1. Home
  2. Cats

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Good, better, best: Electronic toys with lots of movement your cat will love

By

Play is so important for cats for multiple reasons. It can help prevent boredom, keeps your cat physically active, and can even help keep your cat at a healthy weight. While the choice of cat toys for sale is almost endless, moving cat toys can be particularly engaging — and some can even operate when you’re not home or able to play with your cat. But electronic toys can also be prone to problems, so it’s important to choose the toys that work well and that appeal to your cat. Our top picks for the best electronic toys for cats are a great place to start.

Good: SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy

Nothing beats a great laser pointer, and the SmartyKat Loco Laser Cat Toy is a fun, interactive option that will entertain both you and your kitty. This mouse-shaped laser pointer is comfortable to hold, and it creates a bug-sized laser spot that’s perfect for playtime. The toy is available in fun assorted colors, making it easy to spot. It even includes three replaceable batteries, so it’s ready for playtime as soon as it arrives. This laser pointer is a particularly great choice for indoor cats and appeals to their natural prey drive.

Why we love it:

  • Cute, fun design
  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for interactive play
  • Includes replaceable batteries
>

No available offers.

Recommended Videos

Better: Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish

The Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish promotes interactive play, but you don’t have to be there to get it started. Its automatic motion sensor will set the fish wriggling when your cat touches it, and its motion is highly realistic. The motion sensor saves the batteries, so there’s no need to worry about the toy running endlessly when your cat isn’t playing with it. The fish includes a catnip pouch to help pique your cat’s interest, and it’s made of a durable plush that’s safe for your kitty. It’s even USB chargeable, so there’s no need to replace batteries, making for less waste and saving you money, too.

Why we love it:

  • Automatic motion sensor
  • Includes a catnip pouch
  • Rechargeable with a USB cord

$13 from Amazon $26 from Walmart

Best: Enoctu Cat Toys Interactive Cat Laser and Cat Feather Toy

With the Enoctu Cat Toys Interactive Cat Laser and Cat Feather Toy, your cat will enjoy the thrill and entertainment of two toys in one. Whether your cat fancies a laser or feather, this toy will keep him satisfied and appeal to his hunting instincts. This automated toy will turn itself off after 30 minutes, no matter what mode it’s in, helping to keep your cat from being overstimulated. You can set it to rotate at slow, fast, or random speed. You can also clamp this toy onto a fixed object for extra security, keeping it upright and allowing your cat to play enthusiastically without disturbing it. It comes with three ribbons and two feathers for plenty of engaging playtime.

Why we love it:

  • Combines a laser and feather or ribbon toy
  • Automatic shutoff
  • Three modes
  • Comes with three ribbons and two feathers

$49 from Amazon

When choosing the electronic cat toy that’s right for you and your cat, be sure to consider how the toy is powered. Battery-powered toys will need new batteries eventually, so choosing one that has rechargeable batteries can save you money and can be an eco-friendly decision. Toys with an automatic shutoff or sleep feature can help save power while also ensuring that your cat takes a break from intense playtime. Finally, consider whether you’ll want to be there playing with your cat, or if your cat would benefit from a toy that he can play with on his own. These toys can help prevent boredom and ensure your feline friend gets some exercise even when you’re not home to play with him.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more
Why do cats open their mouths when they smell? It’s for a really cool reason
The Flehmen response is a little-known reaction in felines that allows them to take in more of their surroundings

Think of the last time you smelled something foul. How did you react? If you're truly made of steel, you may not have reacted at all, but for most people, it's impossible not to flare your nostrils at least. You may have even made a face! All of these reactions are perfectly natural, though humans aren't the only species that reacts to smells, both good and bad. Even your cuddly cat sniffs out the world around them sometimes,
If you've ever noticed your cat reacting to a smell, you're not alone. Some folks have even noticed their cat opening their mouth -- and even sticking out their tongue -- while smelling, but it's not so clear what this means. Is this a reaction to a scent, or is it just a way to get an extra thorough sniff? Whatever it may be, we're here to find out.
Needless to say, you're not alone if you're wondering, "Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?" We've scoured trusted sources to find out, and this is what we know.

Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?
Watching your curious cat open their mouth in a kind of sneer while they get a good sniff of something can raise a lot of questions -- it's understandable. When people do this, it's usually a response to an unpleasant smell, but when cats do this, they're actually trying to get a better understanding of the scent in the air.

Read more
What does it mean when cats purr? It’s more scientific than them just being happy
Cat purring is thought to indicate happiness, but it can have a few different meanings

Chances are, you've heard that purring is a sign that a cat is happy. And in many cases, that's true. Cats often purr during activities they enjoy, like being petted in that hard-to-reach spot or settling down for a nap in the sun. However, purring can have different meanings and causes than just indicating happiness.

Scientists are still working to understand this feline behavior fully, and new theories about the reasons behind purring continue to evolve. So, why do cats purr, and what does your cat's purr really mean? New information may be coming out every day, but the information that we already have can help you better understand your cat.

Read more