If it takes a lot to engage your cat, it might be worthwhile to find a remote control cat toy. Remote control cat toys are better options than automatic cat toys because you can directly engage with your cat so that you can both enjoy playtime together. These toys also have a wider range, so your cat will have fun chasing them longer distances.
There are several different kinds of remote control cat toys, so make sure to read our reviews of the best ones so that you can buy one that your cat is sure to love.
As you read this guide, think about the different features and types of toys that you know that your cat likes so that you can find a remote control cat toy that matches their natural play preferences.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
SEFON Robotic Cat Toy
Long-lasting battery
Quiet motor
Easy-to-use remote control
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Best Value
Patgoal Remote Cat Toy
Very affordable option
Mimics real mouse
Sturdy set of wheels
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Premium Choice
Petronics Mousr Cat Toy
Control toy with mobile devices
Runs on multiple surfaces
Multiple tail attachment options
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Best for Kittens
LIDLOK Electronic Cat Toy
2 different speeds
Quiet motor
Automatic and remote control modes
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Magkay Interactive Cat Toy
Design prevents tail tangling
Intuitive remote control
Runs on different surfaces
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The 10 Best Remote Control Cat Toys
TheSEFON Robotic Rolling Cat Toy has a similar concept as other dual-wheel remote control toys, but its long-lasting battery makes it stand out from the rest. The toy has a built-in 1000 mAH large capacity battery so that it runs longer for extended playtime. The USB charger also prevents overcharging so that the battery lasts longer over time.
Power Source: USB Charger
Material: Plastic, silica gel
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The motor is quiet so that it won’t scare away cats. The toy comes with a silk ribbon attachment and feather attachment to entice your cats to chase it.
The wheels also light up with an array of colors. It can turn the toy 360 degrees and easily move along different kinds of surfaces.
The remote control is also very easy to use. Along with controlling the toy, you can use it to quickly switch from remote control mode to automatic mode and change the speed settings.
However, customers have noted that the speed of the toy is a little too fast for their cats. The toy size is also a little too big for smaller cat breeds. Therefore, this toy is ideal for larger, more athletic cats.
We’ve named this toy the best overall remote control cat toy because it has all the ideal features of a good cat toy. It’s quiet, easy to control, and has a long battery life.
Long-lasting battery
Quiet motor
Easy-to-use remote control
- Long-lasting battery
- Quiet motor
- Easy-to-use remote control
Too large for small cats
- Too large for small cats
Good remote control toys don’t have to be expensive. Patgoal Remote Control Mouse Cat Toys is the best remote control cat toy for the money because it has all the basic features of a good electronic cat toy for an affordable price.
Power Source: 5 AAA batteries
Material: Plastic, rubber, cloth
The toy has realistic features of a mouse, including an enticingly long tail. It also has a set of sturdy rubber wheels that work great against hardwood floors. However, the wheels don’t work as well on rugs and thick carpets, and the mouse will run slower.
The remote has two buttons. One button drives the mouse forward, and the other one moves the mouse backward. When you press the back button, the mouse runs backward at an angle so that when you press the forward button, the mouse heads in a different direction.
This mechanism can make controlling the mouse a little challenging at first. However, once you get the hang of it, this toy can provide a lot of fun and entertaining moments for both you and your cat.
For the price that you pay, this just might be the best remote control mouse cat toy you’ll find.
Very affordable option
Mimics real mouse
Sturdy set of wheels
- Very affordable option
- Mimics real mouse
- Sturdy set of wheels
Doesn’t work on thick carpet
Difficult to steer
- Doesn’t work on thick carpet
- Difficult to steer
If you’re looking for a fancy toy for your fancy cat, make sure to check out Petronics Mousr Interactive Robotic Cat Toy. This cat toy comes with several automatic modes that cater to different cats’ activity levels. You can also conveniently control this toy with the accompanying phone app.
Power Source: USB charging dock
Material: Plastic
The toy has a set of large and wide wheels so that it can run on many kinds of surfaces, including rugs and carpets. It also has eight different kinds of tail attachments, including a catnip flick tail and a feather bounce tail.
This toy can last up to 40 minutes after it’s fully charged, and it takes 30 minutes to fully charge it. It may be more expensive than other cat toys, but this premium toy has a wide range of capabilities that provide many fun options for your cat.
Control toy with mobile devices
Runs on multiple surfaces
Multiple tail attachment options
40 minutes of continuous play
- Control toy with mobile devices
- Runs on multiple surfaces
- Multiple tail attachment options
- 40 minutes of continuous play
Relatively expensive
- Relatively expensive
4. LIDLOK Remote Control Moving Cat Toy – Best for Kittens
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Power Source: USB Charger
Material: Plastic
The LIDLOK Remote Control Electronic Moving Cat Toy can be a great match for both curious and timid kittens. It has a quiet motor so that cats don’t have to be afraid of loud noises. It also has a set of LED lights to pique your cat’s inquisitive nature.
The toy runs at two speeds. So, if the high-speed setting is too fast, you can still keep your kitten engaged by encouraging it to play on the low-speed setting. The toy also has a set of thick wheels so it can run on different kinds of surfaces.
You can choose from an automatic setting or a manual setting. The automatic setting turns on the toy for 10 minutes then shuts it off for 1.5 hours. If you want to play with your cat, you can easily switch to the remote control option. It’s very intuitive and easy to use, so playing with your kitten is easy for you, fun for your kitten, and entertaining for everyone.
The toy comes with replaceable feather tails. However, you might have to adjust the length of the string because it can become tangled up with the toy’s wheels.
2 different speeds
Quiet motor
Automatic and remote control modes
Remote control is easy to use
- 2 different speeds
- Quiet motor
- Automatic and remote control modes
- Remote control is easy to use
Tail gets tangled with tires
- Tail gets tangled with tires
5. Magkay Interactive Cat Toy for Indoor Cats
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Power Source: AAA batteries and USB charger
Material: Plastic
Engage your cat in a wild game of chase with the Magkay Interactive Cat Toy for Indoor Cats. It has a set of wide wheels that enables it to run on all kinds of surfaces. The wheels also have seven LED light color options that you can use to keep your cat intrigued.
The tail attachment has six feathers on it so that it mimics the appearance of a bird. The tail is also set on a stick to prevent it from getting tangled with the wheels.
This toy also has one of the best remote controls. It looks similar to the controls of a toy racecar, so you can easily maneuver the toy and engage your cat in a challenging game of chase.
The toy is rechargeable, but it takes about 2 hours to fully charge it. Therefore, if you forget to charge it, you’ll most likely have to play with another toy because of the amount of time it takes to charge.
Design prevents tail tangling
Intuitive remote control
Runs on different surfaces
- Design prevents tail tangling
- Intuitive remote control
- Runs on different surfaces
Takes a long time to charge
- Takes a long time to charge
6. PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy
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Power Source: USB Charger
Material: Plastic, natural rubber
The PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy is an updated version of their Boltz Robotic Cat Toy, that now runs better and faster than before. They installed two motors that work independently so that the toy does a better job of running in circles, rotating, and backing up.
The toy also has two different speeds to provide an extra challenge for energetic cats. If you have shaggy carpets, the high-speed mode works best to help the toy move around easily.
There are four different tail attachments included with this toy:
- Crinkle ball
- Bird
- Charmer
- Butterfly
You can also buy replacement sticks separately in case the tail attachments break off. The toy also comes with a 1-year warranty.
This toy generally has positive reviews, but one common complaint is that some customers experienced the battery draining quickly. However, they also noted that the manufacturer is fairly responsive to customer service requests, so you can easily receive a replacement toy if needed.
2 different speed settings
Several tail attachment options
Easy to maneuver
- 2 different speed settings
- Several tail attachment options
- Easy to maneuver
Battery may drain quickly
Tail attachment breaks easily
- Battery may drain quickly
- Tail attachment breaks easily
7. SlowTon Remote Control Cat Feather Toy
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Power Source: 5 AA batteries
Material: Plastic, rubber, metal wire (tail)
The first thing you’ll notice about the SlowTon Remote Control Cat Feather Toy is the hefty set of wheels. This toy has four wheels, and the front wheels rotate 360 degrees in order to prevent the toy from flipping over. The wheels also have great traction and can run on different kinds of surfaces.
The remote control is also easy to use, so you’ll have an easy time keeping the game of chase challenging for your cat. The toy also has a feather tail that swings from a wire. There aren’t any strings, so the toy won’t get tangled with the rear wheels.
This toy is sturdy and durable, but it has a relatively loud motor, so timid cats may not like playing with it. It may take some extra time for cats to become used to the noise.
Wheels prevent flipping over
Wire tail attachment
Easy-to-use remote control
- Wheels prevent flipping over
- Wire tail attachment
- Easy-to-use remote control
Loud motor
- Loud motor
8. BARHOMO Remote Control Robotic Cat Toy
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Power Source: USB Charger
Material: Plastic, rubber
The BARHOMO Remote Control Robotic Cat Toy is a fun and exciting toy for cats because of its many features. It comes with five different tail attachments so that your cat can chase its favorite type of toy.
The toy also has a wide set of wheels so that it can run on multiple types of surfaces. The wheels also have LED lights for cats that like to chase lights.
The remote control has a simple design and straightforward interface. You can use it to adjust the two different speed settings and change the play setting to automatic mode when you’re busy.
The toy comes with three extra tail attachment replacements. They can be fairly delicate, so if you have a cat that likes to pounce, it can easily break these attachments. You can buy more attachments separately, but it can be a hassle constantly replacing them.
Has an assortment of tail attachments
Runs on multiple surfaces
2 different speed settings
- Has an assortment of tail attachments
- Runs on multiple surfaces
- 2 different speed settings
Attachments break easily
- Attachments break easily
9. SmartyKat Race ‘N Chase Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy
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Power Source: LR batteries
Material: Polyester
The SmartyKat Race ‘N Chase Electronic Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy is a cute and affordable option. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that premium toys might have. However, it still does a great job keeping cats engaged and exercising hunting instincts.
The remote has a forward and backward function. The toy itself runs at a decent speed, so it’ll be challenging for your cat to catch it. Just keep in mind that you have to point the remote directly at the toy to keep it moving. The toy won’t be able to move if there are any obstructions in the way. It also has a small set of wheels, so it only runs on hard surfaces.
SmartyKat also prides itself on its commitment to child safety. Each of their toys meets child safety standards, so this remote control toy is a safe option for families with young children.
Meets child safety standards
Relatively affordable
Promotes hunting instinct
- Meets child safety standards
- Relatively affordable
- Promotes hunting instinct
Weak remote control connection
Only runs on hard surfaces
- Weak remote control connection
- Only runs on hard surfaces
The design of the Hexbug Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy includes many details that accurately mimic a real mouse. It has whiskers, ears, and a tail that resemble a cat’s natural prey to activate your cat’s prey drive. When you turn it on, the tail wiggles to capture your cat’s attention. Then, it darts around and stops abruptly, just like an actual mouse.
Power Source: 5 AG13/LR44 batteries
Material: Plastic, rubber, synthetic fur
The remote control has two control buttons, so you can operate two mouse toys at the same time. Have two cats chase one mouse each, or challenge one cat to catch two mice on its own. These options help cats stay interested longer and practice their hunting skills.
Since this toy runs on a set of small wheels, it doesn’t move as quickly on carpet. It also doesn’t work at all on thick carpet or shaggy rugs. However, it has great speed on hard surfaces, so it can be a fun challenge for your cat.
Accurately mimics mouse
Control 2 mice at once
Movements keep cats guessing
- Accurately mimics mouse
- Control 2 mice at once
- Movements keep cats guessing
Only works on hard surfaces
- Only works on hard surfaces
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Remote Control Cat Toy
Cats can be picky about the types of toys they like. To find the best remote control cat toy, make sure to consider these factors to make the right purchase.
Remote Control
There are different types of remote controls for these toys. The most basic remote control has just a forward and backward function, and more complex controllers have buttons that let the toy move in multiple directions.
If you have an older cat or a cat that doesn’t really like to run, you can end up saving more money by purchasing a simpler remote control toy that provides an easier chase. More active and adventurous cats can benefit from a toy that moves in more directions and speeds.
Wheel Type
Remote control cat toys have different kinds of wheels that match various surfaces. If you have carpets or a lot of shaggy rugs, look for toys with bigger wheels. Toys like the SEFON Robotic Cat Toy and SlowTon Remote Cat Feather Toy have a set of wheels that can run across multiple surfaces.
If you have hard floors, there isn’t really a need to splurge on an expensive cat toy with heavy-duty wheels. A simpler toy like the SmartyKat Race ‘N Chase Electronic Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy can run just fine on wood and concrete floors.
Cat Toy Size
Some cats may feel intimidated by larger toys. You can try using smaller, cheaper remote control cat toys to introduce your cat to moving toys. As they get used to playing with them, you can introduce bigger toys with attachments of your cat’s favorite kinds of feathers or ribbons.
Regular play sessions can help your cat stay happy and healthy. Why not start the play with a fun toy like Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy? These sturdy toys are double-bagged, bite-proof, and filled with 100% organic catnip. Choose your favorite pastel color and treat your cat to hours of fun!
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!
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!
Noise Level
If your cat gets easily scared by loud noises, make sure to look for cats that have quieter motors. You’ll have more success with engaging your timid cat if you use toys like the LIDLOK Remote Control Electronic Moving Cat Toy.
Conclusion
According to our reviews, the SEFON Robotic Cat toy is the best overall remote control cat toy because it has a quiet motor and intuitive controller and appeals to all kinds of cats.
The Patgoal Remote Control Toy for Cats is also a great option because it proves that you don’t need all the high-tech features to keep your cat happy and engaged.
Cat toys don’t have to be entertaining for just your cat. Look into bringing one of these toys home so that you can join in on the fun and create some hilarious memories with your cat.
- Another interesting read: 10 Best Cat Toys in the U.K. in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
