The Best Cat Laser Pointers

If your cat is bored, it can lead to a lifetime of behavioral issues, overeating, and inactivity that may lead to serious health problems. Luckily, with a great laser toy, your furry kid can get plenty of exercise and stay stimulated, even when nobody is home. Laser pointers come in tons of shapes, sizes, and functions, but nearly every cat toy’s goal is the same—to keep your little, rambunctious friend entertained and improve their quality of life.

Buying Guide for Cat Laser Pointers

Why invest in a laser pointer for your cat?

A laser pointer will keep your cat’s brain and heart happy and healthy! As independent as cats are, they demand a lot of attention, especially when it comes to stimulating their active, curious brains. After all, most indoor kitties don’t venture outside, where they’re free to play and hunt as much as they want. Laser pointers are a fun, easy way for you to fit in regular play sessions with your cat, which will keep you both happy long-term.

What should you remember when purchasing a laser toy?

• Function: You can choose between two types of laser toys for cats, depending on your lifestyle. Handheld pointers allow you to bond with your cat and have some control over playtime. They’re great to keep around in every room of the house for when your kitty gets bored or anxious. Automatic laser toys, on the other paw, will help stimulate and keep your furry friend active, even when you’re out of the house or don’t have time to play.
• Power Source: Almost all electronic cat toys are either rechargeable or battery-operated. Rechargeable lasers can help save money in the long run but will likely drain power faster than battery-operated versions. Purchasing some rechargeable batteries with your battery-operated laser is a great way to save money on batteries and provide your pet with hours of entertainment.
• Design: Cats are naturally rowdy critters, so finding a durable, long-lasting toy is a must. If you’re going the automatic laser toy route, make sure you have a place to set the larger device where your cat won’t knock it down. If you prefer a manual, handheld laser pointer, make sure its laser light is visible and strong enough for your cat to see, track, and attack.

Is there anything else to know about laser cat toys?

There are rules to using laser pointers with cats, especially because playtime can quickly turn into an unsatisfying experience for your kitty, causing stress and demeaning their innate hunting skills. The main rule when it comes to laser play is to make sure your cat “catches” the laser at least a few times a session. This is important because it builds confidence. Who wants to play a game they’ll never win? As long as it’s a fair game, your cat will love its new laser toy. Also, never shine the laser in your cat’s eyes or anyone else’s.

Our Picks for the Best Cat Laser Pointers

Pros: The Bolt automatic laser toy offers manual and automatic playtime. Have time to play? Hold the Bolt to create varying laser patterns on the wall or floor (or wherever cats may roam) for a more personal, hands-on experience with your cat. Or, if you’re busy, simply set it to automatic for 15 unmanned minutes of playtime. In automatic mode, the laser moves randomly across floors and walls to help give your pet the ultimate play experience, encouraging cardio and triggering hunting instincts. Plus, PetSafe has been in business since 1991, making them a long-trusted pet brand.

Cons: You might want to invest in some rechargeable batteries so that you don’t spend extra on new batteries every month. Some found the motor to be loud, which can be both annoying and frightening to your furry friend.

Bottom Line: An automatic laser pointer at this price is worth the buy. It’s convenient and versatile, allowing you to play up close and personal or from a distance while you finish daily tasks or get some much-needed rest. Your curious cat will thank you for the body and mind stimulation.

 

Pros: A rechargeable cat laser with feathers and ribbons? Yes, please. This innovative device features an automatic laser pointer with three enticing modes: slow, fast, and random. Watch as your cat’s natural instincts kick in as they chase the elusive laser dot across the room. Simply hold down the button and adjust the settings to create an engaging and interactive play session. One of the standout features of this cat laser is its built-in automatic shut-off timer. After 30 minutes of playtime, regardless of the selected mode, the device will automatically turn off. This thoughtful design ensures that your cat gets the mental and physical rest they need, preventing overstimulation and promoting a healthy play routine. Forget about the hassle of constantly replacing batteries. The Enoctu cat laser comes with a convenient USB charging cable, allowing you to easily recharge the device whenever needed. Simply plug it into a USB port, and you’ll have a fully charged cat laser ready for action. Not only does this device provide endless entertainment for your cat, but it also promotes exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding time between you and your furry companion. The feathers and ribbons add an extra level of excitement, enticing your cat to pounce, swat, and engage in play like never before.

Cons: This automatic toy sits better on hard floors versus carpet because it’s held up by small plastic feet. The small plastic feet elevate the device slightly, allowing it to sit more comfortably on hard floors. This feature ensures that your cat can fully engage with the laser pointer and feather toy without any interruptions or hindrances.

Bottom Line: You can’t go wrong with a rechargeable product; this alone saves you money in the future. With 30 minutes of automatic play and extra attachments for extra activity, this two-in-one interactive laser toy by Enoctu will give you the break you need while keeping your furry friends active and healthy.

 

Pros: One-on-one laser play is a great way to bond with your cat, and this unique handheld projector laser takes things to the next level. It features seven adjustable patterns and offers a continuous play feature, eliminating the need to constantly press a button and allowing for uninterrupted playtime with your pets. The device provides a great variety of shape options, keeping your cats entertained and engaged. It works exactly as advertised and is easy to use and charge via USB. Customers have reported their cats loving the different shapes and being entertained for hours. Furthermore, this laser pointer offers value for money with its durability, high-quality material, and rechargeable function. It has been praised for its ability to tire out energetic puppies and provide simple entertainment.

Cons: Several expressed disappointment with the longevity of the product, noting that the laser became dimmer over time or stopped working altogether. Some users found that recharging the device did not resolve the issue, suggesting a potential problem with the light bulb itself rather than the battery. Additionally, there were complaints about malfunctioning buttons.

Bottom Line: Manual laser pointers help create precious moments with your pet; they’re like toddlers, after all, and crave daily play. Your cat will learn to recognize the sound of the device’s on/off button, and playtime will be on. Plus, it’s rechargeable, so there’s no worrying over batteries.

 

Pros: The future of playtime is here with this VSTARCAM toy. It’s complete with a quality 1080p camera, a built-in microphone, a motion detector, and a laser pointer, so you’ve basically got a playmate and home security system. Its laser toy includes a downloadable phone app, which lets you remote in and play, watch, listen, or record. Its camera provides 360-degree views of your home and pet, even in the dark, and allows you to snap photos of your furry kid. And, like parents of any creature, you can enjoy sharing pet photos and videos with family and friends.

Cons: Even if you’re tech-savvy, it may take some time to set up your pet camera/laser toy. If you’re not, it can be even more difficult. Thankfully, with tons of info on this product, you’ll find videos and reviews to make it easier.

Bottom Line: This is such a cool, innovative way to play with your cat. And, with the ability to share or livestream, your friends and family can enjoy your cat as much as you do. For the price, you’re basically getting a babysitter and laser toy in one, which makes this a great value and incredibly convenient.

 

Pros: The chase is on! The Saolife Automatic cat laser allows you to sit back while it entertains your cat. It offers three adjustable speed modes to cater to different cats’ preferences, ensuring a fun and engaging playtime experience. Whether your cat enjoys a slow, relaxed playtime or a fast-paced chase, this laser pointer has you covered. Secondly, the interactive toy features multi-angle adjustment and flexible installations. The head bracket can be adjusted to various angles, and the bottom can be rotated, allowing you to position the toy according to your cat’s preferences. You can mount it on a window using the suction cup or place it on a table or bookshelf, providing versatility and adaptability for indoor play sessions. The automatic on/off function is another convenient feature. The toy will automatically shut off after 1.5 hours of continuous play, ensuring your cat is entertained even when you’re busy or away from home. This feature helps to conserve battery life and provides peace of mind knowing that your cat won’t be overly stimulated. Additionally, the cat laser pointer has a compact and low-noise design, allowing your cat to play without causing any disruptions. Lastly, the cat laser pointer is USB rechargeable, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements. With the built-in rechargeable battery and the included type-C cable, you can conveniently recharge the toy for about two hours of playtime. This not only saves you money on batteries but also reduces waste, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Cons: Some have experienced issues with its durability and longevity. Some have reported that the toy stopped working after only a few recharge cycles, while others have mentioned that it completely ceased functioning within a few months. This lack of durability raises concerns about the overall quality and reliability of the product.

Bottom Line: This affordable, unique laser toy is the perfect way to tailor play. For older cats, choose the “slow” option, and for crazy kittens, select “fast” to wear them out. 

Final Thoughts

Even more excited to get your cat on a laser-play regimen? You should be, especially with these quality devices designed to keep your kitty sharp, healthy, and happy.