CattyCorner: Beware Red Dot, I Will Catch You!

Written by: Kelli Brinegar
For more than five years, Kelli Brinegar has been using her ability to write and her passion for research to tell the tale of what cats are thinking and why. She has provided care to more than 30 cats in her lifetime.Read more
| Published on August 6, 2020

Greetings, my pawesome human minions and cat cohorts.

Frustrated Forrest, here. And today, I come to you with a rant on the red dot.

Born in a broken fridge that was part of my feral colony’s territory, I grew up a hunter.

From my first forays into hunting, I’ve been an expert. The taste of lizard has been on my tongue since I could bathe my own paws. My pop used to brag to the other Toms about how young I was when I ambushed my first rat.


@zingboompop/Instagram

And since humans having been catering to my whims, toys haven’t stood a chance around me. My human dad loves to tell folks how fast I can destroy a fake bird. The toy wands, I’ve snapped so many bouncy cords and ribbons, it should be a crime.

But the red dot remains ever elusive…

I see it often. It appears from nowhere, either first on the floor near me or on the wall. I’ve done everything I can to catch this foul fiend. But nothing works.

cat laser pointer
@sir_chester_bean/Instagram

The red dot cannot be caught. Yet still, I always try.

I refuse to give in. I’m a cat. Felines do not stand for being bested by prey.

My Best Attempts Have Been My Greatest Fails

As a cat, I have many tactics for stalking that which needs to be caught. Yet, they don’t work on this enemy.

When the red dot reveals itself upon the wall, my first instincts send me running on thundering paws at top speed. I launch for the red dot and it vanishes as I make the grab. I’m left vexed, my tail swishing, as my parents laugh at my attempt. And there it flickers to life once again, in the very same spot.

cat laser pointer
@four.fab.felines/Instagram

There is also the stealth mode approach, in which I creep slowly towards my foe. No sound emits from my steps, I am silence. And just as I come close enough to ease a paw around the red dot, it disappears from view, only to flash back into reality by my tail or out of my reach.


@yogagirl444/Instagram

Unfortunately, I haven’t learned my lesson and over and over, you’ll find me jumping, pouncing, rolling, and twisting to catch that aggravating red dot. But never do I catch it!

I do have to admit, the red dot vexation keeps my body active and my hunting skills sharp. But what is that red dot and will I, or any cat, ever catch the untouchable fiend?

I’m going now as I need to eat soothe my nerves. Which reminds me, don’t forget to feed the cat.

funnyplox/YouTube

Feature Image: @sir_chester_bean/Instagram