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Updated March 2023
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Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Friends Forever Interactive Cat Laser Toy
Friends Forever
Interactive Cat Laser Toy
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High Tech Option
Bottom Line

Laser-loving cats and pet parents who’ve tried them agree: this automatic laser toy can’t be beat. Highly entertaining option, both for cats and owners.

Pros

Rotating head moves in a full circle, giving cats a good workout. 3 adjustable settings (fast, slow, and random) caters to different levels of agility and helps keep things interesting. Relatively quiet. Automatically switches off after 15 minutes.

Cons

The tiny screws on the battery compartment can be difficult to open.

Best Bang for the Buck
Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher
Bergan
Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

It’s a newer, better version of a previous model and offers multi-sensory stimulation with different textures and an LED ball.

Pros

Comes with one LED ball and a sample bag of catnip. Cat owners say the device decreases unwanted clawing and scratching. Considered a good stress-management and boredom-busting toy. Available in a variety of colors.

Cons

Can't be secured, so the device ends up slipping around while cats play.

Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit
Catit
Design Senses Super Roller Circuit
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Group Play
Bottom Line

When it comes to entertaining felines, this well-loved track keeps the ball rolling. Large enough for group play. Stimulating fun for curious cats.

Pros

Motion-activated balls light up and zip around the track for an intriguing chase that most cats can’t resist. Large gaps offer paws-on action. Spurs activity by stimulating the senses. Accommodates several cats at once.

Cons

Large paws might not fit in the gaps. Some felt cats were able to lift the top off too easily.

SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy
SmartyKat
Hot Pursuit Cat Toy
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Great for Kittens
Bottom Line

Perfect for masters of the bedtime ambush, this concealed motion toy indulges your cat’s inner predator with zero risk to your limbs and extremities.

Pros

Furry electronic toy with life-like movement simulates real prey. Sparks curiosity and encourages activity. Sporadic “peeping” helps retain interest. 2 speed settings. Provides opportunities for stalking, jumping, and pouncing.

Cons

Some owners dislike the noise it makes when cats catch their “prey”.

Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel
Frisco
Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

Cozy tunnel that makes noise and has a little ball that cats can bounce around at one end. Packs easily for storage or travel.

Pros

Great for individual or group play. Design lets cats enjoy the thrill of "the hunt." Made of soft suede fabric that won't snag claws. Tunnels folds up easily for storage. Also doubles as a retreat for downtime. Neutral brown color blends in with furniture.

Cons

Some cat didn't like the crinkle sound and may feel intimidated by it.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Cats love to challenge themselves and learn new things while playing. An interactive cat toy allows them to earn their treats. Entertain your cat for hours by automating the laser-pointer trick, or with a circuit that rolls around a ball, helping them practice their instincts to hunt. These are perfect for anyone who wants their cat to feel engaged but aren’t able physically to play with them anymore. You can burn off their energy with toys that appeal to their curiosity, whether they want to stalk and ambush a toy that taunts them with a feather, or a furry contraption that is meant to imitate prey.

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