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Cat laser toys are perhaps the most popular of all entertainments available for indoor cats. Cats love chasing the laser dot up the wall, across the floor, and even onto the dog. That’s why laser pointers are so helpful for providing your kitty with needed exercise and an outlet for their natural prey drive.
To my surprise, it turns out there are a variety of laser toys available for cat entertainment. While some require you to operate a pointer, others are automated. Some are simple gadgets while others have additional uses. It’s worth checking out the features and picking a laser toy that’s well-suited for your cat.
The Pros and Cons of Pointers
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Why do cats love laser toys? Let’s start with their vision. Cat eyes are great at picking up movement, and they can’t resist going after anything that moves. So it makes sense that a tiny, bright, quickly moving light gets some cats intensely engaged.
However, laser toys also present a problem. Some cats become absolutely obsessed with chasing the little red dot and they can become frustrated when the dot disappears, leaving them empty-pawed. Cats need the satisfaction of catching their prey.
For that reason, experts recommend finishing up a laser-pointer play session by swapping in a toy your cat can actually “kill.” After a few minutes of fun with the laser, switch to a wand or stuffed catnip toy so your cat can sink teeth and claws into something tangible. If you select an automated laser toy, it should be one with a timed shut-off so your kitty won’t get overstimulated.
The Best Cat Laser Toys
Now we’re ready to explore the world of cat laser toys. We’ve also included some LED toys that entertain cats.
1. SereneLife Automatic Laser Cat Toy
Set this toy on the floor or window sill, then activate it and let your cat chase the dot. Preset modes create unpredictable paths that will continue to challenge your kitty, and an optional manual mode lets you control the interaction. For your cat’s safety and sanity, the toy shuts off automatically after 30 minutes of play. Powered by three AA batteries (not included).
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2. Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand
Get your furry friend moving with this two-in-one combo toy. A dangling feather teaser and a laser light keep the fun going and going. A bell adds to your pet’s amusement, and bonus: batteries are included.
Shop on Chewy3. SmartyKat Loco Toy
Here’s your basic push-button pointer in a cute mouse shape that’s easy to find when it’s playtime. This toy comes with three LR44 replaceable button batteries.
4. Kong Laser Cat Toy
Kong makes some of the best pet toys in the world, and, true to form, their simple laser pointer is a winner. It’s shaped just like the classic Kong rubber toy and works with the touch of a button. LR44 batteries are included, ensuring hours of fun with your tiny wildcat.
Shop on Chewy5. Friends Forever Rotating Cat Toy
This interactive, adjustable cat laser toy can be set to slow, fast, and variable speeds to match your cat’s pace. The cool diamond structure makes it a cute home accessory in addition to a fun cat toy.
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6. PetSafe Bolt Interactive Toy
This hands-free cat laser toy employs a rotating mirror to cast random laser patterns around your room. There’s also a manual mode if you want to get in on the action.
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7. Pet Fit For Life Interactive Laser Wand
Looking for a cat laser toy that has it all? This interactive wand features playful feathers and a wriggly worm to dangle in front of your cat. It even plays bird sounds to get your kitty pumped for playtime. It’s perfect for cats who might need a little encouragement to “stalk” their new prey.
We love that the LED laser is rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about batteries.
8. SmartyKat Laser and Wand Toy
Another two-in-one toy, this combo laser pointer and wand provides the best of both worlds. There’s the uncatchable, irresistible laser but also colorful hanging ribbons that give your cat the satisfaction of the catch. Win!
9. Premier Pet Automatic Multi-Laser Cat Toy
When one laser simply won’t do, Premier Pet has you covered. Featuring a duo of lasers, this engaging toy will keep your cat active and mentally stimulated. At the touch of a button, two lasers rotate while moving up and down at random speeds to keep your cat on their toes.
This laser shuts down automatically after 15 minutes of playtime, so your cat won’t get over-stimulated. The wide base prevents tipping, perfect for kitties who get carried away. It requires three AA batteries, not included.
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10. Yofun LED Ball Toy
This rechargeable ball spins around the house on its own for up to 40 minutes while tempting your kitty with an LED light similar to a laser, but in a more “killable” form.
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11. Felix and Fido Playdot Cat Toy
The Playdot’s sleek, compact design lets you place this toy just about anywhere. It’s small enough to fit comfortably in your hand when you want to join the fun. Or just set it on the floor for some independent playtime. This device has four play modes—slow, fast, advanced, and handheld.
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Unsure which laser pointer toy to get for your cat? One of the best things about cat laser toys is their affordability. We recommend picking up at least two different types to find out which one your cat likes best.
