Are you searching for the best motion activated cat toy?
As a pet parent it is very important to engage your cat in play. Why?
Play being part of a cat’s life helps to awakens their hunting instinct and also enhances your cat’s mental health, hence reducing anxiety and harmful behavior.
However, you can get dog-tired if you insist on playing with your four legged friend always, right? Don’t fret, that’s why cat toys that move are here for you.
We are going to review the top motion activated cat toys as rated on Amazon by contented clients.
Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 9 reviewed products for the best motion activated cat toy:
- PetDroidBoltz Laser Toy
- Petmate Butterfly
- Potaroma Moving Fish Toy
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- No products found.
- Giqwi Squeaking Cat Toy Mouse
- Pet Qwerks Babble Cat Toy
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- Gigwi Beetle Cat Toy
What is A motion activated toy?
There are generally 2 types of motion activated cat toys:
The first type of motion activated cat toy is a toy that turns on or starts moving when your cat touches it. It is primarily activated through physical touch.
The second type of motion activated cat toy is a toy that can detect body heat from your cat and start moving automatically. This type of cat toy can be activated even when your cat is not touching the toy.
9 Best Motion Activated Cat Toy: 2022 Top Picks
1. Our Editor’s Choice: PetDroidBoltz Laser Toy
With PetDroid’s in-built induction sensor, this cat toy features laser lights that activate when your cat moves around it. The random laser lights aid in arousing the hunter instincts in your cat.
Made with a user-friendly idea in mind, this laser toy features 2 modes (fast and slow) and will also turn off after every 5 minutes to give your kitty a break from stimulation.
While the best working heights for most electronic motion cat toy is 40-48 inches, PetDroid works perfectly even at a height of 80 inches.
Something else that we like about this toy is that it comes with a rechargeable battery that works for 3 hours continuously which makes it great for outdoor play.
If laser pointer is a toy that your cat loves, then with this PetDroid’s smart laser toy, your cat is bound to get endless hours of fun playing with it!
Some customers even shared that their older cat loves the LED motion of the laser pointer which kept them occupied for a few hours!
Things We Liked
- Hangs well on walls
- rechargeable battery
- Beeping sound that cats like
- Work on fast and slow modes
Things We Didn’t Like
- The sound might irritate you
- 【Two modes available】Irregular Running Mode :Press and hold the button for 3 seconds, it will automatically move and rotate; Crazy Bouncing Mode: Press and hold the button for 3 seconds,then quickly press the button again, it will bounce automatically. Built-in multi-colors flash lights inside the ball, it can attract more attention and brings more joy to your dogs
- 【Suitable for multiple sites】Irregular running mode doesn’t work with the tennis cover,for hard floors only,and not for chewers. The tennis cover could only work under crazy bouncing mode，special for slight chewers,better work on thin carpet or a lawn outdoor for lower noise
- 【Motion activated toy】Built-in motion sensor,when your dog touchs or bites it,it will automatically move,rotate or bounce for 10 seconds,then the colorful LED light will continue to flash for 4 seconds and go to standby
- 【USB Rechargeable】Built with 500mAh battery, charging 1.5 hours, working for 4 hours continuously
- 【Durable & Safe Materials】PetDroid interactive dog ball toy is made of durable Natural Rubber+TPU which are safe and non-toxic.But the toy does not work for aggressive chewers
2. Petmate Butterfly
As its name suggests, this product has a butterfly that flutters immediately when your cat paws at the ball.
The fluttering movement of the butterfly will catch your cat’s attention instantaneously and continuously for several minutes!
The terrarium appearance also works like magnet for cats who seem to love colorful and shiny things.
If features a weighted base that helps it not to roll uncontrollably but instead wobbles while the butterfly is upright.
We also like that it is also large enough not to get lost under furniture.
Things we liked
- Batteries are easy to change
- Weighted base keeps it stable
- Creates an illusion of outdoors
Things We Didn’t Like
- Recommended for indoor use only
- REALISTIC FLUTTERING BUTTERFLY: Will keep cats engaged for hours
- WEIGHTED BASE: Provides fun wobble while keeping Butterfly upright
- ELECTRONIC MOTION: As cats Paw at the ball, sensors react causing the Butterfly to flutter
- TERRARIUM APPEARANCE: Gives the illusion of outdoors
- GREAT FOR INDOOR SOLO PLAY: Requires 3 AA batteries (not included)
3. Potaroma Moving Fish Toy
Potaroma toy simulates a real fish and whenever your cat touches it, this electronic cat toy wiggles due to an in-built motion sensor.
This will intrigue your cat’s natural instinct to kick and play.
Additionally, it comes with fresh catnip in refillable catnip pouch that is irresistible for cats. And if you didn’t know, catnip relieves your furry friend from nervousness and stress.
Just in case your cat thinks of nibbling on it, this “real fish” toy is made of durable non-toxic cotton which is safe for your cat.
What more, it comes with USB rechargeable battery meaning you don’t have to keep replacing batteries!
Consider getting multiple of these “real fish” if you own multiple cats because one just ain’t enough!
Things We Liked
- Fish simulation
- It is catnip infused
- USB chargeable
Things We Didn’t Like
- May sounds mechanical
- Interactive Fun for Cats: every time your feline touches this cat kicker toy, the automatic built-in motion sensor kicks into action and the cat teaser fish moves in a wiggling way, intriguing your cat to kick and play. Perfect Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year gift for pet owners or your own pets
- Realistic Fish Simulation: the vivid moving fish toy looks like a real fish, an eye-catcher for cats, keeping your kitty on her paws and engaged in real time, alleviating boredom and loneliness when you are away from home
- Upgraded: we optimized the catnip formula to maximally arouse cat's interest to play and wrestle with the fish. We reduced the noise from 85 dB to 65 dB so that some cats won't be scared
- Cozy & Fun: this kitty toy is made of soft durable plush for your kitten to chew and wrestle. A catnip pand silvervine pouch is included in the package, most cats can get excited and happy at the smell of silvervine and catnip. Catnip and silvervine could help cats soothe mind and get lounging cats up and moving
- USB Chargeable: this toy is USB chargeable which saves you from the hassle and costs to replace batteries. USB cable is included in the package. The included chargeable motor is detachable for convenient cleaning of the plush toy. Use Instructions: Unzip the fish belly, flip the switch on, and then tap the fish belly to make the fish flop; When charging, the red light comes on; When fully charged, the red light goes out
4. No products found.
No products found.The most outstanding feature about this motion cat ball is the bright orange color and LED motion lights that are both catches your cat’s attention and is perfect for night time play.
This small toy is in form of an illuminated ball with inbuilt motion sensor.
Better yet, it can be combined with Catit Design Senses Speed Circuit and Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy which also fall in the Catit toy series to create even more exciting play setups.
If you have multiple cats at home, combining this cat ball with the circuit toys will make interactive play sessions so much more exciting for your cats.
With its unpredictable ball movements, coupled with the toy’s ability to stimulate your entire cat’s senses, your indoor cat is sure to get first-class entertainment.
This cat ball also comes with 2 replaceable batteries for hours of continued endless fun.
Things We Liked
- Great for night play
- Variety of setups
- Attractive bright color
Things We Didn’t Like
- Batteries tend to fall out during play
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5. No products found.
No products found.Do you feel like your kitty needs to burn some calories in addition to getting entertained?
This toy kicks into action when your cat is near or touches it.
The random movements, twinkling lights, and babble sound from Potaroma Cat Toy will keep your favorite feline friend engaged the whole day.
Potarama ball moves automatically and can touch your cat lightly helping to keep loneliness at bay. In addition, it switches to ‘sleep’ mode when inactive, helping to conserve battery power.
Things We Liked
- Fun flashy lights
- Random unpredictable motion
Things We Didn’t Like
- Small parts can be choke hazards
- May not work on some carpets
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6. Giqwi Squeaking Cat Toy Mouse
One of the most favorite cat playthings is a toy mouse that moves!
If your cat loves to play with a wand toy or a feather toy, then it will definitely be intrigued by this electronic cat toy!
The Gigwi is a realistic-looking toy mouse that your cat will bound to love to pounce on!
How does it work?
You turn it on and place it on the floor where it automatically moves, pauses and moves again repeatedly while making squeaking sounds.
Your cat will love to tease, sweat, and pounce on it making it activate again.
One cat owner even shared that their cat’s favorite part is the mouse tail which wiggles as the mouse moves!
This product features a mouse sound chip and fixed radial sensor that is planned to arouse your cat’s hunting instincts.
Also, it comes with random movements, making this interactive play unpredictable to your cat.
Things We Liked
- Lovely squeak sound
- Mouse-like
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not suitable on rugs and carpets
- REALISTIC MOUSE DESIGN: The orange electronic interactive cat toys are supplied with a mouse sound chip and build-in radial sensor. The remote control mouse could make realistic mice sound while moves. The size 3.7x2.2x1.6 inches imitates a real mouse size, suitable for all breeds of kitten or small dogs!
- MENTAL & PHYSICAL STIMULATION: All our cats need mental stimulation from play to keep from being bored. The mouse hunt cat toy could fulfill your cat's natural hunting instincts. Physical moving activity from play helps to keep cats physically fit and relieve stress and anxiety!
- SIMPLE USE: Just turn on and put the kitten toys on the flat floor, the moving mouse for cats begins to make a sound while it moves in a unpredictable way and pause after a few seconds. The cat's hard touch would wake it up again. Notice: Please use it on the hard and flat surface, not suitable for use on carpets or rugs.
- SAFE & SOFT MATERIAL: The cat toys for indoor cats is made from eco-friendly plush and electronic component in high quality. The battery (Type CR2450) is included, could be replaced by yourself. All materials of the mouse toy for cat meet or exceed all applicable safety standards!
- BEST CAT TOYS SERVICE GUARANTEE: We guarantee that pet cat toys content will be kept under brand new condition. Please contact us by email directly if you have any problem. We could refund or resend one replacement after the problem is confirmation!
7. Pet Qwerks Babble Cat Toy
Being catnip infused with fresh catnip makes Pet Qwerks one of the best motion activated favorite feline toys in the market!
What’s more, like the famous Kong busy toy, this babble cat toy comes with catnip in a refillable catnip pouch meaning your cat will never tire of this toy.
It also features over 20 different types of peeps, squeaks, and meows that even an older cat will have endless fun with it!
Most importantly, this ball-shaped motion small toy is sturdily built.
As such, pet parents do not have to worry as this ball will stay functional even after bumps and scratches during playtime.
Things we liked
- Catnip infused
- Sturdily built
Things We Didn’t like
- Can be too loud
- Interactive toy makes over 20 squeaks, peeps, and meows
- Catnip infused
- Durable construction with replaceable batteries
- Motion activated and turns off automatically/sleep mode
- Healthy fun, great exercise and relieves boredom
8. No products found.
No products found.Titi robotic cat toy comes with an in- built G-sensor that activate whenever your cat touches the ball.
It also has LED motion colorful wheels rather than laser to safeguard your cat’s eyes.
It features an obstacle sensor that ensures it does not bump into stuff.
As such it changes direction randomly, making every interactive play sessions totally unpredictable for your cat!
To prevent overstimulating your cat, this robotic small toy will go off for 5 minutes after every 1.5 hours of interactive play.
Things we liked
- Supports bouncing on hard surfaces
- LED lights that are safe on the eyes
- Obstacle sensor
Things We Didn’t like
- Battery does not last long
No products found.
9. Gigwi Beetle Cat Toy
With a beetle-like shape that mimics the behavior of insects, this motion activated cat toy only squeaks when touched.
It’s especially good for indoor cat who love insects.
During playtime, your cat’s natural instinct will take over and pounce onto the beetle. Chirpy beetle is quite the hit.
Also, its fabric is made from soft faux leather, making it soft on your cat’s paws and easy to carry about.
Additionally, the Gigwi beetle toy produces a variety of animal sounds including cricket, mouse, bee, parrot and bird.
Things we liked
- Has amazing bird chirps
- Soft fabric
Things We Didn’t like
- Does not squeak until squeezed hard
- ★CAT ACTIVE TOY SIZE: 3.54x2.76x1.97 inches (9x7x5cm)
- ★MATERIAL:The creative cat toys that squeak are made in flannelette and electronic component in good quality, material and production process meet European and American environmental quality standards and safety requirements
- ★UNIQUE DESIGN: GiGwi squeaky cat toys in beetle shape are designed to satisfy your cat hunting insects and to keep it on its paws
- ★SIMPLE USE:Remove the plastic cord to activate the kitten toy and throw down the motion activated toy to the ground before the red beetle makes realistic sound
- ★FUNCTION: The electronic cat toys interactive only squeak when be touched. For your indoor cats who would love to catch an insect - this chirpy beetle is quite the hit. They would feel just like they had caught a real beetle and proudly strutted around with it in their mouth when not tossing it in the air
What Is The Difference Between Motion Activated Cat Toy Versus Electronic Cat Toy?
Motion activated cat toy, as it’s name suggest, moves when it is either physically moved or detects motion in its surroundings.
Electronic cat toy will only demonstrate movements when you turn on the power supply.
How Do You Mentally Stimulate A Cat?
It is extremely important to keep your cat mentally and physically engaged, especially if you have an indoor cat.
We suggest a minimum of at least 10 minutes of playtime with your cat to ensure that he/she gets their daily dose of interactive play.
Do note that kittens will need more interactive play sessions due to their higher level of energies.
The best way to stimulate your cat mentally is using a interactive cat toy that brings out your cat’s natural instinct to hunt.
It can be in the form of a mouse, fish, feather or even ball to catch your cat’s attention. The flippity fish is one such interactive toy that you can consider.
Turn on the interactive cat toy and watch your cat have endless fun even when you are not around.
If you do not have a motion activated cat toy, you can consider getting your cat a Kong busy toy which will keep your cat mentally stimulated as well.
How Do You Get Your Cat To Play With A Toy?
Cats are curious and playful animals that love to be stimulated both mentally and physically.
Playing can not only foster stronger bond between the pet parent and cat, it also provides the much needed exercise for healthy growth.
To get your cat to play with a toy, consider mimicking the natural environment that allows your cat to hunt and pounce on its prey.
Start by providing a wand toy, feather toy or mouse-looking toy to pique your cat’s interest.
Next, create random movements with these toys to allow your cat to “hunt” for them.
When your cat starts to show interest in playing “hunting”, slowly increase the difficulty of catching the toy because cats enjoy the pursuit as much as the end result itself!
Wrap Up
When it comes to play, motion activated cat toy (cat toys that move on their own) is among the best things that you can provide your cat with.
With this in mind, we highly recommend the PetDroidBoltz Laser Toy. Not only does it have a good range of laser working height, but this toy is also a hit if you have multiple cats at home.
That said, the products that we have covered above are broad in terms of type, motions, sounds, and feel.
So, what does your cat like in a toy? It’s time to buy them one and watch them get healthier and happier.
If you would like to take your indoor cat for a walk to further stimulate its natural instinct, you can consider getting an escape proof cat harness to safely bring your cat out.
