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Cats, lasers and Raspberry Pi

raspberrypi.org

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Re: Cats, lasers and Raspberry Pi

#21

Post by jrace »

mrlala wrote: post #11
jrace wrote: post #5

The problem is cats get no reward from catching the red dot. For some it can be a stressful as they need to catch the prey. The key is top reward them with a treat or toy once they have caught the dot. Just like humans, endlessly chasing something that gives no rewards can lead to undesirable outcomes and behaviours.

I get what you are saying, but one of my cats is really fucking lazy so the only time she runs around is to chase the damn laser pointer. Yeah I guess I could also give her treats. But she's so fat, I don't know if that's good either.

Not a treat, but even a toy works. Something they can "get". You want to complete the hunt/catch routine.

Even better is to then only feed them after this. The have a very repeatable hunt/eat/groom/sleep cycle.

Re: Cats, lasers and Raspberry Pi

#22

Post by deepspace »

mattferderer wrote: post #2

Side note: some dogs also seem to enjoy & request laser pointers. We bought our pets a pre-built version of this for Christmas. They seem to enjoy it randomly going off during the day when we're not around or busy.

Note that using laser pointers to play with dogs is NOT recommended. It can cause stress and behavioral problems. See also: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/laser-pointers-m...

Re: Cats, lasers and Raspberry Pi

#23

Post by splintercell »

penagwin wrote: post #10
jrace wrote: post #5

The problem is cats get no reward from catching the red dot. For some it can be a stressful as they need to catch the prey. The key is top reward them with a treat or toy once they have caught the dot. Just like humans, endlessly chasing something that gives no rewards can lead to undesirable outcomes and behaviours.

I kinda want to setup a laser play toy for my cat, but have it "end" at a box that opens with a servo with some treats. That or maybe some steppers to move a stick around that has a string at the end (my cat's favorite). Hmm.... Is the consensus that as long as they have something physical to play with, or in the case of a laser have a reward after - then it won't stress them?

What I do is I let the cat catch the dot, and right where the dot was, throw a treat. So it's almost like the treat came out as a response to cat catching the dot. I could automate this, but I won't because it's so much fun for me too.

She loves it. I also make a 'buzzing' sound with my mouth whenever the dot is out. This does an amazing job at training the cat to come running to me whenever I make that 'zzzzzz' sound (which can save their lives at times).

Re: Cats, lasers and Raspberry Pi

#24

Post by martin_a »

catlas3r wrote: post #15
martin_a wrote: post #6

Why do they use a Raspberry Pi for this? Seems like some Arduino-style microcontroller for $2 could do this just as well.

Hmm, why _does_ RaspberryPi.org use a Raspberry Pi for this? I guess we'll never know.

Yeah, you're right, my bad. -_-"

Re: Cats, lasers and Raspberry Pi

#25

Post by Youden »

jrace wrote: post #5

The problem is cats get no reward from catching the red dot. For some it can be a stressful as they need to catch the prey. The key is top reward them with a treat or toy once they have caught the dot. Just like humans, endlessly chasing something that gives no rewards can lead to undesirable outcomes and behaviours.

This was written in the article:

> Some cats don’t like lasers. They find it far too upsetting when they can’t catch what it is they’re chasing. If your cat starts to pant while chasing lasers, don’t assume it’s just exhausted. Panting can be a sign of stress in cats, and stressed is something your cat shouldn’t be. Exercise caution when playing with your cat and laser toys, and consult a vet if you’re unsure whether their behaviour is normal.

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