- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
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 that you operate a pointer, others are automated. It’s worth checking out the features and picking a laser toy that’s well-suited for your cat. Some are simple gadgets while others have a variety of additional uses.
The Pros and Cons of Pointers
Pixabay
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 over-stimulated.
The Best Cat Laser Toys
Now we’re ready to explore the world of cat laser toys. We’ve included some LED toys that entertain similarly.
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! (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).
Shop on Chewy2. PetDroid Boltz Automatic Interactive Toy
Looking for a more hands-off approach to pointer play? This “droid” laser toy can be stuck to a window via its sturdy suction cup. Simply press the “on” button, and it engages your cat in 10 minutes of random-pattern laser pointer play. Just remember to give your cat a treat after their play sesh is up so they can experience “catching” their prey. The laser automatically shuts off after 10 minutes.
Find on Amazon3. SmartyKat Loco Toy
Here’s your basic push-button pointer in a cute mouse shape that’s easy to find when it’s playtime. The toy comes with three LR44 replaceable button batteries.
Shop on Chewy4. 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.
Find on Amazon6. 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 too.
Shop on Chewy7. Ethical Pet Spot Rockin’ Bird Laser Cat Toy
This laser toy will look cute in your house as well as entertain your kitties. Each bird has a weighted base—cats bat at it, the bird rocks, and the motion activates the laser. It’s two toys in one!
Shop on Chewy8. SmartyKat Laser and Wand Toy
Another two-in-one toy, this combo laser pointer and wand provides the best of both worlds for cats. There’s the uncatchable, irresistible laser but also colorful hanging ribbons that will give your cat the satisfaction of the catch. Winning!
Shop on Chewy9. PetSafe Laser Tail
OK, now things are really getting good. This laser toy shines out a random beam while also moving about your house like a Roomba. Don’t worry, it shuts itself off after 10 minutes so your kitties won’t get too overstimulated. If only it vacuumed, too!
Shop on Chewy10. 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.
Find on Amazon11. Petnf Interactive Light and Feather Automatic Cat Toy
This little mushroom has both a laser and a rotating feather toy to drive your kitty absolutely wild. It rotates in four different modes, including a quiet mode so you can get things done while your cat gets their exercise. The laser light can also be turned off while your cat plays with the rotating feather toy alone.
Find on AmazonUnsure 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.
Further Reading
Featured image via Amazon/Friends Forever
