Same with my cat. The laser pointer has a jingly keychain attachment, and no matter how quietly I attempt to pick it up, the cat comes hurtling over and starts inspecting the floor like mad. Without fail.
Of course, the same thing happens when I open the food container. Then he sticks his head in the bowl before I even have a chance to add the food, and I have to nudge him aside.
It’s not the noise. I got curious and removed the key-chain attachment and even started putting it on soft things like towels or tissues trying to fool them.
It never works.
Somehow they always know.