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10 Best Robot Cat Toys – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

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By Nicole Cosgrove

cat playing mouse toy

Robotic cat toys can provide hours of independent entertainment for your cat, but they also offer a chance to bond with your furry friend through interactive play. As technology advances, so does the selection of robotic cat toys available on the market. To help you find the perfect toy for your beloved feline companion, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 robotic cat toys for 2023 along with reviews of each one.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Pet Fit for Life Robotic Floppy Fish & Wand Cat Toy Pet Fit for Life Robotic Floppy Fish & Wand Cat Toy
  • Soft, plush fabric construction
  • Interactive motion activated toy
  • Charges via USB, no batteries needed
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy
  • Navigates and flips itself back over
  • Variety of motion options
  • Compact size
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    ENABOT EBO AIR AIl Family Robot Care Dog & Cat Camera ENABOT EBO AIR AIl Family Robot Care Dog & Cat Camera
  • Variety of laser light options
  • You can talk to and monitor your cat
  • Compact size
  • Best for Kittens
    Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy
  • Durable plastic construction
  • Moves in lifelike patterns
  • Has a colorful tail
  • Hexbug Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy Hexbug Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy
  • Remote controlled
  • Can play with multiple mice
  • Batteries included
  • 10 Best Robotic Cat Toys

    1. Pet Fit for Life Robotic Floppy Fish & Wand Cat Toy – Best Overall

    Pet Fit For Life Robotic Floppy Fish & Wand Cat Toy

    Check Price on Chewy
    Materials Plush fabric
    Power Source USB

    The Pet Fit For Life Robotic Floppy Fish and Wand Cat Toy is the perfect combination of interactive play and educational fun. This motion-activated toy features a lifelike flopping fish that your kitty can chase, swat, and explore. It charges via a USB charging cable so you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. You can attach the fish to the wand to play with your cat or your cat can play independently. The wand also has a feather and worm attachment if your cat gets bored with the fish. However, some users reported that the fish can be a little loud, but we still think it’s the best overall robot cat toy.

    Pros
    • Soft, plush fabric construction
    • Interactive motion activated toy
    • Charges via USB, no batteries needed
    Cons
    • Some users found it loud

    2. Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy – Best Value

    Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic, rubber
    Power Source AG13/LR44 1.5V Battery (2)

    The Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy is a great choice for cats who love to stalk and attack. This battery-operated mouse can be set up to move around in a variety of ways, giving your kitty hours of fun as they pounce and play. The batteries are included. This mouse can navigate around obstacles and can flip itself back over if your cat knocks it over. You can choose from two different play modes. Paw mode activates the mouse when your cat touches it, or you can switch to chase mode for cats that need more activity. The downside is that the whiskers are fragile and may break easily when your cat chews on them. But we think it is the best robot cat toy for the money.

    Pros
    • Navigates and flips itself back over
    • Variety of motion options to keep your cat entertained
    • Compact size is great for small spaces
    Cons
    • Whiskers are fragile and may break

    3. ENABOT EBO AIR AIl Family Robot Care Dog & Cat Camera – Premium Choice

    ENABOT EBO AIR AIl Family Robot Care Dog & Cat Camera

    Materials Plastic, aluminum
    Power Source Plug-in

    The ENABOT EBO AIR AIl Family Robot Care Dog & Cat Camera is a great choice for cats who love to explore their environment and can help keep your cat entertained when you aren’t at home. It produces laser lights and different tease modes that allow your cat to play independently, and you can control these lights remotely or program them to automatically play with your cat. This robotic camera can also be used to take pictures and video of your kitty, offering you the chance to keep an eye on them no matter where you are. You can talk to your pet through the device and it has Wi-Fi capabilities as well as an app for both iOS and Android. However, this device may not be good for those that aren’t great with technology and you won’t be able to see your cat from anywhere in the house.

    Pros
    • Variety of laser light options to keep your cat entertained
    • You can talk to and monitor your cat when you aren’t home
    • Compact size is great for small spaces
    Cons
    • Can be difficult for users that aren’t great with technology
    • Views are limited to only the room that both your cat and the camera are in

    4. Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy, Color Varies – Best for Kittens

    Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic
    Power Source 1 button cell AG13/LR44 battery (included)

    The Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy is an ideal choice for kittens and cats who love to chase after little critters. This small, battery-operated robotic bug can be set up to move around in a variety of ways, giving your kitty hours of fun as they pounce and play. It is made of durable plastic and moves in lifelike patterns, and it has a soft and colorful tail to make it more enticing to your kitten. However, you will have to replace the batteries eventually as this toy is not rechargeable.

    Pros
    • Durable plastic construction
    • Moves in lifelike patterns
    • Has a colorful tail
    Cons
    • Batteries must be replaced after a few uses

    5. Hexbug Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy, Color Varies

    Hexbug Remote Control Mouse Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic, rubber
    Power Source (5) AG13/LR44 Batteries

    The Hexbug Remote Control Mouse Robotic Cat Toy is an ideal choice for cats who love to chase after fast-moving objects. This mouse can be controlled from up to 10 feet away via a remote that operates off of the included AG13/LR44 batteries. There are two channels of operation so that you can play with two different mice at once, and the mouse has 360-degree movement. However, you must eventually replace the batteries in both the mouse and the remote, and this toy may startle some anxious kitties.

    Pros
    • Remote controlled
    • Can play with multiple mice at once
    • Batteries included
    Cons
    • Batteries must be replaced after a few uses
    • Motion of the toys can startle some cats

    6. PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

    PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic
    Power Source 4 AA batteries (not included)

    Most cats love playing with lasers, and the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy is a great choice that allows your cat that opportunity. This battery-operated toy features an adjustable beam of light that your cat can follow. It can be automatic and emit random patterns of light so that your cat can play even if you’re away, or you can manually control the light patterns and motion. It even shuts off after 15 minutes in order to conserve battery life. However, batteries are not included with the device, they will need to be replaced eventually as well, and the laser may not be as visible in bright environments.

    Pros
    • Can be automatically or manually controlled
    • Turns off after 15 minutes
    • Small size doesn’t take up a lot of space
    Cons
    • Batteries not included
    • Batteries must be replaced eventually
    • Laser may not be as visible in bright environments

    7. Pet Zone Caged Canary Interactive Cat Toy

    Pet Zone Caged Canary Interactive Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic, polyester fabric
    Power Source 2 AA batteries (not included)

    The Pet Zone Caged Canary Interactive Cat Toy is an ideal choice for cats who love to watch birds from the windows. This battery-operated toy features a realistic caged canary bird with flapping wings and realistic bird sounds. The cage also has a wobble base so that it stays upright when your cat bats it around. It runs on 2 AA batteries that aren’t included and as with other battery-operated toys, the batteries will need to be replaced over time. The bird may also startle some anxious cats.

    Pros
    • Realistic movement and sounds
    • Wobble base prevents overturning
    Cons
    • Batteries not included
    • Batteries must be replaced after a few uses
    • Motion of the canary bird wings may startle some cats

    8. Hexbug Pester the Pigeon Laser Cat Toy

    Hexbug Pester The Pigeon Laser Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic, rubber
    Power Source 3 AAA batteries (included)

    Here’s another great cat toy from Hexbug. The Hexbug Pester The Pigeon Laser Cat Toy is another great choice for cats who love chasing after laser pointers. This battery-operated toy emits beams of light from its beak at 3 different speeds and can rotate its head 360 degrees. when your cat chases the laser, giving them hours of fun and interactive playtime. Batteries are also included with this toy but will need to be replaced over time. And like other laser cat toys, the laser may not be as visible in bright light conditions.

    Pros
    • Head rotates 360 degrees
    • Emits random lasers at 3 different speeds
    • Batteries included
    Cons
    • Batteries must be replaced after a few uses
    • Laser may not be visible in bright light environments

    9. Ethical Pet Spin About 2.0 Laser Toy & Sound Cat Toy, Color Varies

    Ethical Pet Spin About 2.0 Laser Toy & Sound Cat Toy

    Materials Plastic
    Power Source 2 AA batteries (not included)

    The Ethical Pet Spin About 2.0 Laser Toy & Sound Cat Toy is a new take on the laser cat toy. This battery-operated toy makes robotic sounds, lights up, and spins around so that your cat can follow the laser around the room. It also has ribbons that you can attach the top that spin around with it so that your cat can bat and play with them too. It takes 2 AA batteries which are not included. This toy may also scare kittens or anxious cats.

    Pros
    • Unique laser toy
    • Spins around and lights up
    • Ribbons at the top for your cat to chase
    Cons
    • Batteries not included
    • Batteries must be replaced after a few uses
    • May scare anxious kitties

    10. OurPets Cactus Wand Cat Toy

    OurPets Cactus Wand Cat Toy

    Materials Thermoplastic rubber, polyester
    Power Source 3 AA batteries (not included)

    The OurPets Cactus Wand Cat Toy is perfect for cats who love to swat and grab at toys. This interactive toy features a rubber cactus with colorful feathers that spin around and entertain your cat for solo play. You can control the speed and for how long the toy is activated – for 10 minutes, 20 minutes, or 6 hours if you’re going to be away from home for a while. It runs off of 3 AA batteries that are not included, but keep in mind that the longer you run the toy, the sooner that batteries will deplete so you may have to replace them often. And, the toy may have to be replaced often with heavy use because the feathers will likely fall off.

    Pros
    • Spins around
    • Has a feather for your cat to bat at
    • Different speed and time settings
    Cons
    • Toy may need to be replaced after heavy use
    • Colorful feathers may fall off over time
    • Batteries not included and may need to be replaced frequently

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    Finding the Best Robotic Toy for Your Cat

    What Can a Robotic Toy Do for Your Cat?

    Robotic toys can provide a unique and interactive play experience for cats. Unlike traditional cat toys, robotic toys are able to move around on their own and respond to your cat’s movements. This allows your kitty to practice their hunting skills while also providing mental stimulation with the variety of motion options available. Additionally, some robotic toys come with sound effects or flashing lights that make the playtime even more exciting!

    Robotic toys can also be beneficial for cats who are stuck indoors all day or are alone while their owners have to work. These types of toys allow cats to exercise and stay physically active without having to leave the house and can allow them to play independently.

    Finally, robotic toys offer endless entertainment as cats will never tire of chasing the moving object or exploring its different sound and light effects. With so many benefits, robotic toys are perfect for cats who need an extra bit of stimulation in their lives!

    Things to Consider with Robotic Cat Toys

    When shopping for a robotic cat toy, there are a few things to consider. First, determine what type of toy your kitty enjoys the most. Some cats prefer interactive toys like lasers and motion activated toys while others enjoy wands and things that are more stationary. You’ll also want to consider the size and features of the toy, as some cats may be intimidated by larger ones or ones that make a lot of noise. Lastly, think about the materials and power source of the toy—some materials may be more durable than others, and some toys may need batteries to run which will need to be replaced often. By taking into account all these factors, you’ll be able to find the perfect toy for your cat that will give them hours of entertainment!

    Cute crossbreed Persian cat playing with a ball
    Image Credit: Boyloso, Shutterstock

    Buyer’s Guide Checklist

    • Determine what type of toy your kitty enjoys most
    • Consider the size of the toy
    • Think about the materials and power source of the toy
    • Investigate robotic toys for a unique play experience
    • Look into sound and light effects that make playtime even more exciting
    • Make sure the toy is able to provide mental stimulation as well as physical activity.

    A Safety Warning About Cats and Batteries

    It’s important to always keep an eye on your cat when they are playing with toys that require batteries, as some cats may be tempted to chew or lick the battery compartment. This can cause a chemical reaction if the battery is swallowed and could even lead to death. It is best to monitor your cat closely when they play with these types of toys, and always make sure that the battery compartment is securely closed before you let them start playing. Additionally, check the toy regularly for any signs of wear or damage, as this could also potentially harm your cat.

    Always make sure that safety comes first when selecting a new toy for your feline friend!

    How to Slowly Introduce Robotic Toys to Shy Cats

    Robotic toys can be a great source of fun and stimulation for cats, but some may find them intimidating due to the sudden movements and lights and sounds that they produce. If your cat is hesitant to try out the toy, there are several ways to slowly introduce it so that they become comfortable with it.

    First, start by leaving the robotic toy out in an area where your cat can easily see but not touch it. This will help them get used to its presence without feeling overwhelmed or scared. You should also set up a play session that involves both you and the robot toy, as this will show your kitty that it is safe and friendly. During these sessions, avoid fast or sudden movements with the toy so that your cat doesn’t become startled. Instead, keep the motions slow and steady and gradually increase the speed as your cat becomes more comfortable.

    Once your cat is used to the toy, start giving them treats while they interact with it or reward them with special toys when they play. This will help reinforce positive behavior and create a stronger bond between you and your feline friend!

    a siamese cat playing with a wand toy
    Image Credit: Olya Detry, Shutterstock

    Signs Your Cat is Afraid of or Overstimulated by Robotic Toys

    Like any other toy, robotic toys can cause stress and fear in cats. It is important to look out for signs of distress or anxiety so that you can adjust their playtime accordingly.

    Some common signs that your cat may be uncomfortable include cowering away from the toy, hissing, growling, and excessive meowing. Additionally, if your cat appears to be overstimulated by the toy, they may start to shake or tremble as well as display signs of hyperactivity such as pacing or running around the room.

    If you notice any of these behaviors when your cat is playing with a robotic toy, it’s best to remove them from the situation and provide some time away from the stimulation. You may also consider adjusting the speed and intensity of the toy or trying out a different type altogether.

    Overall, robotic toys can be great fun for cats and provide much-needed stimulation while they are home alone. However, it is important to always keep safety and comfort in mind when selecting new toys for your feline friend!

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    Conclusion

    Robotic cat toys can provide hours of entertainment and enrichment for cats while also helping them stay active and fit. For the best overall option, we like the Pet Fit for Life Robotic Floppy Fish & Wand Cat Toy because it can be a dual-purpose toy. For the best value, we love the Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy which is sure to please most cats. If you’re looking for a premium choice that can entertain and also help you monitor your cat while you’re away, the ENABOT EBO AIR AIl Family Robot Care Dog & Cat Camera is a great choice, although pricey.

    Before purchasing a toy, be sure to do some research and read customer reviews to ensure that you’re getting the best product for your pet. Additionally, make sure to look out for small parts or sharp edges that could be hazardous to your kitty’s health. With the right selection and supervision, robotic toys can be a great way to keep your furry friend entertained!


    Featured Image Credit: I.K.Media, Shutterstock

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