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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 All-Around Cat Laser Toy: Doloedy USB Rechargeable LED
- Most Charming: Ethical Pet Spot Rockin’ Laser Cat Toy
- Most Fashionable Cat Laser Toy: SereneLife Automatic
- Best for Senior Cats: Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand
- Best Budget Pointer: SmartyKat Loco Toy
- Most Durable Cat Laser Toy: KONG Laser Cat Toy
- Best for Exercise: Friends Forever Rotating Cat Toy
- Best Automatic Cat Laser Toy: PetSafe Bolt Interactive
- Best Rechargeable Cat Laser Toy: Pet Fit For Life Interactive Laser Wand
- Best Toy for Destructive Cats: SmartyKat Laser and Wand Toy
- Best for Multiple Cat Families: Premier Pet Automatic Multi-Laser Cat Toy
- Best for Kittens: Yofun LED Ball
Best All-Around Cat Laser Toy: Doloedy USB Rechargeable LED
This classic toy packs in a lot of options. It can project three different colors and five different shapes (one of which is a standard dot). We like the tidy stainless steel design, and we’re especially pleased that there’s no need to mess around with batteries; the laser pointer is rechargeable with a USB cord. Its indicator light lets you know when it’s fully charged so you can get back to playtime.
Key features:
- USB rechargeable, no batteries
- Durable stainless steel shell
- Three color and five pattern options
Most Charming: Ethical Pet Spot Rockin’ Laser Cat Toy
These cute little birds wobble and twirl around a weighted base for long-lasting entertainment. You can set them to run automatically, meaning they’ll activate naturally when your cat comes to bat and swipe at them, and turn off when your cat loses interest. Or use the manual on and off switch to save battery and decide yourself when playtime starts and ends. Requires two AA batteries.
Key features:
- Motion-activated setting
- Automatic shut-off with inactivity
- Sturdy plastic shell
Most Fashionable Cat Laser Toy: SereneLife Automatic
The Playdot’s sleek, compact design lets you place this toy just about anywhere without infringing on your home’s style. This device has four play modes—slow, fast, advanced, and handheld. 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:
- Quiet operation
- Long battery life
- Settings allow for automatic and manual play
- Small, at just over 5 by 5 by 3 inches
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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.
Key features:
- Multi-sensory toy appeals to many cats
- Sturdy construction
- Batteries included
Best Budget Pointer: 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.
Key features:
- Easy push button use
- Ergonomic design for human hands
- The laser beam ends in a larger spot of light, which is easier to see
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.
Key features:
- Ergonomic design makes it easy to handle
- LR44 batteries included
- Sturdy construction
Best for Exercise: Friends Forever Rotating Cat Toy
This interactive, adjustable laser toy can be set to slow, fast, and variable speeds to match your cat’s pace. It doesn’t have a motion sensor—you’ll turn it on for your cat—but it does have a randomized rotation pattern to keep them engaged until the automatic timer runs out or you decide playtime is over. This toy requires three AAA batteries (not included), so be sure to stock up.
Key features:
- Quiet operation
- Moves randomly
- 15-minute auto timer can be set
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Best Automatic Cat Laser Toy: PetSafe Bolt Interactive
This hands-free cat 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.
Key features:
- Fast moving laser can’t hurt kitty’s eyes
- Auto mode creates irresistible random patterns
- Sturdy construction in case anyone gets too playful
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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:
- The LED laser is rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about batteries
- Interchangeable parts to keep things interesting
- Ergonomic grip on laser
Best Toy for Destructive Cats: 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!
Key features:
- Sturdy ribbons withstand chewing and clawing
- Multiple textures for “handsy” cats
- Shorter wand for more interactive play
Best for Multiple Cat Families: Premier Pet Automatic Multi-Laser Cat Toy
When one laser simply won’t do, Premier Pet has you covered—it features two! This toy is designed to keep multiple cats active and mentally stimulated. At the touch of a button, two lasers rotate while moving up and down at random speeds to keep your cats on their toes. Requires three AA batteries, not included.
Key features:
- Wide base prevents tipping
- Automatic timer shuts down after 15 minutes
- Multiple beams for multiple cats
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Best for Kittens: Yofun LED Ball
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.
Key features:
- Can be used without supervision
- Changes direction automatically
- 1.5 hours of charging provides four hours of playtime
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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.
