LED lights are predominantly safe for cats, and the benefits they offer far outweigh any small risks that may be present.
Here are some researched considerations on the pros and cons for the use of LED lighting around cats.
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One potential risk is the intensity of the light. LEDs can be very bright and may cause eye strain or discomfort for cats if they are exposed to them for long periods of time. It’s important to make sure your cat has a place to escape from direct exposure, like a cat den or somewhere secluded from light.
Research into light and melatonin levels suggest that exposure to bright blue enriched LED lighting may have a negative impact on cats’ mental and physical health. This is due to the perception of unnatural lighting, which can cause stress and disorientation in cats by upsetting their circadian rhythms.
Chewing on a power cable can of course be dangerous for cats and all pets, so like all lighting products, it’s important to keep these out of your cat’s reach at all times. Deter chewing by shrouding the cabling in a plastic pipe or smear a bitter tasting deterent over it.
LED lights can also increase a cat’s risk of developing skin cancer if they are exposed to too much UV radiation from LED Black light, but the risks are small. Black light is used to make white and neon colored objects glow in the dark, but it emits UVA which is recognised to be safe for short periods of exposure.
LED lighting emits almost no UV radiation from white light color temperatures as the phosphorus coating over the originating blue LED chip blocks the UV, but the color of blue emits a small amount of UV light still, so exposure under this color should be minimised for your pets.
You can find LEDs in every color imaginable, from white and yellow to green and blue. LED is adjustable in brightness levels too when dimmed, so the perfect lit environment for your cat can be created from LED with some creativity from you.
Very warm whites of 2700K and under create a melatonin releasing color, so if your cat is a little nervous at times, LED lighting can create a scientifically proven sleep inducing calming atmoshere for them. This is particularly helpful if they can be left alone for long periods of time.
If you have an indoor cat, the light from LED bulbs can help to simulate sunshine and thus their natural circadian rhythms. This is especially helpful during winter months when days are shorter and less direct sunlight is available.
You can even make your own indoor LED suntrap!
As LED lighting is digital the benefits of remote control from your phone app is now a reality. With this you can control the color, brightness and timing of when the light comes on or turns off when you are away from the home so your cat is not kept in dark when you’re away or back late one day.
Combining PIR motion sensors with smart lighting can even turn the LED lights on as your cat enters each room.
LED runs with very little heat gain when installed correctly, which ensures a much safer environment for your cat, as the risk of burning their fur or skin is eliminated compared to legacy incandescent lighting.
Overall, LED lights are safe and beneficial for cats if used correctly with consideration of the potential risks.
LEDs are much more energy efficient than traditional lighting and last for up to 50,000 hours when used correctly. This means that you will save on your electricity bills over the long term, help reduce your carbon footprint and benefit your cat by having more money to spend on treats for them! Another win win!
No, red LED lights do not damage cats eyes, but it’s important to note that a very bright light will cause discomfort. Cats have special rods and cones in their eyes which makes them more sensitive to light than humans so the lighting should be kept dimmed or using a lower color temperature for your cat’s comfort.
No, LED lights do not hurt cats ears as they emit almost no audible noise. The only sound that may be heard is a slight electrical hum which is imperceptible to the cat’s sensitive hearing. This makes it an ideal lighting solution for any home with pets.
Yes, cats can see LED lights as they have the same cone cells in their eyes as humans do. Depending on the color temperature of the light and brightness level, cats may be more sensitive to certain colors and prefer low lighting levels. It is possible to create a perfect environment for your cat with LED lights if you experiment with colors and brightness levels.
Yes, LED lights can be used as night lights for cats. The best option is to use a low color temperature or dimmable light source that emits a warm soothing glow that does not disturb your cat’s sleeping patterns. Additionally, if you are using smart lighting, you can use the timer setting to ensure that your cat has enough light when they move between rooms in the night. This means they will have a comfortable environment and won’t be disturbed by sudden or unnecessary lighting changes.
No, LED lights do not flicker at a rate that can usually be seen unless faulty. This means that cats won’t be disturbed by sudden changes in brightness levels and can feel safe and secure within their environment. The only issue may come from a faulty installation, bad connection or ageing LED.
Overall, LED lights are safe and beneficial for cats if used correctly with consideration of their needs and preferences.
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