The Best Cat Laser Toys

The PetSafe Bolt is our top pick for a cat laser toy. It has an automatic mode for hands-free play and a manual mode you steer yourself. Below are four laser toys for different homes, plus tips for choosing one and using it so play ends well for your cat.

Our picks at a glance

• Best overall: PetSafe Bolt Automatic Laser Light Cat Toy
• Best self-moving laser: PetSafe Laser Tail Automatic Laser Light
• Best two-laser toy: PetSafe Zoom Rotating Laser Cat Toy
• Best handheld laser: Catit Laser Toy

The best cat laser toys

Best overallPhoto: PetSafe

Cat laser toys

PetSafe Bolt Automatic Laser Light Cat Toy

Best for: Owners who want both hands-free and hands-on play

The Bolt makes random laser patterns on its own for about 15 minutes, then shuts off. In manual mode you hold it like a laser pointer for as long as you like. An adjustable mirror aims the light at different surfaces. It needs 4 AA batteries, which are not included.

• Pro: Automatic mode makes random patterns for about 15 minutes, then shuts off
• Pro: Manual mode lets you steer the laser yourself
• Pro: Adjustable mirror aims the laser across different surfaces
• Con: Needs 4 AA batteries, which are not included
• Con: Laser play alone never lets your cat catch anything

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Best self-moving laserPhoto: PetSafe

Cat laser toys

PetSafe Laser Tail Automatic Laser Light

Best for: Cats who like to chase a light that moves on the floor

This small toy drives itself across the floor and leaves a laser pattern behind it. The maker says it can get out of corners and from under furniture, and it turns off after 10 minutes. It takes 3 AA batteries, sold separately. Skip it if you want to steer the light yourself.

• Pro: Moves on its own and can get out of corners and from under furniture
• Pro: Laser turns off after 10 minutes
• Pro: Designed for cats of all breeds and ages, according to the maker
• Con: Needs 3 AA batteries, which are not included
• Con: No manual mode, so you can't steer it yourself

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Best two-laser toyPhoto: PetSafe

Cat laser toys

PetSafe Zoom Rotating Laser Cat Toy

Best for: Busy rooms where you want light patterns that cover a lot of space

Two red lasers spin 360 degrees from a base, and one button starts play. It turns off by itself after 15 minutes. It takes 3 AA batteries, sold separately. The maker’s page lists no manual mode, so skip it if you want hands-on control.

• Pro: Two lasers rotate 360 degrees
• Pro: One button on the base starts play
• Pro: Turns off after 15 minutes
• Con: Needs 3 AA batteries, which are not included
• Con: No manual mode listed on the maker's page

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Best handheld laserPhoto: Catit

Cat laser toys

Catit Laser Toy

Best for: Short, hands-on play where you control the light

This mouse-shaped laser pointer is about 3 inches long and fits in your palm. You press its head to turn the laser on. It uses three LR44 batteries, and the maker’s page is unclear on whether they come in the box. Pick it if you want to play with your cat yourself. It has no automatic mode.

• Pro: Mouse shape fits in your palm
• Pro: Press the head of the mouse to turn the laser on
• Pro: About 3 inches long
• Con: Small button batteries (LR44) are replaced with a screwdriver
• Con: Needs you to hold and aim it, so it is not for solo play

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How to choose a cat laser toy

Decide if you want hands-free or hands-on

Automatic toys keep your cat busy while you do other things, and each one here turns off on a timer. Manual lasers take your time, but you decide when the game ends. That matters, as the next section explains.

Think about the catch

A laser dot can’t be caught. A 2021 survey of 618 cat owners, published in a peer-reviewed journal, found that more laser play went with more repetitive behaviors, like chasing lights and shadows or staring at lights. The authors say the study can’t show that lasers cause these behaviors. They also say more research is needed. Only about a third of owners in the survey ended laser play by letting their cat catch something.

The common advice, which the authors describe but did not test, is to end by landing the light on a small prey-like toy or a treat. A manual laser makes that easy.

Check power and run time

Each toy here uses batteries that are not included in the price. Check the type before you buy: AA for the PetSafe toys, and small LR44 batteries for the Catit. Auto shut-off times are 10 or 15 minutes, according to the makers. Your cat may need less than that.

Safety tips

• End with a catch. Finish each game by landing the light on a toy or treat your cat can grab.
• Keep sessions short. Stop if your cat seems tired or stuck on the light. Cornell Feline Health Center also suggests rotating toys so cats don’t get bored.
• Keep the beam off your cat’s face. Aim it at the floor or a wall.
• Clear the play area. Cornell says to move heavy objects that could fall and make sure your cat can’t fall from a height while excited.
• Read the user guide. The makers’ pages say to see the guide for full instructions. Keep these toys away from children.
• Ask your vet if your cat seems fixated on lights or shadows.

Want a toy your cat can catch? See our guide to the best cat toys.