10 Best Cat Laser Pointers & Laser Toys – 2023 Reviews & Top Picks

Laser pointers are one of the most popular toys for cats, and for great reason! Many cats’ natural hunting and stalking instincts are immediately ignited when they spot the little evil red light that constantly evades them. Laser toys can be essential weapons

in the cat amusement arsenal.

The latest laser cat toys go well past the simple red dot, handheld laser pointer. The range of laser-based toys on the market is incredible. There is the humble handheld lasers, the automatic robotic gadgets, and many that have multiple fun functions for cats above and beyond just a laser.

To make things easier for you, we have compiled a collection of our favorite cat laser pointers and laser toys. We’ve done all the research into them, so you don’t have to. Great reviews from real customers back each product on this list.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites (2023 Update)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		SereneLife Automatic Laser Cat Toy	Quiet operation Automatic shut-off Adjustable laser track	Check Price
Best Value		Spot Spin About Cat Toy	3-in-1 function Highly movable Usable on all floor surfaces	Check Price
Premium Choice		ZHENMAO Automatic Interactive Laser Cat Toy	Design causes movement upon touching Laser turns on automatically USB rechargeable	Check Price
		martyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy	Durable Comfortable to hold Comes in multiple colors	Check Price
		PETRIP Interactive Cat Toy	2-in-1 function Three different speeds Automatic shut-off	Check Price

The 10 Best Cat Laser Pointers & Laser Toys

The SereneLife Automatic Laser toy will change the way you think about laser cat toys. Completely automatic; all you need to do is position the toy and press a singular button to turn it on. There’s no stress on your hand to manually operate this toy, nor do you even need to be present. It also features an automatic shut-off to be set and left; no need to worry about burning out the batteries.

The unique geometric design allows it to be rotated and placed in many different positions. This means it can be placed on the floor or elevated on a shelf or table. Then it can be adjusted to set the lasers to track anywhere in the room. In addition, the laser has adjustable tracks to keep things varied for your cat, holding their attention for longer. It also features variable speeds to cater to cats of all ages and abilities.

These awesome features make this our best overall choice for cat laser toys. Past customers praise it highly in their reviews. The only prevailing negative is that it seems to quickly suck the life out of batteries. We advise getting rechargeable batteries to support the energy needs of this product.

This neat contraption is a multifunction Spot Spin About Cat laser toy. Its rounded design has a built-in laser that will erratically sweep around the room with rolling movements, making the laser tract unpredictable and irresistible to cats. In addition, it also features an extended arm with attached feathers and a treat dispenser!

All these functions in a single product are why we reviewed this particular product as the best cat laser toy for the money. Not only is it affordable, but it utilizes all the tricks to engage a cat’s natural instincts.

While it is highly reviewed, some negative experiences include highly active cats quickly breaking the feather portions of the toy. On the other hand, the laser and treat dispensing parts are highly durable. They seem to handle the most aggressive activity from high-energy cats.

ZHENMAO Automatic Laser Cat Toy engages a cat’s instinct by replicating its wild prey: a small animal. Designed to look like a chicken, this laser toy has an automatic turn-on. When your cat taps the toy, it will activate by beginning to squeak, piquing your cat’s interest. It will also automatically turn on the laser for chasing. This product is on wheels but is self-balancing, so it will sway and move upon being batted by you or your cat, causing the laser’s track to be erratic.

This product is also rechargeable by a simple USB connection. You can leave this toy on all day long for your cat to interact with at any point without having to worry about costly batteries. It will only activate and use power when touched, so this makes a great toy to keep your cat amused while you are away from home.

The more realistic design of this toy may cause a fearful reaction in some cats, who may be unsure of the noise and movements. But, for very active and instinctual cats, this toy will hold their interest for some time.

4. SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy

While there are certainly a lot of different automatic laser pointers on the market, the use of a simple manual laser pointer also comes with many bonuses. Using a manual laser pointer like this one from SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy be interactive fun for both your cat and you.

This product is highly rated for its ergonomic design. Meaning it fits comfortably in most hands. The button is easy to press, causing little stress on the hand or fingers for prolonged use.

This product does take batteries, but the batteries are LR44, which are more expensive than the usual AA or AAA type batteries. Batteries are only diminished during use, though, and since this toy is manual, use is directed totally by you.

5. PETRIP Interactive Cat Toy

PETRIP Interactive Cat Toy is another laser-type toy that has extra functions to make it more engaging. In addition to a laser, it has an extended arm with loose attachments. It comes with three different attachments, which you can change out to hold your cat’s interest. It also means there are replacements if your cat is extra destructive with any loose parts on toys.

This automatic toy stands up on its own and has attachable legs to increase its durability. For the more excited or aggressive cat, it will still be easily knocked over. However, it is durable enough to withstand these knocks.

It has all the benefits of an automatic cat laser toy, including automatic shut-off (after 30 minutes) and adjustable speeds. It, unfortunately, does not have any adjustments for the laser itself. The laser itself has just one track to follow, and while it does bounce back and forth on that circle track, it may become predictable with prolonged use.

6. SmartyKat Leapin Laser 2 in 1

This product from SmartKat Leapin Laser 2 in 1 is a similar design to the original laser pointer featured early in this list. On top of its comfortable and durable design, they have added a wand, cord, and ribbons to the end of this laser pointer to make it more attractive to cats.

The multifunction will help capture and then keep a cat’s attention. Having multiple stimulating features means it will take longer for them to become bored. While this product is highly rated, some negative reviews state that the location of the laser beam to the wand causes interference and that it is awkward to use both the wand and the laser simultaneously. It would be hard for your cat to engage with both simultaneously anyway, so having the double function will allow you to switch quickly to other styles of play.

This PetSafe Bolt interactive laser toy is similar to other automatic products in many ways. It has typical features like adjustable speeds and automatic shut-off. But what we really like about this product is the erratic tracks of the laser. Many other products have lasers that follow a set path that can become predictable over time. This product stands out because of the random and dynamic movement of the laser.

This movement provides a lot more organic and unpredictable activity of the red dot around the room, making it able to hold your cat’s attention for longer than a set track laser. The design of this product is also a suitable size and shape to be used handheld. This way, it can be used as a regular laser pointer in that you can be involved in your cat’s activity with manual usage.

8. KONG Laser

Kong Laser is a brand whose name is well known amongst pet owners. Their pet toys are known to be durable and fit for purpose. This laser pointer is no exception. The shape of this product fits comfortably in most hands, making it easy to hold for longer play sessions. The button is simple to push, but that needs to be held down continuously to keep the laser going, rather than a slide that can be kept on.

Past customers have spoken positively about this laser pointer, mainly saying that the battery life is good. However, negative reviewers say that the battery compartment is difficult to open.

Pet Fit For Life Wand & LED Laser Combo is another 2-for-1 cat toy. The ergonomic handle has an extendable wand on one end with interchangeable attachments. The other end of the handle is a laser pointer. This design does mean the wand and the laser can’t be used at the same time, but you can easily turn the toy around to quickly change styles of play and keep the cat engaged.

In addition, it has a button on the side that activates the speaker and sends out chirping bird noises. This will help pique your cat’s interest when playing but can also be used to call your cat from afar. This added benefit can help enlighten your cat hunting interests.

10. SmartyKat Feline Flash Laser Pointer

This simple SmartyKat Feline Flash Laser Pointer will suit you and your cat just fine if you are looking for a manual laser pointer and not much more. While you won’t get anything fancy in this product, the laser light is still good quality for a very affordable price.

This pointer differs from some basic laser pointers as the operational button is very large. This makes it a breeze to press and accessible for all members of your family to use with ease. In addition to the curved handle, this pointer is easier for everyone to use over small, thin lasers.

Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Cat Laser Pointer & Laser Toy

After browsing through our favorite picks of cat laser toys, you may have since come to realize that there is a lot more range than you first thought! So, how to pick which one you want to try at home with your cat?

While no one choice will suit every cat, there are a few different things you should consider when choosing a product that is best for the cats and kittens in your household.

Why Do Cats Love Lasers?

Cats love lasers because they are naturally drawn to erratically moving objects. The small red dot of a laser flittering around the room resembles their natural prey. The sight of this small moving thing triggers their natural hunting instincts and drives them to chase it.

A laser may take precedence over some of the other toys in the home simply for the unique qualities of light they possess that are great at attracting your cat. 99% of cat laser toys have a red-colored light, but in fact, cats cannot see the color red very well.

The use of a red laser is attractive to cats despite not recognizing the red color as the laser’s beam is seen as a sharp contrast of light compared to the ambient light around it. This will seem like the natural flash of passing prey in the eyes of a cat, so this laser beam may be chosen over a cartoon-like, catnip-stuffed toy.

Catnip toys are a lot of fun for most cats, but you do want to find a high-quality version. Our Hepper Catnip Stick Toys are double-bagged and bite-proof, perfect for even the sharpest claws and teeth. They're also full of 100% organic catnip, shaped like your cat's natural prey, and hand-made in the USA.

The Benefits of Laser Play for Cats

Domestic cats of these modern times still enjoy hunting small animals to satisfy their natural urges rather than to provide themselves with a meal. As owners, we try to reduce the amount of this hunting they do. We want to protect the native wildlife as well as keep our cats safe at home. Laser pointers are just one of many toys that can help fulfill that natural need your cat has to chase, hunt, stalk, and pounce.

Laser play is just one of many ways to express play behavior with your cat. These play behaviors will encourage both mental and physical health and wellness. The activity of play will keep your cat active and provide exercise, helping avoid the risk of them becoming overweight (and associated health risks that come with obesity)

This is particularly beneficial for indoor cats. While keeping your cat indoors can keep them safe from many dangers, it also means that they have higher care requirements and need to stay active and stimulated.

Conclusion

As cat owners and lovers ourselves, we can understand how difficult it can be to pick products for our beloved pets. There is an insane amount of range on the market, making that choice almost impossible. Luckily, we delved deep, read all the reviews, and did all the research to help you pick out a fun new toy for your furry friend.

Our top pick overall for a great cat laser toy is SereneLife Automatic Laser. This spectacular product has all the fun benefits of an automatic laser while still being incredibly adaptable with a simple and quiet design. For best value, we chose Spot Spin About Cat Toy for its unique 3-in-1 design that gives a range of different play options in just one product.

Featured Image Credit: Lemalisa, Shutterstock