diff --git a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
index 1c9f659..ba4619a 100644
--- a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
+++ b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
@@ -6448,10 +6448,9 @@ wl_update_pointer_focus(uint32_t time_msec)
             last_focused_surface = NULL;
         }
         wlr_seat_pointer_clear_focus(wl_state.seat);
-        /* Restore WM cursor when pointer leaves all surfaces.
-         * Don't reset during grabs — pointer_change_grab manages that. */
-        if (!wl_state.grab_type)
-            wl_set_cursor_image("left_ptr");
+        /* When pointer leaves all surfaces, leave the last cursor in
+         * place.  The next pointer enter will let the client set its own
+         * cursor, or the grab system manages cursor explicitly. */
     }
     /* Phase 29 (FFP): focus-follows-pointer — when the pointer enters a new
      * managed view, deliver WM keyboard focus without raising.