Many cat parents choose laser toys to boost feline fitness and provide an outlet for natural behavior. But while chasing a light might remind a cat of pouncing on prey, it could also have an unintentionally negative effect.

Cats expect a chase to have an endpoint — and that’s capture of the prey. If a laser-chasing cat never gets that reward, frustration can trump fun. Anxious cats might chase shadows, reflections or anything resembling a laser in an attempt to reach their goal. Some frantic felines even choose this compulsive behavior over spending time with their humans or other cats.

But there is a way to reward your feline friend. Start by training your buddy to associate a click with a reward for good behavior. Then allow your cat to “catch” the laser by sounding the click. That signals success — and the reward that’s soon to follow.