Who said cats can’t enjoy gadgets? Enter: the laser pointer. These clever kitty toys give your cat endless hours of fun, while you’re sure to be entertained teasing them. In fact, as far as cot toys go, this one requires minimal effort from yourself; you can simply sit back and point the laser all over the room, and watch while your feline scrambles to catch it (and of course, they won’t!). Sure to befuddle, amuse, confuse, and entertain all at once, the best laser pointer is a key accessory in your cat’s toy collection.
Why do cats love them? Well, the fast-moving laser point actually mimics a cat’s real prey; mice, voles, and rats all move fast as lightning, so your cat can exercise their wild side with this toy. Encouraging healthy play and offering a great cardio workout, laser pointers are to cats what a soccer match is to kids. So, jump on the bandwagon and pick up the best laser pointer from our guide today.
Top Pick Cowjag Laser Pointer
Cowjag Cat Toys, Laser Pointer with 7 Adjustable Patterns, USB Recharge Laser, Long Range and 3 Modes Training Chaser Interactive Toy, Dog Laser Pen Toy
$14.99
Best Laser Pointer for Cats to Consider
Mixing cats with electronics requires a little forethought, so we’ve gathered a few tips to help you pick the best laser pointer for your cat while keeping them safe at the same time:
Low-Wattage Light
Always choose a low-wattage laser; aim for a max of 5 milliwatts to stay on the safe side. This will provide a clear enough light for your cat to easily spot and chase without being so bright it can damage their eyes.
Safety Considerations
Just like humans, felines don’t take too kindly to having bright lights shone in their eyes. Not only will this startle and confuse them, but it can also be incredibly harmful. So, avoid shining the laser pointer directly in your cat’s eyes, and stash the laser away from curious children when not in use. You should also avoid aiming the cat toy high up, be it on a wall or countertop, as this may encourage your cat to reach beyond their capabilities, possibly leading to injury.
Play Techniques
Just like us humans, cats don’t like to fail. So, be sure to let your kitty catch the laser every now and then. This will build their confidence and ensure they stay interested in their new cat toy. Slower, older cats will also struggle to remain interested in the game if they find they’re never catching the laser, so let them win every now and then.
Cowjag Laser Pointer
Designed with all the mod-cons, this laser pointer is a cut above the rest. Complete with 7 adjustable patterns (great for keeping your kitty interested) plus 3 modes for different uses, you’ll get lots of bang for your buck with this one:
Use the red pointer as a fun and engaging toy for your pets, the purple one to identify ringworm (those pesky worms will show up under the light), and the white laser mode as an everyday small flashlight. See, we told you: plenty of uses! Compact and easy to pop in your pocket, you can have this laser pointer on hand whenever you fancy playing with your feline.
Cowjag Cat Toys, Laser Pointer with 7 Adjustable Patterns, USB Recharge Laser, Long Range and 3 Modes Training Chaser Interactive Toy, Dog Laser Pen Toy
$14.99
Pros:
- 7 adjustable patterns
- 3 modes
- Pocket-sized
- USB-rechargeable
Cons:
- No cons here
Laser Pointer for Cats
A budget-friendly beauty, this laser pointer for cats is a great addition to your kitty’s toy box. Featuring 3 modes: a red light, UV, and a flashlight, this laser pointer works as both a fabulous cat toy and is also just super handy to have around the house.
Made from smooth aluminum alloy, this laser pointer is satisfying to the touch, so we’re sure you’ll enjoy spending a good hour or so teasing and playing with your feline. We like the hanging loop, making for easy storage when not in use, too.
Cat Toys for Indoor Cats, Laser Pointer Interactive Cat Toy, Red Light Lazer Pointer, Multi-Mode USB Rechargeable Pet Dogs Kitten Toy, Long Range Teaching/Presentation Pen
$8.99
Pros:
- 3 modes: UV, red, and flashlight
- USB-rechargeable
- 5 patterns
- Handy hanging loop for storage
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Flashlight isn’t the brightest
Cat Laser Pointer Toy
Have your cat pouncing, playing, and chasing this laser pointer, giving them heaps of exercise and keeping their minds sharp as a tack. Featuring 5 patterns as well as your standard red laser light, you can switch it up and keep your cat interested with this one.
Super easy to use and coming with 3 modes (including UV and flashlights), this laser pointer toy is just useful to have around your home as well as making an excellent cat training toy. We like the LED sharing indicator and the USB-rechargeable feature, so you can make sure you’ve always got juice when playtime comes around.
Danigh-buy Cat Pointer Toy,Dog Laser Pointer,7 Adjustable Patterns Laser ,Long Range 3 Modes Training Chaser Interactive Toy,USB Recharge
$18.99
Pros:
- 5 patterns
- 3 modes: UV, laser, and flashlight
- USB-rechargeable
- LED battery indicator
- Good value
Cons:
- Pattern effects aren’t super clear
Cyahvtl Laser Pointer for Cats
The Cyahvtl Laser Pointer for Cats is a brilliant way to shake up your cat’s playtime routine. Use this nifty laser pointer to tease and tantalize your kitty, who’s sure to have heaps of fun chasing the light around. Whether you’re aiming to rejuvenate a bored kitty or teach a new kitten the art of play, this feature-packed laser pointer has you covered:
With 5 switchable patterns, USB charging, and a nifty pocket-sized design, you can experiment with different ways to play; plus, you can keep it in your pocket for those off-the-cuff play sessions with your beloved feline.
Cyahvtl Laser Pointer, Cat Toys for Indoor Cats, Kitten Dog Laser Pen Toy, Red Dot LED Light Pointer Interactive Toys for Indoor Cats Dogs, USB Charging, 5 Switchable Patterns
$11.99
Pros:
- 5 patterns
- Comfy ergonomic design
- Budget-friendly
- 3 light modes: UV, flashlight, and red laser
Cons:
- Modes are a little tricky to switch between
Motion-Activated Laser Pointer for Cats
Go hands-free with the Valonii Motion-Activated Laser Pointer for Cats. This is a game-changing gadget, especially if you don’t always find time to play with your felines (we get it: you’re busy!). This cat toy is packed with great features to keep your kitty occupied when you’re not at home; simply set it up on a countertop or table, and when your kitties strut past, the motion sensors will activate, causing the laser to appear. It’ll make circle shapes on the floor, tapping into your cat’s natural hunting instincts—let the games begin. We like that it can only be activated once every 2 hours, so it won’t become repetitive for your feline, either.
Valonii Rechargeable Motion Activated Cat Laser Toy Automatic,Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats/Kittenes/Dogs,Fast and Slow Mode,1200 mAh Batterry,Circling Ranges
$39.99
Pros:
- Motion-activated (max once every 2 hours)
- Rechargeable
- Great for when you’re out
- Taps into their natural hunting instincts
Cons:
- You pay more for the great features
Frequently Asked Questions
Why not to use laser pointers with cats?
Used safely, laser pointers are a great interactive game to play with your cats. However, you should avoid shining the laser directly into their eyes, since this can be incredibly harmful and even cause a burned retina, which is no fun for your feline. So, don’t hurt your kitty (and avoid sky-high vet bills!), and keep that laser safely away from their little eyes.
Are laser pointers frustrating for cats?
Laser pointers can be frustrating for cats if they’re never allowed to catch it. Cats love to win, and if you repeatedly don’t allow them to catch the light, they may become frustrated and irritable. Be a good sport and let your kitty catch that laser point every now and then.
Can all cats see laser pointers?
Cats have finely-tuned instincts that allow them to spot even the smallest movement, whether it’s right in front of them or in their peripheral vision.
Why do cats react to red laser pointers?
Cats react lightning-fast to laser pointers thanks to their natural predatory instincts. In the wild, they depend on catching mice and other small mammals in order to survive, and seeing a fast-moving light will trigger these deep-set instincts.
Why is my cat not chasing the laser?
Not every cat will take to every toy. It may be that your kitty just isn’t that interested in the laser pointer. If you’ve tried and tried to no avail, consider picking up another cat toy, like a wand, mouse toy, or cat tunnel, to keep them active and engaged instead. You can always bring out the laser pointer later on to see if they’ve changed their mind!
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