The Best Laser Pointer

Laser pointers are fun for cats to chase, and they serve as an excellent indoor exercise opportunity. Cats love to follow the red lights around the floor and jump up on surfaces to catch the dot. Some of these devices even let you shine shapes, like mice, for your kittens to chase around. When you start the search for your new laser pointer, there are a few factors you'll want to keep in mind. Does the version you like best charge easily via USB, or do you need to switch out small batteries every time they run out of power? Is it safe to use around kids, or is it too bright? We personally loved the Dr. Dakota version for its functional features, including easy charging. We were also impressed by JMMTAAG's long battery life and the cool color selection their lights come in. Which version will you like best from the list below? We can't wait to find out.

Dr. Dakota Interactive Cat Laser Pointer

Fun for everyone

This innovative laser is fun for cats, convenient for humans, and rechargeable to keep you from going too long between light shining sessions.
Top Pick

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This laser pointer is built to impress with its convenient and fun list of features. To start, it’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about buying the right size button battery every time it runs out of power. It shines a red laser pointer, a purple UV light, and a regular white flashlight. It can even display laser shapes, including smiley faces, butterflies, stars, and a mouse for your cat to chase. All of this fun comes at an affordable price point, too, so you can entertain your pet without breaking the bank.

Pros:

  • We love that this turns on with the click of a button. You don’t have to hold it down the entire time you play.
  • The mouse shape is intriguing even to some pets who aren’t big fans of the tiny red dot.

Cons:

  • The cap covering the charging port can be tricky to unscrew at times.

JMMTAAG Laser Pointer Three-Pack for Cats

Catch all the colors

This three-pack of laser pointers is colorful, fun, affordable, and functional. What more could we ask for?
Best For Cats

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This three-pack of laser pointers is designed with kitty playtime in mind. The lights are bright, and the device itself is easy to use. They only have one button to turn the light on and to turn it off. The battery life is longer than average, and they each run on 2 AAAs, which are much more convenient than the tiny, uncommon batteries most laser lights have.

Pros:

  • We love the color variety — bringing purple and green into the mix adds to the fun.
  • The price is affordable, especially when you consider you’re getting three products with your purchase.

Cons:

  • These don’t display shapes — only dots. However, they’re still plenty of fun for your pets to chase.

Biskee Long Range High Power Laser Pointer

Bye bye, batteries

Thank to this USB-rechargeable device, you won't need to worry about replacing batteries.
Best Rechargeable Design

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This laser pointer can be used for playtime with pets, but it’s also equipped with outdoor features. It shines between 50 and 100 meters away during the day and up to 500 meters in the dark. The durable exterior is waterproof and rust-resistant. The lithium-ion battery charges via USB cable and is designed with quick heat dissipation, so it won’t burn your hands when you need it for extended periods.

Pros:

  • This laser pointer comes with a few caps to change the shape of the beam.
  • We found that the wrist strap is easy to hold onto when you’re on the go.

Cons:

  • This is too bright to use around children. It could harm them if it got too close to their eyes.

Techdon 7-in-1 Laser Pointer Combo Pack

Seven in one fun

This light has seven great features, some for you to enjoy and others for your playful pet.
Multipurpose

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This laser pointer has an innovative, 7-in-1 design that you won’t want to miss. Its red dot can be used for pet playtime. Other features include a red flashlight, a white flashlight, a UV light, and lasers that shine in various fun shapes. It charges via USB port, and its compact design makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. The stainless steel body ensures it will last for plenty of playtime sessions to come.

Pros:

  • We love that the patterns are built in. There’s no need to screw lens caps on and off when you want to share this fun feature with your pets.
  • The white light is perfect for reading in bed at night. It even has three brightness levels to choose from.

Cons:

  • This might come with a learning curve for some users as it has so many features.

Yenflew Pet Cat Laser Toy

Catch them all

This unique laser shines red dots and fun patterns, so your kitty will never get bored of chasing the same thing.
Playtime Favorite

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This laser pointer brings new life to cat playtime with its pattern choices. Your pet can chase a red dot, a butterfly, a star, a smiley face, or a mouse — simply twist a switch to select your shape. It shines in multiple colors — a red laser, a white flashlight, and a UV light. It’s rechargeable via USB port, and the built-in wristlet and pen clip keep it close to you at all times, too.

Pros:

  • We think the light is perfect for cat play. It’s easy to see and chase but not dangerously bright.
  • The flashlight feature makes the device convenient for pet owners as well as their furry friends.

Cons:

  • The charger cap can be somewhat difficult to unscrew as it locks tightly for added safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are laser lights good for pets?

Laser pointers can be an excellent tool to exercise your cat. One thing to keep in mind is that they shouldn’t be shined near your pet’s —or any human’s— eyes, as they are extremely bright and can cause damage. Lasers shouldn’t be used for dogs as they cause prey drive-related frustration and even obsession and can lead to injuries.

What other uses do laser pointers have?

Along with cat playtime, laser pointers can be used for human purposes. They work well for pointing out specific terms, phrases, or images during work or school presentations. They can also be used as an emergency signal if you spend significant amounts of time hiking or exploring the outdoors on your own.

About the Author

Jessica has two kids, but she's a parent to numerous pets, including cats, dogs, and even reptiles. Needless to say, she's an animal lover. She admits to spoiling her furry friends, and now wants to share her decades of experience in pet care with the rest of the world to help others find the best products for their four-legged families.

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