Attention all cat owners! Does your cat get stir-crazy when being cooped up indoors? Has your feline friend gotten a bit plump and is in dire need of some exercise? Maybe you want to test your cat’s prey drive on something that is not alive? If you answered yes to any of these questions, getting a cat laser might be the best solution!
Laser pointers allow your cat to get in a quick cardio session anywhere in your home. Cats love to chase the tiny red laser dot all over the floor and on furniture. This provides cats with exercise, mental stimulation and allows them to practice their predatory instincts. There are many laser toys to choose from to entertain your cat, so it is overwhelming to know which one is the right choice. Never fear! We have put together a review of our top ten recommendations for cat laser pointers.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
PetSafe Interactive Laser Cat Toy
Both automatic and manual mode
Modern design
Adjustable mirror
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Best Value
SmartyKat Loco Toy
Made with recycled materials
Affordable
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Premium Choice
SereneLife Auto Cat Laser Toy
Allows for 30 minutes of exercise
Random laser pattern makes for exciting play
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Ethical Pet Electronic Laser Spin Toy
Can be played with whether on or off
Multiple features
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YVE LIFE Cat Laser
Five circular settings
Two speed settings
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The 10 Best Cat Laser Pointers and Laser Toys
Our recommendation for the best overall cat laser pointer is the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy. You can switch this laser toy between two modes: automatic and manual. The toy moves the laser in random patterns on automatic mode while you are out of your home or busy. The Bolt will turn off after 15 minutes to conserve battery strength. In manual mode, you can control the laser flashes for a more personalized play session with your kitty. The design of this toy allows it to be placed on a flat surface in any room of your house.
Weight: 84 ounces
Dimensions: 3” L x 3” W x 9” H
Features: Laser, adjustable mirror
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Since this is an automated laser toy, it does make noise when the laser is turned on. Some cat owners felt that the noise was more distracting than the laser when playing with their cats. However, many owners of the Bolt have had positive results when using this toy.
Pros
Both automatic and manual mode
Modern design
Adjustable mirror
Cons
A bit loud
While there are many valuable options for cat lasers, some of them are not of great quality. This is why we recommend the SmartyKat Loco Toy as our value choice. The Loco is shaped like a mouse with an adorable pink nose. When the pink nose is pressed, it emits a laser that you can direct anywhere to get your kitty moving about. This laser toy is manually operated, so you can spend as much cat-human bonding time as you want. Manual cat lasers allow you to choose the amount of exercise you want your cat to get. However, if you use this laser toy often, you will need to replace the batteries more frequently.
Both automatic and manual mode
Modern design
Adjustable mirror
- Both automatic and manual mode
- Modern design
- Adjustable mirror
A bit loud
- A bit loud
Weight: 32 ounces
Dimensions: 2” L x 1.38” W x 0.94” H
Features: Laser
Some other people have noted that if you have smaller hands, this laser toy is more challenging to hold and use for longer periods. This means that the Loco might be more challenging for children to use.
Pros
Made with recycled materials
Affordable
Cons
Shape makes it difficult to hold for some people
Batteries run out easily
If you don’t mind spending a bit extra on your best friend (your cat, of course), then we recommend the SereneLife Automatic Cat Laser Toy as our top-rated premium choice. SereneLife is fully automatic and is programmed to shut off after 30 minutes of laser projection. The beam rotates, so your cat is kept wondering where they need to pounce next. This laser toy is battery-operated, making it easy to place anywhere in your home.
Made with recycled materials
Affordable
- Made with recycled materials
- Affordable
Shape makes it difficult to hold for some people
Batteries run out easily
- Shape makes it difficult to hold for some people
- Batteries run out easily
Weight: 6 ounces
Dimensions: 31”L x 5.04”W x 3.5”H
Features: Laser
Make sure that the surface you place the laser toy on is sturdy. If it gets knocked over, the cat laser will most likely not work as it did before. Additionally, since the SereneLife projects the beam for 30 minutes, you might find that the battery life runs out quicker than other laser toys.
Pros
Allows for 30 minutes of exercise
Random laser pattern makes for exciting play
Cons
Must be a sturdy surface
- Ethical Pet Spin About Electronic Laser & Treat Dispenser Cat Toy – Best for Kittens
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Weight: 2 ounces
Dimensions: 25” L x 4.25” W x 9” H
Features: Laser, treat dispenser, and feather toy
Kittens can be a ball of endless energy, so why not get them a combination toy to keep them entertained and stimulated? Our recommendation for the best laser toy for kittens is the Ethical Pet Spin About Electronic Laser & Treat Dispenser Cat Toy. Kittens want to have a variety of things to do, making this toy a great choice. When it is turned on, the toy spins around, shining laser beams around the room. Attached to the top of the ball is a feather that can further enthrall your kitten. But wait, there’s more! You can fill this ball with treats that will come out occasionally as the toy spins around. Your kitten will not know which feature of the toy it likes the best.
Allows for 30 minutes of exercise
Random laser pattern makes for exciting play
- Allows for 30 minutes of exercise
- Random laser pattern makes for exciting play
Must be a sturdy surface
- Must be a sturdy surface
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Weight: 2 ounces
Dimensions: 25” L x 4.25” W x 9” H
Features: Laser, treat dispenser, and feather toy
One con to this toy is that it does not spin as much as some cat owners would like it to. However, kittens will still have fun playing with it even when not turned on.
Pros
Can be played with whether on or off
Multiple features
Cons
Does not spin very fast
Spinning only last ten minutes on the timer
- YVE LIFE Cat Laser Toy Automatic Interactive Toy
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Weight: 8 ounces
Dimensions: 1” L x 2.9” W x 2.9” H
Features: Laser
Automatic laser toys are becoming popular ways for busy people to entertain their cats while working or out of the house. Our top recommendation for an automatic laser toy is the YVE LIFE Cat Laser Toy Automatic Interactive Toy. There are a few reasons this toy is a good choice as automatic laser toys go. First, there are five adjustable circular settings. The larger the circle, the more exercise your car gets. Second, you can change the speed of the laser to fast or slow. Third, the motor is designed to be silent so your cat will focus on the laser, not the noise of the motor.
Can be played with whether on or off
Multiple features
- Can be played with whether on or off
- Multiple features
Does not spin very fast
Spinning only last ten minutes on the timer
- Does not spin very fast
- Spinning only last ten minutes on the timer
Weight: 8 ounces
Dimensions: 1” L x 2.9” W x 2.9” H
Features: Laser
While there are pros, some people noted that this toy goes through batteries quickly. Additionally, some people wished the laser would go in a zigzag instead of a circular pattern.
Pros
Five circular settings
Two speed settings
Cons
Only goes in a circular pattern
Goes through batteries quickly
- Friends Forever Interactive Laser Cat Toy
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Weight: 92 ounces
Dimensions: 5” L x 4” W x 4” H
Features: Laser
The Friends Forever Interactive Laser Cat toy is our runner-up recommendation for the best automatic laser toys. Unlike many other laser toys, Friends Forever has three different settings you can choose when you want to entertain your cat: slow, fast, and random. In each setting, laser beams will shine in a circular pattern for 15 minutes. This gives your cat a good amount of exercise during the day. Since this laser toy works best when placed on the floor, people who have used this toy have noted that it can tip over easily if your cat gets too excited.
Five circular settings
Two speed settings
- Five circular settings
- Two speed settings
Only goes in a circular pattern
Goes through batteries quickly
- Only goes in a circular pattern
- Goes through batteries quickly
Weight: 92 ounces
Dimensions: 5” L x 4” W x 4” H
Features: Laser
As with some automatic laser toys, the battery life does not last too long if used frequently, so it is good to have some spare batteries handy.
Pros
Multiple settings
Laser rotates 360 degrees
Cons
Can tip over
Goes through batteries
- PetDroid Boltz Hanging Interactive Laser Toy
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Weight: 2 ounces
Dimensions: 14” L x 4” W x 2” H
Features: Laser
Automatic laser toys are great for entertaining your cat, but many need to be placed on the floor to be used by them. It’s all fun and games until you accidentally trip over the laser toy, and it breaks! PetDroid Boltz Hanging Interactive Laser Toy is our recommendation for a hanging laser toy. If you want to have this more permanently placed, the Boltz can be screwed into the wall. However, it comes with a suction cup, so you can place it on various windows or mirrors all over your home. This laser toy can also be recharged through a USB cable, making this choice more environmentally friendly.
Multiple settings
Laser rotates 360 degrees
- Multiple settings
- Laser rotates 360 degrees
Can tip over
Goes through batteries
- Can tip over
- Goes through batteries
Weight: 2 ounces
Dimensions: 14” L x 4” W x 2” H
Features: Laser
One con to this laser toy is that some people found it does not last long and need to get a replacement laser toy after a few months. This could be due to how often the toy gets used on a daily basis.
Pros
Can be hung anywhere in your home
Rechargeable
Cons
Questionable quality
- Whisker Rechargeable Laser Pointer Cat Toy
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Weight: 6 ounces
Dimensions: 4” L x 0.5” W x 0.5” H
Features: Laser, LED flashlight, UV blacklight
Sometimes the best things come in little packages! The Whisker Rechargeable Laser Pointer is our top recommendation for a pocket-sized laser toy. Because of its small size, it can easily be used by both supervised children and adults. With this laser pointer, you are in control of where your cat goes and how long you want its exercise sessions to be. When you are not using it to entertain your cat, you can use it as an LED flashlight or UV blacklight. It is also rechargeable. This is a tool for both cats and human beings!
Can be hung anywhere in your home
Rechargeable
- Can be hung anywhere in your home
- Rechargeable
Questionable quality
- Questionable quality
Weight: 6 ounces
Dimensions: 4” L x 0.5” W x 0.5” H
Features: Laser, LED flashlight, UV blacklight
Remember that because this is a manual laser toy, there is a greater risk of pointing it in your cat’s eyes. Children should also be supervised when using this toy; they could accidentally shine the laser beam into their eyes as well.
Pros
UV blacklight and LED flashlight
Rechargeable
Cons
Children must be supervised while using the laser
- Pet Fit For Life 2 in 1 LED Laser Light & Interactive Wand
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Weight: 04 ounces
Dimensions: 30” L x 0.25” W x 0.25” H
Features: Laser, feathers
Cats love variety. Some days, your cat will want to play with a laser beam. But on other days, your cat might want a feathery toy instead. What toy combines the best of both worlds? Our recommendation for a top 2-in-1 cat laser toy is the Pet Fit For Life 2 in 1 LED Laser Light & Interactive Wand. The toy comes with two attachments: fluffy feathers or a wiggly worm. You can choose which toy to entertain your cat with by switching between them. Change to the laser beam setting to keep your feline guessing what will happen next to mix things up. A bonus to this toy is that it plays chirping bird sounds to add to the excitement.
UV blacklight and LED flashlight
Rechargeable
- UV blacklight and LED flashlight
- Rechargeable
Children must be supervised while using the laser
- Children must be supervised while using the laser
Weight: 04 ounces
Dimensions: 30” L x 0.25” W x 0.25” H
Features: Laser, feathers
Something to keep in mind is that there are no replacements for the toy attachments. Once they have been chewed up, you will need to find a creative alternative.
Pros
Two toy options for entertaining your cat
Rechargeable
Cons
Children must be supervised while using the laser
Cannot get replacements for the feather or worm
- Ethical Pet Spot Rockin’ Bird Laser Cat Toy
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Weight: 08 ounces
Dimensions: 3” L x 6” W x 7.6” H
Features: Laser
Some cat laser toys are a bit gaudy and an eyesore when placed in the house. But not the Ethical Pet Spot Rockin’ Bird Laser Cat Toy! This laser toy is stylishly designed as a bird, available in a few bright colors. Because of the modern design, the toy can be placed on the mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table, seamlessly blending into your home’s décor. But the style is not the only benefit of this laser toy. It is motion-activated with a weighted base. When turned on, your cat can bat at it to activate the laser beam. This means that your cat has the freedom to play whenever it feels the urge.
Two toy options for entertaining your cat
Rechargeable
- Two toy options for entertaining your cat
- Rechargeable
Children must be supervised while using the laser
Cannot get replacements for the feather or worm
- Children must be supervised while using the laser
- Cannot get replacements for the feather or worm
Weight: 08 ounces
Dimensions: 3” L x 6” W x 7.6” H
Features: Laser
A con to this toy is that an adult cat might have the strength to knock the toy over on its side. You might need to keep propping it back up.
User’s Guide: How To Use The Best Cat Laser Pointer & Laser Toys
Laser toys are wonderful ways to promote exercise and mental stimulation for your cat. Before buying one, there are a few guidelines to think about.
Laser Toy Guidelines:
Never shine the laser pointer in the cat’s eyes. Even if the laser beam gets in your cat’s eyes for a few seconds, there is the risk of damage. This is why a child should not be allowed to play with the laser toy unsupervised. There is also a risk to the child’s eyes.
Be aware of how much you use the laser pointer. While laser pointers are excellent ways to give your cat exercise, have them ease into it. If your cat is overweight, pushing them to exercise for a long time might be too much. Have them play with the laser pointer for a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time.
Let them catch it! Cats should be allowed to catch the laser beam occasionally. It is good for their self-esteem and, even though the laser dot is not solid, your cat will feel good if they can finally catch it.
Our Pick for Best Catnip Toy: Well-designed toys will keep your cat happy and engaged. For a sturdy, fun toy that will look nice in your living room, we recommend Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy! These toys are designed to look like prey and double-bagged to stand up to your cat’s sharpest claws and teeth. Plus, they’re filled with organic catnip and handmade in the USA.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Never shine the laser pointer in the cat’s eyes. Even if the laser beam gets in your cat’s eyes for a few seconds, there is the risk of damage. This is why a child should not be allowed to play with the laser toy unsupervised. There is also a risk to the child’s eyes.
Be aware of how much you use the laser pointer. While laser pointers are excellent ways to give your cat exercise, have them ease into it. If your cat is overweight, pushing them to exercise for a long time might be too much. Have them play with the laser pointer for a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time.
Let them catch it! Cats should be allowed to catch the laser beam occasionally. It is good for their self-esteem and, even though the laser dot is not solid, your cat will feel good if they can finally catch it.
- Never shine the laser pointer in the cat’s eyes. Even if the laser beam gets in your cat’s eyes for a few seconds, there is the risk of damage. This is why a child should not be allowed to play with the laser toy unsupervised. There is also a risk to the child’s eyes.
- Be aware of how much you use the laser pointer. While laser pointers are excellent ways to give your cat exercise, have them ease into it. If your cat is overweight, pushing them to exercise for a long time might be too much. Have them play with the laser pointer for a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time.
- Let them catch it! Cats should be allowed to catch the laser beam occasionally. It is good for their self-esteem and, even though the laser dot is not solid, your cat will feel good if they can finally catch it.
Well-designed toys will keep your cat happy and engaged. For a sturdy, fun toy that will look nice in your living room, we recommend Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy! These toys are designed to look like prey and double-bagged to stand up to your cat’s sharpest claws and teeth. Plus, they’re filled with organic catnip and handmade in the USA.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Final Thoughts
Laser toys are incredible ways to promote exercise and entertainment for your cat, especially if the cat is an indoor cat. However, not all cats will chase after the laser beam right away. For some cats, it will take a few tries to get them interested. Try the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy, as it has both manual and automatic settings. The SmartyKat Loco Toy is another great choice if you want to test out a laser toy without spending too much. Enjoy the playtime with your favorite feline!
