Looking for the best cat laser toy? I've done the homework for you and created this shortlist of ten options your kitty will love!
Youtube cat videos have nothing on your kitty hunting a tiny red dot across your house. While laser pointers are nothing new, there is a reason why they remain one of the all-time favorites among kitties and their owners. It's a cheap, fun, and exciting way to have some quality kitty time or even get your tabby to move more if she is a tiny bit overweight. The only trouble is there are too many options available, enough to make your head spin. I was as surprised as you are, but after research and experiments (no cat was harmed, and everyone had fun!), I'm ready to present you with a list of ten laser light toys for cats your pet will adore.
There's More to the Cat Laser Toy than Meets the Eye
Be honest. How often do you hang out with the cat? If you can stare at her antics for hours and participate in all the fun, a good-old manual laser pointer is an obvious choice. It's simple to use and easy on your wallet. Its only downside is that it won't entertain your kitty for you when you're at work or busy.
If you like to watch your cat having fun but don't want to waste your time operating the 'magic wand', an automatic laser pointer will be your saving grace. It takes care of directing the dot and keeping the tabby on her toes without you having to lift a finger. It might be quite a bit more expensive but ultimately worth it, especially if you're away all the time.
Finally, there are hybrid toys that merge the auto cat laser with a feather or a string. While these might seem useful and fun at first, they are usually left unused, as neither feature is good enough.
Before I share my top picks, I want to remind you of a couple of safety precautions:
Do not shine the red dot into your kitty's eyes. It might cause permanent blindness. The same is true for people, so be careful and keep the wand out of your kids' reach.
Wrap up your game with another toy, such as a mouse or a string. This way, your tabby will have something to occupy her paws and teeth, filling her with a satisfaction of a hunt gone right. An endless chase after a dot that can't be caught may be bad for your kitty's mood and psyche.
This tiny stainless steel wand packs quite a punch with 3 modes. You can switch between UV, red dot, and flashlight and charge it via a micro USB port. It's a Swiss army knife among handheld pointers, affordable to boot.
PetDroid Boltz Hanging Automatic Interactive Laser Cat Toy
With several mounting options, this device is easy to install on a wall, window, or any other vertical surface. It will keep the tabby excited with the thrill of a chase for 10 minutes before turning off. Randomized movement patterns make the game unpredictable, though some cats might find the movement speed lacking.
Among the cheapest and most reliable options, this toy has a sole feature and relies on replaceable batteries. Switch to rechargeable ones for a more sustainable experience and remember traditional safety precautions.
This might be the most popular automatic laser toy courtesy of two features: 360-degree movement and three speed modes. Together they make for an ultimate experience for your cats, whether they are still kitties or seniors. Place it on the floor, and enjoy the show for 15 minutes straight.
Perfect for those who can't choose between a handheld and an automatic laser pointer cat toy, this device merges the two modes in one sleek body. Take it up to enjoy quality time with your kitty or place on any horizontal surface for a 15-minute session.
You won't think much of this toy until you give it a try. It balances the benefits of a physical batting toy with the exhilaration of a chase. The weighted bottom ensures it stays put without overturning, and the laser motion will go crazy every time your cat tries to paw at it.
SmartyKat Leapin Laser 2 in 1 Laser & Wand Cat Toy
Double the fun for the same price with this hybrid offer. It boasts an added benefit of a string with colorful ribbons. The battery-powered wand is easy to operate and comes ready to use out of the box.
If your kitty is done with classic toys, let her crunch this puzzle. The automatic device rolls across the floor once activated and fires a laser in a random direction. Your cat will have to choose between pouncing on the robot-vaccum's tiny cousin and following the elusive red dot.
Yet another cute and super-interactive toy that incorporates the aspects of optical and physical hunt. The ball rolls randomly for 40 minutes, providing your tabby with a solid block of active fun. The latest version enables USB charging for those who hate changing batteries.
Laifoo USB Rechargeable Cat Toys Interactive LED Light Pointer For Cats
This high-end piece is a Rolex in the world of laser wands with its aluminum body, brass components, and anti-overcharging microchip. While your cat might not care about those, she will fall in love with a bright red dot that's perfectly visible at any time of day or night.
TOP 3 Kitty Laser Toys
How to Choose a Laser Pointer Toy for a Kitten
If you’re buying the first toy for your new pet, it should be a good value for money. There’s no guarantee your kitty will like the laser pointer. Still, it should be safe to use for you and your furball. Besides, young kittens need to combine the physical activity of chasing the red dot with the satisfaction of a successful hunt. Therefore, the best toys for young felines should combine the laser pointer with physical toys for chasing and catching. If you go with an automatic toy, it should have a short play period, well under 10 to 15 minutes recommended for adult cats. Start with two to five minutes of play before gradually increasing the game duration.
I feel like these three toys fit these parameters to a T.
This is the perfect solution for unexpected kitty parents or those still new to living with a tiny fur ball of a kitten. The price is simply unbeatable, though the quality might not be the best if you're unlucky. You'll have to keep the button depressed to keep the laser on, and it might get tiring soon. Some reviewers also bemoan the battery cover issues that occur every time they need to replace the power elements. On the upside, the first batch of batteries is included.
If your kitty is filled with energy and no safe way to channel it, Youfun will be your savior. This tiny white ball will roll around and urge your pet to follow, regardless of obstacles and collisions. The red dot is a cherry on top of this ingenious solution. If you'd like a USB-chargeable version, look for a toy updated for 2020, and you won't regret it. If you introduce this toy to a kitten, do not let the game last the full 40 minutes, or your tiny friend will be exhausted by the end of it. Portion the fun, and you'll get to maximum capacity in no time.
This option merges the best of two worlds: the basic red dot for your kitty to follow and a cute toy for her to bat with her tiny paws. The toy is balanced to ensure it remains upright, while the dot moves with the bird's head. Whether your kitten prefers to bash the toy or follow the dot, is for her to decide. However, be careful when replacing the batteries, as those included in the box do not last long, and the bottom part may be crumbly-ish, according to some reviews.
TOP 3 Laser Pointer for Cats
How to Choose a Laser Pointer for Adult Cats
At first glance, all hand-held laser pointers look the same. Subtle differences lie in the laser’s wattage, its range, color, and modes. You don’t need an extra-powerful laser to play with a cat. Even if the extra wattage ensures greater range, it increases the risk of damaging your kitty’s eyes in case the light hits them during the game. Red is considered a classic color, though green and blue models are now also available. Still, most cats don’t care about the hue. Finally, you can pick a laser pointer to double as a flashlight or UV light.
Laifoo USB Rechargeable Cat Toys Interactive LED Light Pointer For Cats
This wand has everything you might want of a sleek cat toy. It's durable, well-made, and portable. Unlike many entries on my list, this one is easy to recharge via a USB cable. There's no risk of overcharging, as the built-in microchip prevents this issue. A single setting and a higher than average price tag should not deter you from buying if you need a pointer to handle all light conditions. This wand boasts a powerful LED that's visible even at midday.
If you're willing to pay a little extra to enjoy the handheld and automatic experience, check out this toy. It will distract the kitty for a quarter of an hour when in auto mode, but you can pick it up to add spice to the hunt. Get four batteries (AA) ready for your first game and be ready to replace them from time to time. Some reviewers complain about laser operation issues, so make sure you test the toy soon after purchase.
For the price of a humble laser pointer, you'll get a tiny flashlight, a UV light, and a laser wand. It's cheap, sturdy, and functional. A USB port for recharging is a huge advantage, as it only takes 1.5 hours to get your pointer ready for hours of play. It's a solid entry product if you've never purchased cat toys before and don't want to splurge on automatic devices.
Is It Safe, Red Laser Light for Cats?
Most wands rely on low-power LEDs to provide the coveted moving dot, safe for both humans and cats.
Regardless of its safety, do not point the dot into the cat's or human eyes, as prolonged exposure may cause irreparable damage.
The laser chase might not be safe for your furniture and decor, so be careful choosing the surfaces to point the wand at.
Do not keep your tabby active for more than 10 or 15 minutes, unless she so desires. An unproductive hunt for an elusive red dot might cause anxiety and dissatisfaction.
TOP 3 Automatic Laser Cat Toy
Must-have Features for Automatic Toys
When choosing an automatic laser pointer for cats, pay attention to:
Automatic turn-off. Ideally, the timer should be adjustable, but if it isn’t, go with a toy that limits playtime to 10 to 20 minutes.
Power source. You can choose between USB rechargeable toys and those powered by AA batteries. Plugging one into the outlet is untenable, especially as you look for the right place to keep the laser pointer.
Build quality. You want a toy that’s built to last and can withstand your kitty’s inevitable bashing.
Mounting options. Standing toys are standard, but most require a stabilizing platform to stay upright under your tabby’s assault. Hanging laser toys are less likely to fall prey to your feline, but they run the dot across the walls, and that’s not ideal for most homes.
Is your cat the biggest fan of the robot vacuum? If so, the best laser toy for cats will kill two birds with one stone. For one, it will distract the tabby from the poor cleaning device. For another, it will keep the kitty busy for at least 10 minutes with its random movements across the floor and the red dot sprinting all over the place in the opposite direction. Whenever you want to watch the most addicting show on your living room floor, press the button on top, and enjoy the hunt. If you want to extend game time, you'll have to restart the toy manually, and that's the only significant downside.
Situate the tower on the floor, set the speed, and watch the kitty to thrill at the race. The laser dot travels 360 degrees, 15 minutes at a time. The toy is powered by three batteries, making it a comfortable and portable option. If your tabby is extra playful, the toy might get overturned and ruin the game. Consider creating a stabilizing platform around the base to ensure the device stays upright.
PetDroid Boltz Hanging Automatic Interactive Laser Cat Toy
Unlike most automatic offerings on my list, PetDroid is not standing, but a hanging device you can stick to a window pane, a wall, a piece of furniture, or any other vertical surface. Its red dot will, therefore, move across all surfaces, keeping your tabby excited. The battery-powered gadget will stay on for ten minutes and turn off so as not to overwhelm the cat. Even with the best cat laser toy, Reddit reviewers do not recommend using it in small places, as the cats do not care for the dot moving across the walls.
The Verdict. So What Is the Best Laser Cat Toy?
It's hard to choose among the best, but I've narrowed the list down to three winners that I will definitely add to my pet shopping list:
YOFUN Smart Interactive Cat Toy is the only kitty-friendly device that runs for 40 minutes and charges via USB, no batteries needed.
Laifoo Interactive LED Light Pointer is the best in category courtesy of its design, durability, and pet owners' reviews. Simple, yet reliable, it's a perfect laser pointer.
PetSafe Laser Tail is my ultimate choice of an automatic entertainment, as it provides all the fun of a real chase along with the excitement of the elusive shining dot.
Still not sure which laser toy to purchase? Let's go over the critical features that make a solid choice, automatic or handheld.
What Makes for the Best Laser Pointer for Cats?
The sturdy build of quality stuff, metal for manual toys, and durable plastic for automatic ones.
Easily replaceable batteries, better yet a USB charging port.
Randomized movement pattern for automatic devices.
Adjustable red dot movement speed to keep every cat interested.
Reasonable price tag.
Any toy that fits all five suggestions is sure to be a good investment and a fun pastime for your kitty.
FAQ
How does a cat laser toy work?
The batteries power a low-wattage LED that creates a directional light in red or green. The light dot travels across any surface it encounters without leaving any traces. Cats enjoy chasing the laser dot, as it can’t be caught.
What are the laws regulating cat laser toys?
According to the US regulations, only lasers under 5 mW can be sold as pointers unless they comply with FDA/CDRH safety requirements. Still, it is not illegal for you to own a laser cat toy over 5 mW. You don’t have to return or replace it. It’s up to manufacturers to properly design, label, and sell laser pointers.
Where to play with a cat laser toy?
Most laser pointers aren’t powerful enough to play outside, so stick to indoor games. To entice the kitty to chase the dot, point it at a high-contrast surface, like a painted wall or a monochrome rug. Your cat will have more trouble following the dot on a carpet with a busy pattern. Avoid leading the chase over furniture you don’t want to be damaged by the kitty’s claws.
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