The Best Laser Pointer For Cats 2024: Top Picks Plus An Ultimate Guide

Cats can be incredibly picky about their toys. I can confirm this myself. Some cats prefer feathers, some prefer bells, and some go gaga over balls. (And boxes. Let’s not forget boxes.) 

But the one thing that sends them into an absolute tizzy are laser toys. There's just something about that little red dot that awakens their natural hunting instincts and sends cats into overdrive. I have yet to encounter a cat that can resist a dancing dot that’s going up and down my walls. 

But not all laser pointers are created equal. In my experience, some laser pointers just don't cut it. Maybe the dot is too faint, or the pointer is too bulky, or the batteries have to be replaced quickly. So I did what any, uh, super-organized-bordering-on-the-obsessive cat owner will do and tested out some of the best laser pointers for cats on the market. 

And here are the results of my tests: The top 10 best laser cat pointer for cats.

Also read: Best Interactive Cat Toys 2024

Best Laser Pointer For Cats

1. Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer
2. Frisco 2-in-1 Laser & LED Light
3. SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy
4. PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser
5. SmartyKat Feline Flash Laser Pointer
6. KONG Laser Cat Toy
7. Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand
8. Cowjag Cat Toys, Laser Pointer
9. SereneLife Automatic Cat Light Toy
10. Saolife Automatic Cat Laser Toy

After extensive playtime and observation with my own feline friends, I have narrowed down the list to these eight top contenders. From rechargeable laser pointers to interactive wands, there's something on this list for every type of cat.

1. Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer Cat Toy

Rating: 7/10

Let's start my list of the best laser pointer for cats with this product that caught my attention right away — the Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer Cat Toy. Not only is this laser pointer sleek and stylish, but it's also rechargeable, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run. (Plus, I’m not all that fond of having to change batteries all the time.)

The laser projects a red dot that will have your cat chasing it around the room in no time. And when it runs out of battery, simply recharge it using a USB port. The laser toy also comes with neat features like a LED flashlight and UV blacklight you can use yourself when playtime’s done. 

During my testing, I found that this cat laser toy was easy to use and had a long-lasting battery life. The laser beam was also bright enough to keep my cats engaged, even in well-lit rooms. However, I did notice that the product feels somewhat flimsy.

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2. Frisco 2-in-1 Laser & LED Light Cat Toy

Rating: 8/10

Next up is the Frisco 2-in-1 Laser & LED Light Cat Toy. This battery-operated laser toy not only has a pointer, but it also features a built-in LED light for added playtime fun. The laser and LED light can be used separately or together, depending on your cat's preferences.

It comes with three LED settings for seriously fun play: strobe, pulse, and steady. These vary the game quite a bit so your cat gets the proper mental stimulation he gets without getting bored of the game quickly.

In my experience, the Frisco 2-in-1 Laser & LED Light Cat Toy was easy to use. The laser and LED light were both bright enough to keep my cats interested, but the toy itself felt a bit flimsy in my hands. Also, the batteries that were inside the laser toy were already dead so I had to use the replacement batteries right away.

While it's not the most durable option on the market, it's a solid choice for pet owners looking for a versatile toy that can offer both laser and light play options.

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3. SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy

Rating: 6.5/10

The SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy is a simple and affordable laser pointer option that's perfect for cat owners on a budget. This toy projects a bright red dot that will have your cat running and jumping all around the room.

The mouse-shaped laser pointer for cats comes with a cute heart-shaped nose that you press to get the laser beam to show. It’s a small handheld toy that only has one manual mode so it’s pretty basic.

While the SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy doesn't come with any fancy features, it gets the job done. The laser is bright and the toy is easy to use, making it a great option for pet owners who just want a basic laser pointer for cats. However, it's worth noting that this toy does require LR44 button batteries, which can be a bit of a hassle to replace.

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4. PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

Rating: 7/10

In contention for the title of best laser pointer for cats is this product byPetSafe. The PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy is a popular option among cat owners, and for good reason. This laser pointer toy has both automated laser toy mode and manual mode. 

For its auto mode, random patterns are projected so your cat can still happily play even when you are busy or away. You can also operate it manually and create your own laser moves for some creative play with your kitty. 

It will automatically shut off  after 15 minutes to prevent overstimulation and to conserve batteries. 

During my testing, I found that the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy was easy to use and had a good battery life. The random laser patterns kept my cats entertained for longer periods of time, and the automatic shut-off feature was a nice touch. 

Having an automatic laser toy was really helpful whenever I had to go out for an extended period. It kept my crazy felines occupied instead of thinking up new ways of destruction, lol. However, the toy in auto mode projects these random patterns at too fast a speed that my kitties can hardly keep up. So they just watch instead of running after the dot.

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5. SmartyKat Feline Flash Laser Pointer Cat Toy

Rating: 7/10

Another option for best laser pointer for cats is this one from SmartyKat. The Feline Flash Laser Pointer Cat Toy is a compact and affordable option for pet owners looking for a simple laser toy. This toy features a red laser point and can fit right inside your palm, making it super portable and lightweight to carry.

In my experience, the SmartyKat Feline Flash Laser Pointer Cat Toy was easy to use and had a decent battery life. The cost wasn’t too bad also, as it’s pretty cheap.

The compact size makes it a great option for cat owners who want to keep a laser pointer in their pocket or purse for impromptu playtime sessions. However, it is a simple laser pointer and, except for the design, is like any other laser toy.

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6. KONG Laser VCat Toy

Rating: 8/10

The KONG Laser VCat Toy is another super functional laser toy option on this list, featuring a laser pointer that will have your cat chasing after the toy even more enthusiastically. The toy has an ergonomic grip for easy handling and comes with batteries included.

It comes pretty cheap because it’s seriously no-frills. 

During my testing, I found that the KONG Laser VCat Toy was a hit with my cats. It’s a simple enough toy that you operate manually. It also has a keyring attachment so you  can bring it anywhere you go with your pet.

However, once your battery is drained, it can be hard to lift up the cover to place new batteries in. 

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7. Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand Cat Toy

Rating: 8/10

A very unique option for my best laser pointer for cats list, The Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand Cat Toy is a fun and interactive toy that combines a laser pointer with a wand toy. The toy features a dolphin-shaped wand with a laser pointer attachment, making it perfect for interactive playtime sessions with your cat.

It also comes with a feather and a little bell that tinkles when you move the wand to catch your feline’s interest immediately. 

During my testing, I found that the Ethical Pet Dolphin Laser Wand Cat Toy was a hit with both myself and my cats. The wand attachment made it easy to direct the laser pointer, and the dolphin design added an extra level of fun to the playtime session. Also, I am a sucker for cute things. 

However, the toy is a bit more expensive than some of the other manual laser toys on this list, which may be a drawback for pet owners on a budget.

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8. Cowjag Laser Cat Toy

Rating: 9/10

We also have the sleek and stylish Cowjag Laser Cat Toy. This toy features a sturdy stainless steel shell, three-mode light, and a USB charging port so you don’t have to keep buying batteries when the charge runs out. 

Aside from having three light modes (laser light, UV light, and flashlight), this toy also features 5 adjustable patterns in laser mode. I especially liked the mouse pattern. I thought it was pretty funny having my cats chase after it.

During my testing, I found that this sleek toy was easy to use and charges pretty fast. It just takes one hour of fast charging for four hours of play. A light at the bottom of the toy will pulse blue to inform you that it’s charging, and it will turn off once charging’s done. 

The only problem I found was that the red light is not as powerful as I hoped it would be, although my cats like the toy and were able to see the light with no problem.

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9. SereneLife Automatic Cat Light Toy

Rating: 8/10

This innovative toy is designed to provide hands-free play for your cat while you are busy with something else. It has an adjustable circling speed that cycles the pattern from slow to fast. And the electronic light follows an unpredictable path to keep your cat on his toes and far from bored. 

You can flip the cube up or down depending where you want the laser to shine — on the floor or on the wall. 

The toy shuts down automatically after 30 minutes to conserve batteries and to let your kitty rest after a bout of extensive play. The power output comes from three AAA batteries, which are sold separately.

I think this laser cat toy is a great choice for pet parents looking for a way to provide their cats with interactive playtime, even when they're not around. I used it myself while I was busy doing paperwork at home, and I’ve noticed the cats having loads of fun with it. 

I hear a whirring noise, but it’s not loud. The cats were all crazy about it for the first few days, but the bigger ones quickly lost interest. The circle pattern for the laser needs to be wider so bigger cats can play actively too.

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10. SaoLife Automatic Cat Laser Toy

Rating: 9/10

One of the best laser pointers when it comes to hands-free play, this toy could keep my cats entertained and engaged for hours on end. It did not disappoint! It has a long-range for more play options, 3 speed modes, and a timer function that makes it easy to customize the play experience.

One of the things I really liked about the SaoLife toy was the randomized movement pattern, which kept my cats guessing and engaged for longer periods of time. It also has built-in rechargeable batteries, which you hook up to a type C USB cable to power them up.

I like this toy’s auto feature that turns it off after 10 minutes of play to prevent boredom and turns it right back after an hour and a half to grab your kitty’s attention again. I can also choose different angles or positions for the laser trajectory, which is cool, and through the suction cup, I can place it on different surfaces.

Overall, I think the SaoLife Automatic Cat Laser Toy is a great option for pet parents looking for a fun and engaging way to play with their cats. With adjustable speed, a timer function, and a randomized movement pattern, it provides a customizable play experience that many cats will love. 

The only fault I can find with this toy is that the suction doesn’t hold very well so I don’t use it on surfaces like my window. 

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Also read: Best Cat Toys for Indoor Kitties

Why Cat Laser Toys Are Cool Purchases For Your Feline Pal

Ah, the age-old question: are cat laser pointers really good for our feline friends? As the proud foster mom of several cats, I can confidently say that yes, laser pointers can be a great addition to your feline friend's toy collection.

Why, you ask? Well, for starters, cats are natural hunters. They love to chase things and pounce on unsuspecting prey. And what better prey than a tiny red dot that darts around unpredictably? It's like their own personal game of cat and mouse (except there's no actual mouse to deal with).

Plus, laser pointers are great exercise for cats. Indoor cats especially need plenty of opportunities to move and get their hearts pumping. And what's more fun than chasing a laser dot all over the house? It's a workout for both body and mind.

Of course, there are some precautions to take when using laser pointers with cats. It's important to remember that they can become obsessive and frustrated if they never “catch” the elusive dot. So, make sure to end the game on a positive note by letting them catch and “kill” a physical toy after the cat laser pointer has been put away. And always make sure not to shine the laser directly in your cat's eyes, as this can cause serious damage.

But as long as you use them responsibly, laser pointers can be a fun and engaging toy for your feline friend. And who knows, maybe they'll even develop some impressive laser-focused hunting skills!

What To Look For In Laser Toys

When it comes to buying laser pointers for cats, there are a few important things you'll want to remember. Consider these before you write down your shopping list:

1. Brightness: Make sure that the beam of your cat laser toy is bright enough for your feline to see. A dim laser can be frustrating for your cat and make the game less enjoyable. Or, your cat may simply ignore it if the light is not that defined.

2. Range: Consider how far the laser can project. A longer range is better for bigger cats because they have more space to play around in. (If you’re using an automatic laser toy, don’t forget to check first what parts of your room is included in its range. You don’t want vases and such to topple down while your cat is chasing the dot!)

3. Durability: Cats are notorious for their love of destruction (they can’t help it), so it's important to select a laser pointer that can withstand their, um, playful paws. Look for a laser pointer that’s sturdy. Some toys may be cheap but they can also break more easily.

4. Convenience: Consider whether you want a  laser that’s rechargeable or runs on batteries. Rechargeable lasers can be more convenient (and cheaper) in the long run than battery-powered ones. And there’s also the fact that they’re more eco-friendly. 

5. Extra features: While laser pointers are fun and engaging for cats, felines have a tendency to get bored easily, particularly if you’re using an automatic one with predictable patterns they can guess after some time. So it would be best if you can look for products that offer additional features. 

Some laser pointers come with interactive features like multiple patterns or unpredictable paths. These can add an extra level of engagement to the game.

6. Safety: Make sure the laser pointer is safe for animals to play with. Look for lasers that are designed specifically for pets and remember not to shine the laser directly into your cat's eyes.

7. Battery life: Having to recharge or change batteries over and over again is annoying, and your cat will be pretty annoyed too if he’s in the middle of play when the battery chooses to die. Check the reviews and see if the product holds a long-lasting charge or is a battery drain.

8. Price: Look for products that offer good value for their price, and avoid overspending on unnecessary features.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of laser pointers until you find the perfect one for your furry friend. While product reviews help, each individual cat differs. What one likes may be uninteresting to another. 

How To Use Laser Pointers Safely During Play Time

You can ensure that laser pointers are used safely during play with your feline friends. Here are some tips:

1. Don’t shine the laser directly into your cat's eyes. Avoid it if you can. Not only can it feel uncomfortable for them, but when done over long periods, it can cause damage to their eyesight. (The high concentration of light in lasers can cause blindness.)

2. Let your cat “catch” the laser once in a while. It’s no fun being endlessly frustrated by never being able to catch your prey. Let your cat catch the beam of its cat laser toy once in a while by shining it on a surface that it can reach. And then see how proud your cat is of itself.

3. Don't play with your cat for too long with a laser pointer. Cats can  become bored of the game altogether if it goes on too long. Mix in some other kind of play before you pick up that laser toy again. 

Also, some cats can become overstimulated by the light, and it can lead to someissues, such as aggression.

4. Don’t stick to just one toy when playing with your kitty. A laser pointer for cats is fun, but variety is the spice of life, after all.

Final Thoughts

So after testing and reviewing all ten of these laser pointers for cats, it's clear that when it comes to felines and their notorious fickleness there's no one-size-fits-all option. Each of these laser toys has its own pros and cons (each of my cat has its favorite), and the best option will depend on each kitty’s individual preferences and play style.

But if I had to choose just one, it would be the Cowjag Laser Cat Toy. It’s a pretty nice pointer that does what it’s supposed to, is easy to transport, and has all these nifty features added in. Oh, and don’t forget cheap. Price is a big factor when it comes to toys for me. 

While it's much simpler compared to the automatic ones, Cowjag offers the best value for its price, provides an engaging and interactive experience for cats, and has a longer battery life compared to some of the other options. 

Regardless which laser pointer toy you choose, always remember that the right toy can only do so much. It’s really your time, affection, and attention that your cat needs the most.