares, it’s just too much fun and really resonates with her hunting skills. She also knows when I pick up the laser pointer it is time to play.
I don’t think any of my cats ever figured it out. They would play with it until my finger gave out.
I could get Shilla to chase the red bug under Moody, but not the other way around. I also would put the red bug on Moody’s paw and enjoy the confusion as to why she couldn’t grab it. (Shilla, being black, couldn’t see the red dot on his fur)
Out of the corner of my eye I keep reading this as “laster PRINTER” and I have to say, my cats are also greatly entertained, but mystified, at my laser printer. They don’t know what it is but they know they’re gonna get it.
I wish I had a video of it to put up. I had a big orange cat who invented the game of fetch all on his own and “taught” me how to play. He was extraordinarily social and family/pack/whatever the call a group of cats oriented though and I think that played a big part in his ability to come up with a new game himself.
I don’t remember ever having a cat that didn’t respond to the laser pointer. (But I didn’t try it with every single cat I’ve ever had.)
Obligatory xkcd link.
Aww, thanks!
I forgot to mention my ex’s cat. She knew he was controlling the dot and would go to the drawer where the laser pointer was kept and paw at it until he got it out for her. She was a tiny cat but could do some pretty impressive Super Mario Bros- style wall jumps.