Grow lights are used in the cultivation of indoor plants and they emit light in specific wavelengths promoting plant growth. Grow lights can be found almost anywhere such as departmental stores, hardware stores, automotive shops, online retailers, and garden supply stores.
Grow lights were originally developed for commercial agricultural use but grow lights have since been introduced to residential consumers mainly for gardening purposes. Most plants need sunlight to perform photosynthesis and grow properly and this is why there has been a growing interest among cat owners in using grow lights for their indoor plants.
But are grow lights safe for cats? How do these lamps affect our feline friends? What about pets other than cats? This article will answer all your questions regarding grow lamps and how it affects cats.
Are grow lights bad for cats?
No, grow lights are not bad for your feline friends. However, too much exposure to bright lights may cause some problems.
When compared with other artificial or natural light sources such as fluorescent lamps and sunlight respectively, the effects of grow lights on pets is relatively unknown and it is difficult to assume if there are any negative physiological and behavioral effects brought about by this kind of lighting system. Many people think that all light sources produce adverse effects on pets which might promote anxiety and irritability but studies show otherwise. It has been observed that cats tend to seek refuge under a table or in an enclosed space during storms hence they seem unperturbed by lightning flashes outside the window.
Effect of different lights on cat:
Researchers have developed different theories as to why cats seem indifferent to grow lamps. One theory suggests that cats have different photoreceptors in their eyes and are more sensitive to certain light wavelengths than dogs or other animals.
Is Blue light safe for cat?
It has also been suggested that the blue light emitted by some types of grow lamps may disrupt a cat’s sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythm.
Is UV light safe for cat?
Another study suggests that cats are more sensitive to ultraviolet light and that high levels of exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Which type of grow light is the safest?
A study has been done on female rabbits to find the safest types of grow light. Three rows of fluorescent grow lights, incandescent light bulb, and LED lights are used on pregnant rabbits for a particular period of time.
The result will astonish you like 40% of rabbits under fluorescent lights experiences miscarriage. A similar result is found for incandescent light bulb but only 10% of rabbits under LED bulb experiences the same fate.
We strongly recommend using LED grow lights as it’s safer for you and your pets. If you are not sure which LED grow light to use, then you can check our suggestion for 4X4 grow lights, 2X2 grow lights, or Budget grow lights.
Tips to keep your cat safe from grow lights:
- Grow lights are safe for your pets as long as they are not left unsupervised around the lamp. Pets, particularly cats, like to play and investigate new things so it is important to keep them away from the grow light fixture when it is turned on.
- The height at which you place your grow light is also important You should position the lamp high enough so that your cat cannot reach it or try to climb it. In addition, you should ensure that the surface area of the grow light is as large as possible so that it will not become too hot when turned on for many hours.
- Use LED grow light as they are less harmful to the eyes of human and animal and their flicker rate is higher than the other form of lights. Moreover, they produce less heat.
- Always avoid direct sunlight and long time exposure to artificial lighting.
You don’t need to be worried for cats, here is why!
Cats are nocturnal animals and they like to spend most of their time sleeping and lounging during the day and feed and playing at night. Nocturnal animals usually have a wide pupil which allows more light into the eyes enabling them to see better in low-light conditions compared with diurnal creatures who can see better in bright light because they have a narrow pupil opening. The position of a cat’s pupils often changes depending on environmental light conditions. During the day, a cat’s pupil size will be narrow to protect its eyes from bright sunlight but at night or in low-light conditions, the pupil opens up allowing more light inside thereby improving vision at night time.
Do you get it?
It means cats’ eyes have the ability to protect themselves from bright and strong lights coming from the light source.
You may like our article on why grow lights are purple.
Are grow lights safe for other pets?
So far, the effects of grow lights on other domestic pets such as dogs, hamsters, and rabbits are relatively unknown. However, it is generally assumed that grow lamps do not have any negative effects on these animals. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pet when it is around grow lamps just to be sure.
Final Thoughts on Grow Light and Cat:
Though grow lights are considered safe for your pets, it is always better to be cautious and keep an eye on them. It is recommended that you use LED bulbs for growing as they are less harmful to the eyes of humans and animals and their flickering rate is higher than the other form of lights.