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Cat laser toys are perhaps the most popular of all entertainments available for indoor cats, and it’s easy to see why. Cats love chasing the laser dot—which offers needed exercise and an outlet for their natural prey drive.
There are a lot of different kinds of cat laser toys on the market. Some require you to operate a pointer, while others are automated. They can be simple one-trick gadgets or have additional uses. Different models are better suited to different cats—so we’ve rounded up the best for all kinds of kitties and all kinds of play styles.
Whatever model you might choose, remember that laser play sessions should be kept short so as not to overstimulate your cat. It’s also recommended to end each session by offering your cat an actual toy or treat so they feel their efforts have ended in success. Finally, because lasers can cause eye damage to cats and humans if not used properly, be sure to supervise children when using laser toys with cats.
- Best Overall: Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer Cat Toy
- Best for Multiple Cat Families: PetSafe Zoom Automatic Cat Laser Toy
- Most Charming: Ethical Pet Rockin’ Laser Cat Toy
- Most Fashionable: SereneLife Automatic Cat Laser Toy
- Best for Senior Cats: Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand
- Best for Destructive Cats: PetSafe Dancing Dot
- Budget Pick: SmartyKat Loco Laser
- Best for Supervised Play: Friends Forever Rotating Cat Toy
- Best Automatic Cat Laser Toy: Frolicat Bolt Laser Cat Toy
- Most Durable Cat Laser Toy: KONG Laser Cat Toy
- Best Rechargeable Cat Laser Toy: Pet Fit For Life Interactive Laser Wand
- Best for Kittens: Yofun LED Ball
- Best for Distraction: PetSafe Laser Tail
Best Laser Pointer for Cats: Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer Cat Toy
Though you can certainly find fancier cat laser toys, this affordable little pen laser gets the job done well. It’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing depleted watch batteries. There’s also an on/off switch, which means you don’t have to hold down a button with your thumb during play.
We like that this multipurpose pointer can also be used as an LED flashlight or a UV blacklight (the latter is handy in detecting hidden cat urine after an accident).
Key Features:
- USB rechargeable in roughly two hours; no batteries required
- Durable but lightweight metal shell
- Two light modes plus laser
Best for Multiple Cat Families: PetSafe Zoom Automatic Cat Laser Toy
Keeping multiple cats busy can be a challenge, but this dual laser toy offers an automated option. The Petsafe Zoom stands a little over 10 inches tall on a sturdy base and features a rotating head with two built-in laser pointers. The randomized pattern keeps your cat guessing and two cats (or more) can play at the same time.
This toy features an automatic shut-off to preserve battery life. It runs on three AA batteries (not included), which gives you about two months of play.
Key Features:
- Dual lasers to occupy multiple cats
- Randomized laser pattern
- Sturdy base to help prevent tipping
- Requires three AA batteries (not included)
Most Charming: Ethical Pet Spot Rockin’ Laser Cat Toy
These cute little birds wobble and twirl around a weighted base for long-lasting entertainment. They’ll automatically activate when your cat comes to bat and swipe at them and turn off when your cat loses interest. You can also use the manual on and off switch to save battery and decide yourself when playtime starts and ends.
We’ve found these laser birds are best for cats who like to bat—they don’t always hold the interest of cats who prefer a moving target. The toy requires two AA batteries.
Key Features:
- Motion-activated setting
- Automatically shuts off with inactivity
- Great for cats who like to bat
Most Fashionable: SereneLife Automatic Cat Laser Toy
With its futuristic shape and sleek, compact design, the SereneLife laser cat toy won’t infringe on your home’s style. This device offers three adjustable circling speeds and can be used at multiple angles.
Preset modes create unpredictable paths that will continue to challenge your kitty, and 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).
Key Features:
- Settings allow for automatic and manual play
- Use at any angle
- Shuts off automatically after 30 minutes
- Requires three AA batteries
Best for Senior Cats: Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand
We find our senior kitties’ interests and energy levels can vary from day to day, which makes a flexible tool for different play styles handy. This two-in-one combo has both a dangling feather teaser and a laser light to give cats—especially those who might be a little slower moving—options for how to play. Batteries are included.
Key Features:
- Multi-sensory toy appeals to many cats
- Wand is sturdily constructed
- Batteries are included
Best Toy for Destructive Cats: PetSafe Dancing Dot
Sharp teeth and claws can make quick work of even the sturdiest toys. If you’ve got a destructive cat on your hands, this laser toy might be an option. While it has a stand that enables you to set it upright on a raised flat surface, it also has a cord so you can hang it from a doorknob to keep it out of reach.
This toy offers two modes of play. One-time play mode lasts for 15 minutes, while extended play mode activates the toy for 15 minutes every 2 hours over a 6-hour period.
Key Features:
- Can be hung from a doorknob
- Randomized laser pattern increases engagement
- Requires three AAA batteries (not included)
- Two different modes of play
Budget Pick: SmartyKat Loco Laser
With easy push-button operation, this laser pointer is a simple and affordable choice. It features a cute mouse shape complete with ears and whiskers—the heart-shaped nose turns the toy on and off. To make it easier for your cat to see the laser, the beam ends in a larger spot of light.
This mouse laser cat toy comes with the three replaceable LR44 button batteries you need to operate it.
Key Features:
- Easy push-button operation
- Cute mouse design with ergonomic shape
- Comes with replaceable batteries
Best for Supervised Play: Friends Forever Rotating Cat Toy
Whether your cat has destructive tendencies or you simply like to monitor playtime, this programmable cat laser toy is a good choice. It can be set to slow, fast, or variable speeds to match your cat’s pace. With its randomized rotation pattern, it keeps a cat guessing and encourages them to exercise.
Though you’ll need to turn the toy on yourself, it has an automatic shut-off feature to conserve battery life. It runs on three AAA batteries which are not included, so be sure to stock up.
Key Features:
- Quiet operation
- Randomized rotation pattern
- Runs on three AAA batteries (not included)
Best Automatic Cat Laser Toy: Frolicat Bolt Laser Cat Toy
When it comes to interactive toys, both the Frolicat Bolt and Dart laser cat toys are excellent options to consider. This hands-free toy employs a rotating mirror to cast random laser patterns around the room. If you want to get in on the action yourself, there’s also a manual mode.
Because the laser moves quickly, it won’t hurt your cat’s eyes. Some users report that the speed of the laser drains the battery more quickly than other toys. You’ll want to keep a stock of AA batteries on hand to ensure uninterrupted play.
Key Features:
- Fast-moving laser won’t hurt your cat’s eyes
- Sturdy construction
- Mirror creates randomized patterns
- Requires four AA batteries
Most Durable Cat Laser Toy: 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. The keychain attachment makes it easy to hang up out of the way when playtime is over.
Though some users find the battery compartment tricky to open, the included LR44 batteries can be replaced to extend the life of this KONG laser cat toy. If your cat prefers wand-style toys, the KONG Laser Teaser might be a more appropriate choice.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design makes it easy to handle
- Keychain attachment for easy storage
- Sturdy design for destructive cats
- Comes with the necessary batteries
Best Rechargeable Cat Laser Toy: Pet Fit For Life Interactive Laser Wand
Looking for a laser toy that has it all? This unusual 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.
Key Features:
- Rechargeable LED laser
- Interchangeable toys to keep things interesting
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
Best for Kittens: Yofun LED Ball
Kittens have lots of extra energy, and a stationary laser toy might not meet their needs for activity. This interactive ball toy features a spinning LED light to attract your cat’s attention while its erratic movements stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts.
To ensure endless play, this toy features a rechargeable battery that lasts for about 4 hours on a single charge. Just plug it in with the included USB cable for about an hour and a half to fully charge.
Key Features:
- Great for kittens and active cats
- Spinning LED light engages your cat
- Rechargeable battery lasts about 4 hours
Best for Distraction: PetSafe Laser Tail
If you’re looking for a toy that will keep your cat distracted while you’re busy, here’s an interactive option. Not only does it feature a laser pointer, but the entire toy moves with an unpredictable pattern to entice your cat to give chase.
Simply press a button on top of the toy to activate it and it will run for 10 minutes. It’s a great option if your cat has separation anxiety and you need something to occupy them while you make your exit.
Key Features:
- Toy moves with an unpredictable pattern
- Shuts off automatically after 10 minutes
- Runs on three AA batteries (not included)
Unsure which laser pointer toy to get for your cat? One of the best things about them is their affordability. We recommend picking up at least two different types to find out which one your cat likes best.
How We Chose
We selected the products featured here based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive analysis of customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts. We prioritized cat laser toys that are pet-safe, easy to use, and rechargeable where possible. Our picks are also influenced by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
