The Best Cat Laser Pointers: Reviewed and Ranked

Cat parents know the thrill of playtime with their sweet feline fur babies. And the truth is, our cats can be simple creatures as they see a pointed light and they get all excited chasing after it. If your cat needs some extra mental stimulation or has gotten a little too chunky and needs a little exercise, a good laser pointer could do the trick.

If you’re more interested in keeping your kitty’s prey drive alive and thriving, then there is no better toy than laser light. Laser pointers are one of the most fun and versatile tools you could use to engage your cat, and they come in so many styles, colors, and shapes. Using a pointer can help provide proper cardio for your kitty, stimulate their mental faculties, and sharpen their predatory instincts.

To help you decide what your cat needs we’ve reviewed a selection of the very best laser pointers and we even provided a detailed buyer’s guide too.

A-Z-Top Picks for Cat Laser Pointers

#1 Best Overall: PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

In our review, the best cat laser pointer is the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy.

This pointer can be used as both a stationary and a manual pointer, so you can keep your kitty running with glee for as long as you want. While you are away from home or occupied, the toy moves the laser in random patterns on autopilot. To save battery life, it will automatically switch off after 15 minutes. You can also adjust the laser flashes in manual mode for a more personalized play session with your cat.

Unfortunately, some pet parents have reported that they wish this laser came with adjustable settings for when it is on autopilot as they found it moves too fast for some cats.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

Overall Best

PETSAFE Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

• Can be used as a stationary and manual pointer
• Nice and simple design
• Completely automatic
• Impressive battery life

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2. Best Automatic Pointer: SereneLife Automatic Laser Cat Toy

Our selection as the laser toy with the best automatic pointer is the SereneLife Automatic Laser Cat Toy.

This toy is completely automated and features a rotating laser beam which can be activated with a simple push of a button. It provides great entertainment for cats as the rotating beam has three pre-set modes with random patterns to keep your pet interested and engaged for longer. This toy will work when placed on any surface, whether it’s on the floor, a table, or a window ledge. Plus, one of the best features is that it automatically turns off after 30 minutes to preserve the batteries.

However, this laser is a more expensive option than some of the other toys on the list. The other drawback to it is that the batteries are not included.

Pros and Cons of the SereneLife Automatic Laser Cat Toy

Best Automatic Pointer

SERENELIFE Automatic Laser Cat Toy

• Top-rated automatic function
• Rotating beam
• Random, unpredictable beam patterns
• 30 minutes of uninterrupted playtime

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3. Best Budget-Friendly: SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy

If you want to test out laser pointer activities with your kitty without breaking the bank rhen the SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy is a great option to start with.

We recommend the this toy because it manages to be super affordable yet of remarkable quality. The toy has a cute pink nose and is styled very on-brand like a mouse. When you press the pink nose, it shoots out a laser beam for your cat to chase. It even comes complete with batteries so that it’s ready to go straight away.

However, this laser pointer isn’t automated which means that your cat can only play with it when you’re there to use it with them. Also, some customers have reported that the design is not very ergonomic and hurts yours hand after a while.

Pros and Cons of the SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy

Best Budget-Friendly

SMARTYKAT Loco Laser Cat Toy

• Super affordable
• Not automated
• Cute mouse design
• Includes 3 LR44 button batteries

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4. Best Hanging Laser: PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy

If you think keeping your laser pointer on the floor or any other flat surface might cause a little trouble, then you should consider a hanging laser. Therefore, our selection as the best hanging laser is the PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy.

You can hang this laser toy on the wall, doorknob, or any other elevated surface and leave it to work its magic on your kitty. It has an automatic timer that turns on for 15-minute intervals every two hours, meaning that you can be certain your kitty is entertained even when you’re not there. This laser toy even has two lighting modes that switch up to keep your cat entertained.

The only drawback to this product that we can find is that some customers have reported that the laser is not particularly bright.

Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy

Best Hanging Laser

PETSAFE Dancing Dot Laser Cat Toy

• Features an automatic timer
• Comes with 2 different lighting modes to amuse your cat
• Can be hung anywhere in your home
• Nice and modern design

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5. Best for Kittens: Ethical Pet Spin About Electronic Laser & Treat Dispenser Cat Toy

Even kittens love to play and hone their hunting instincts, which is why we recommend the Ethical Pet Spin About Electronic Laser and Treat Dispenser Cat Toy.

What’s better than a pointer that shoots out lasers, one that spins while shooting out lasers and serves as a treat dispenser! This toy is just the perfect 3-in-1 toy to keep your hyperactive kitten entertained for as long as you need.

When you turn on this toy, it immediately starts revolving and emits laser beams throughout the room. It also has a feather attached to the top of the ball which is another handy feature to attract your kitten’s attention. But that’s not all as you can fill this ball with treats, which will spill out as the toy rotates around. However, it’s important to carefully manage the amount of treats that your kitty gets so that they don’t become overweight.

This toy works with two AA batteries, although they are not included. It also has an automatic shut-off feature so that it switches off after ten minutes to preserve the batteries.

Pros and Cons of the Ethical Pet Spin About Electronic Laser & Treat Dispenser Cat Toy

Best For Kittens

ETHICAL PET Spin About Electronic Laser & Treat Dispenser Cat Toy

• Perfect 3-in-1 toy to keep your hyperactive kitten entertained
• Comes with a feather attached to the top of the ball
• Has a compartment for dispensing treats
• Spins while shooting out lasers

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Choosing the Best Cat Laser Pointer: What to Look For

Your furry friend deserves the best that you can get, especially when it comes to their toys. Laser pointers are a great option for keeping your cat healthy and happy, so surely, you should put a lot of thought into buying the right one. Here are important things to look out for when buying a cat laser pointer.

Safety

Lasers are available in a variety of intensities. A laser “toy” is usually safe for you and your pet, but this isn’t always the case. To ensure that your cat’s eyes don’t get harmed, set the milliwatt to a value between one and five. Also, even if the laser is faint, avoid shining it in their eyes for long periods.

Stationary or Handheld

Cat pointers can either be stationary, handheld, or even a combination of both. You can buy a laser pointer of whatever type, depending on your cat’s preference and your needs. A stationary pointer is great if you want to keep your cat entertained while you are busy or away from home. These typically have a timer that you can program to various patterns and speeds. If you want to be a little more involved in playtime, a handheld manual toy will work great, while a pointer with both modes gives you the best of both worlds.

Speed and Patterns

Every cat is unique, and so are its preferences. A kitten may need a slower pattern, while an experienced hunter or adult would prefer a faster laser point to chase. Changing the pattern and light speeds will help keep things fun and interesting.

Durability

While it may be fun to play with your cat, sometimes their hunting skills can be a little too good for a laser. Ensure that the pointer is durable enough to withstand a couple of swipes once in a while.

Timers

You don’t want your cat to become overly enthusiastic or agitated so try to choose a pointer that has a timer. A timer that will automatically switch off after 10 to 15 minutes will help give your cat a break and let them calm down during playtime.

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