My cat loves the red dot option, but typically gets tired of it after a few minutes. Cat experts don't like it because cats have nothing to “catch %26 chew” as with other toys - birdies on or off the end of a string, etc. These help cats feel a sense of success after catching “prey”while honing their hunting instincts.
Plus there's a risk of shining the laser in a pet's eyes, but I'm careful about that. I use it mainly to give my cat a few minutes to run around, and I praise her when we're finished.
Also, the “pointer” provides a useful purse size flash light, and the battery recharges easily %26 quickly by inserting the item in an adapter that's plugged into something that provides current, such as a wall socket.