Best smart cat toys to buy for your smart kitty [2021]

Indoor cats, like other pets, need some mental stimulation to stay active, healthy and in their best behavior. However, if you have to leave the pet home alone during the day or if you cannot devote a lot of dedicated playtime, this can often be a challenge. After all, you do not want your kitty to look listless, lethargic or destroy your household items.

One way to keep your kitty engaged and stimulated is to get some interactive cat toys. In our article on the best cat toys for indoor cats, we saw some toys that can provide supervised and unsupervised fun to the felines.

But if you want to take this to the next level and do not mind spending extra, then picking an innovative smart cat toy is a perfect choice.

In this article, we will look at some of the best smart cat toys available in the market. These hi-tech, mind-stimulating and automatic cats toys go well beyond the standard toys to provide hours of fun and exercise to your kitty, or kitties. Many of them also act as excellent treat dispensers to keep the pet(s) motivated and well-fed.

We will look at the main characteristics of each toy and also share some things to keep in mind while using these toys. Read On!

Best smart cat toys list

Some of the most interactive and best smart cat toys available in the market for your smart kitty are listed below:

Picture	Product	Specifications
	Petronics Mousr Interactive Robotic Cat Toy	Interactive mobile robot toy with a feather wand. 3.4” x 2.2” x 1.4”, 0.8 lbs. Indoor use only. Price: $$$.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Varram Pet Fitness Robot	Interactive play toy with treat dispenser. 6.5” x 4.05”, 1.5 lbs. Indoor use only. Price: $$$.	Check Price
	PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy	Interactive mobile robot toy with a bird and feather charmer wand. 3.7" x 3.1" x 6.5", 0.7 lbs. Indoor use only. Price: $.	Check Price
	Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy	Wi-Fi pet camera with smart laser toy. 3.6" x 3.6" x 3.2", 2.0 lbs. Indoor use only. Price: $$$$.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Cheerble Wicked Ball	Interactive cat play ball with LED lights and a treat dispenser hole. 3” diameter, 0.6 lbs. Indoor use only. Price: $$.	Check Price
	Hexbug Deluxe Nano Cat Toy Pack with Remote	2 Nano robotic feather toys, 1 automatic robot mouse, 1 mouse with a remote. Indoor use only on hard surfaces. Price: $.	Check Price Chewy Price
	PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy	Interactive hunting cat toy disc with LED lights and a soft feather catch. 6.8" diameter, 1.1 lbs. Indoor/Outdoor use on a flat surface. Price: $.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet Robot	Mobile robot with a camera, smart laser toy, and treat dispenser. 9.0" x 10.0" x 14.0", 4.0 lbs. Indoor use only. Price: $$$$.	Check Price
	Smart Pet Love Snuggle Kitty Behavioral Aid Cat Toy	Plush Cat Calming toy with a heartbeat simulator and disposable heat pack. 6.0” × 4.5” × 12.5”, 1.92 lbs. Price: $.	Check Price Chewy Price
	Senneny Automatic Flopping Fish Cat Toy	Plush Flopping Cat Fish Toy with Sensor. 11.0" × 5.0" × 1.5", 0.23 lbs. Price: $.	Check Price

Best Smart Cat Toys Review

Petronics Mousr Interactive Robotic Cat Toy

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Type: Interactive mobile robot toy with a flicking feather wand. No camera or treat dispenser.
Material: Food-grade, water-resistant FDA-approved Polycarbonate thermoplastic outer shell.
Size: 3.4″ x 2.2″ x 1.4″, 0.8 lbs.
Suitable For: Adult cats. Suitable for supervised or unsupervised play. Indoor use only. Not suitable for dogs.
Price: $$$.
Features:

• Hi-tech, smart cat toy that offers three automatic play strategies to stimulate all of the pet’s senses. Made in the US with imported circuitry.
• Made with food-grade, FDA-approved, hard polycarbonate, rated at IPX4 to withstand moderate exposure to moisture. Removable cover and parts can be easily cleaned by hand.
• Improved design and electronic features offer three play modes – Open Wander, Wall Hugger, and Stationary. The play modes can be controlled by a Bluetooth-connected smartphone application. Has a maximum control range of 32 feet.
• Comes with three sensors to detect the feline, overcome obstacles and determine orientation. Can also turn upside down and work on all domestic surfaces – carpets, tiles, marble, etc.
• Powered by a built-in, rechargeable 220mAh Li-Ion battery that can last for up to 30-40 minutes in continuous play mode and 4 – 8 hours in “All Day Play” mode on a single recharge. The docking station recharges the unit quickly – 100% recharge in 30 minutes.
• Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects. The manufacturer also offers free software updates on the app.

Review:

The Petronics Mousr Cat Toy is a special smart cat toy that will take your kitty’s interactive play and stimulation to the next level. This award-winning (it was named the best new cat product of 2018 by the American Pet Products Association) hi-tech, sensor-driven automatic toy is a truly smart cat toy that can provide hours of fun, engagement, and exercise to your beloved feline.

The toy is made in the US with imported parts and has gone through major design improvements to address the challenges such as quick battery burnout and inconsistent play-mode calibration.

The Petronics Mousr Cat Toy is designed to appeal to the natural hunting, swatting and exploring instincts of the felines. It is made of FDA-approved, food-grade polycarbonate body with an ABS plastic docking station for charging. The mobile robot features large, wide wheels that can climb over almost any surface, including pile carpet, tiles, marble, and hardwood.

The toy offers three play modes – Open Wander, Wall Hugger, and Stationary – all of which can be controlled by the accompanying iOS/Android app to control, program and track the pet’s activities. It can work in both interactive auto-mode through a one-time configuration or manually-controlled mode through Bluetooth connectivity.

The robotic cat toy offers countless play and exercise combinations, all driven by AI. The robot is also equipped with hurdle-avoidance TOF and Gyro sensors that use infrared laser distance measurement technology for distance tracking and environment mapping.

The toy comes with two interchangeable charmer tails – Catnip Flick Tail and Feather Bounce Tail, and the manufacturer offers 8 different types of tails available separately (Check here). The pre-configured play modes are intelligently designed to appeal to both lazy as well as hyperactive cats.

The toy runs on a rechargeable 220MAh Lithium-polymer battery that can last over 30 minutes in continuous interactive play mode and 4 – 8 hours on the “All Day Play” mode. The battery can be recharged using the included docking station for the toy, which can charge the unit in as litter as 30 minutes.

The Petronics Mousr Cat Toy is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty and a responsive customer support service. The manufacturer also provides free software updates to the app for better performance and calibration – a big plus indeed.

When it comes to the limitations, the major limitation of this toy is that it is not suitable for dogs. So you cannot use it in multi-pet homes with both cats and dogs. Secondly, there have been reports of the batteries getting discharged sooner than expected, though it does charge quickly. Finally, there is no camera, treat dispenser or Wi-Fi support, so you cannot control the toy from anywhere outside your home.

Still, the Petronics Mousr Cat Toy smart pet robot toy offers a complete package for supervised or unsupervised play for next-generation pets and pet owners. It is considerably costlier than the standard interactive cat toys, but you get over 10 interactive play modes to keep your kitty engaged with little or no supervision.

 

Varram Pet Fitness Robot

Type: Interactive play toy with a treat dispenser and a flicking feather wand tail for cats. No camera.
Material: Food-grade, water-resistant FDA-approved Polycarbonate thermoplastic outer shell.
Size: 6.5″ x 4.05″ x 4.05″, 1.5 lbs.
Suitable For: Adult cats and dogs – soft to medium chewers. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$$.
Features:

• Interactive, smart pet robot and treat dispenser that uses Artificial Intelligence to stimulate all of the pet’s senses. Made in the US of imported circuitry.
• Made with food-grade, FDA-approved polycarbonate, rated at IPX4 to withstand moderate exposure to moisture. Removable cover and parts can be easily cleaned by hand or dishwasher (top shelf).
• Supported by an iOS/Android app to control and monitor the pet’s activity. Supports both manual and automatic interaction mode with Bluetooth connection. However, does not have a camera or Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Suitable for indoor use only. Works on all household surfaces – hardwood, tiles, and carpets. Suitable for adult cats and dogs too, but not for power chewers.
• Powered by a built-in, USB rechargeable Lithium-Ion polymer battery that can last over four hours in play mode and 24 hours in standby mode.
• Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects.

Review:

The smart Varram Pet Fitness Robot is one of the most popular smart pet toys in the market.  Originally designed as an interactive toy for dogs, it has since been enhanced to also work with adult cats of all breeds and characteristics.

This hi-tech, AI-driven toy is truly a smart, interactive treat-dispensing toy that can provide hours of fun, engagement, and exercise to your beloved kitty.

The Varram Pet Fitness Robot is made of FDA-approved, food-grade polycarbonate body that houses an AI-driven smart treat dispenser and play system, programmed to provide a wide array of interactive activities to the feline. The treat dispenser has dimensions of 1″ x 0.6″, so the mini or small, dry cat treats would work best with this toy.

The toy can be managed by the accompanying iOS/Android app to control, program and track the pet’s interaction with the toy.

The pet robot offers countless play and exercise combinations, all driven by Artificial Intelligence. The robot is also equipped with hurdle-avoidance TOF and Gyro sensors that use infrared-laser distance measurement technology for distance tracking and environment mapping.

The new and improved version has large mobility tires that work on all types of floors and surfaces, including carpeted ones. And to provide extra motivation, the toy now comes with a flicking cat tail feather attachment that is proven to engage your cats for hours at a time.

You can even program the activity yourself through the App. It can work in both interactive auto-mode through a one-time configuration or manually-controlled mode through Bluetooth connectivity.  The App also has an in-built smart activity tracker for you to monitor your kitty’s activity levels.

In automatic mode, the toy automatically responds to the cat’s actions and rewards it intermittently, while in controlled mode, you can use the accompanying smartphone app to control the actions. You can even control the dispensation of treats to be automatic or manual.

The toy runs on a rechargeable 3.7V, 800mAh Lithium-Ion polymer battery that can last over four hours in continuous interactive play mode and 24 hours in standby mode. The battery can be recharged using the included USB charging cable, though the manufacturer is working on offering a docking station for charging the toy.

The Varram Pet Robot is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty and a responsive customer support service.

With respect to the limitations, not having Wi-Fi connectivity or a pet monitoring camera is something that many pet owners have reported as a letdown. Some pet owners have also reported the treats getting stuck in the dispenser. The obvious solution is to use mini and small cat treats with this toy.

Overall, the Varram smart pet robot toy offers a complete package for supervised or unsupervised play for your cat. So if you are looking for the best smart cat toy that the kitty can share with other pets including dogs, then the Varram smart pet robot is an ideal option to consider.

 

PetDroid Boltz Robotic Smart Cat Toy

Type: Interactive mobile robot toy with a bird and feather charmer wand and LED-lit wheels. No camera.
Material: Food-grade, water-resistant Polycarbonate thermoplastic outer shell with rubber wheels.
Size: 3.7″ x 3.1″ x 6.5″, 0.7 lbs.
Suitable For: All cats. Suitable for unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $.
Features:

• Smart electronic cat toy with an interactive mobile robot having LED-lit wheels and a charmer wand. Made in China.
• Improved 2019 model features two independent motors and rubber wheels that can produce irregular movements in a circle, rotation, forward and backward. A built-in sensor detects obstacles and avoids getting stuck. Works on all surfaces but does not have an app to control or track the activities.
• Noiseless operation with automatic on/off function that allows the toy to be active for 10 minutes and then go in rest mode for 1.5 hours.
• Comes with a flicking bird feather wand and a dragging duck charmer accessory. Additional charmer toy attachments are sold separately.
• Powered by a built-in, rechargeable 620mAh Li-Ion battery that can last for up to 3 hours.
• Not as smart or sturdy as the Mousr toy, but considerably cheaper. Backed by a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
• The manufacturer also offers some other interactive and smart cat toys such as motion-activated laser pointers, automatic mouse and so on.

Review:

If you are looking for an interactive mobile cat charming toy like the Mousr but do not want to spend a fortune, then the newly redesigned and improved PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy. PetDroid has been offering smart and affordable electronic toys for pets since 2010 and the Boltz series of toys are their most popular products.

The PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy features a mobile electronic robot with a food-grade, water-resistant Polycarbonate thermoplastic outer shell and large rubber wheels with an opening to attach the charmer or flicking wand toy. Like other PetDroid electronic toys, the Boltz Robot is made in China under strict quality control measures.

The improved 2019 design features two independent, smart motors that can produce irregular motion and allow the toy to move in circles, rotate, or move forward and backward. The new version also has an improved built-in sensor that detects obstacles and avoids the toy from getting stuck.

The robot offers noiseless operation with automatic on/off function that allows the toy to be active for 10 minutes and then go in the rest mode for 1.5 hours, unless reactivated manually or by pet-touch. It comes with a flicking bird feather wand and a dragging duck charmer accessory. Additional charmer toy attachments are sold separately. To further entice the pets into action, the wheels of the toy have soft yet bright LED lights.

The Boltz Robot works on all surfaces, but you get the best motion on a non-thick/non-pile carpet surface. However, unlike the Mousr it does not have an app to control or track the activities.

The Boltz Robot is powered by a built-in, rechargeable 620mAh Li-Ion battery (comes with a charging USB cable but no docking station) that can last for up to 3 hours on a full recharge.

Overall, the PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy is an excellent value-for-money electronic smart cat toy to keep your pet entertained with minimal supervision. It may not be as smart as the Mousr smart cat toy, but it is considerably cheaper and is also backed by a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Petcube Play 2 Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Laser Toy

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Type: Wi-Fi pet camera with smart laser toy.
Material: Aluminum shell and ABS plastic lens casing. 3R class gentle laser.
Size: 3.6″ x 3.6″ x 3.2″, 2.0 lbs.
Suitable For: All cat breeds and dogs too. Suitable for supervised or unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$$$.
Features:

• Best-selling pet camera with a built-in laser toy and Alexa device. Supported by cutting-edge AI-technology makes this camera an all-in-one smartphone and robotic pet nanny. Assembled in the US and marketed by the San Francisco-based company.
• Made of a hard aluminum shell with black ABS plastic casing. Sleek and compact cube design that can be placed flat on a table or shelf. The manufacturer also offers an adjustable mount for more flexibility.
• Features a 1080p HD camera with a 180-degree ultra-wide-angle lens, 4x digital zoom, and automatic night vision that provides the full room coverage. Provides 4 hours of free cloud storage. Additional storage and live streaming services are available with a subscription. But an SD card slot is not included.
• Comes with a 3R-class laser (class 2 in EU) – same as one used in laser pointers and computer mouse and safe for human and animal eyes. The laser track is easily programmable by tracing the path on the phone screen with a finger.
• All the features are configurable through an iOS/Android app. Supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity with built-in 4-microphone array and speaker bar for clear two-way communication. The built-in Alexa device makes remote interaction more convenient and versatile.
• Powered by an A/C adapter through the 110V power supply. Available in a single color and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. The manufacturer also offers a PetCube 2.0 Bites Camera that comes with a treat dispenser.

Review:

So you can very well ask what a stationary pet camera doing in this list of smart cat toys. Well, the innovative, award-winning PetCube Play 2.0 camera is not your ordinary pet camera. It’s smartphone-controlled, AI-based two-way audio/video communication with built-in smart laser pointer makes it an excellent smart pet toy.

The second-generation PetCube 2 Play camera features a sleek and compact hard aluminum shell with black ABS plastic casing that houses the camera and laser pointer. Its compact design (3.6″ x 3.6″ x 3.2″, 2.0 lbs.) allows you to place the camera flat on a table or shelf, though the manufacturer also offers an adjustable mount for greater flexibility and better interaction. The PetCube was founded in Ukraine and since then has expanded into a full-fledged best-selling brand headquartered in San Francisco, USA. All the PetCube products are assembled in the US.

The PetCube 2 Play camera features a 1080p HD camera with 180° ultra-wide-angle lens, 4x digital zoom, and automatic night vision that provides the full room coverage. The Play camera comes with a 3R-class laser (class 2 in EU) – same as one used in laser pointers and computer mice and safe for human and animal eyes. (you should still not point the laser directly into someone’s eyes for a prolonged duration). The second-generation PetCube 2.0 also houses an Echo/Alexa device in the unit.

What makes the PetCube 2 Play camera an ideal smart pet toy is its configurable features. The video recordings of the pet’s activity can be automatically triggered by sound and motion. And everything is configurable through an iOS/Android smartphone application. Even the laser track is easily programmable by tracing the path on the phone screen with a finger.

The PetCube Camera supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity with built-in 4-microphone array and speaker bar for clear two-way communication. A built-in Alexa device makes remote interaction more convenient and versatile. The camera does not have an SD card slot for additional storage, but it does allow you access up to 4 hours of video streaming through free cloud storage. For additional storage and features like automatic pet alerts, you will have to buy a subscription service separately.

The PetCube 2.0 Play camera is powered by a 110V power supply through an AC power adapter. The camera is available in a single black and silver color. Like other PetCube products, the PetCube 2.0 Play is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against defects.

The only complaint we have with the PetCube Play camera is that it does not have a treat dispenser to go with the laser toy. Considering the laser pointers are not something that the cat can catch physically, a small treat dispenser that can store a few pieces would make things a lot more interesting. PetCube does offer a PetCube 2.0 Bites Camera which comes with a full-fledged treat dispenser, but that version does not have a laser toy.

Still, the PetCube 2.0 Play camera is an excellent pet camera and laser toy that will find a lot of favor with pet owners who are looking for a smart way to monitor and interact with their cats and dogs even when not at home.

Cheerble Wicked Ball

Type: Interactive self-rolling and bouncing ball with LED lights and a built-in treat dispenser hole.
Material: Food-grade, water-proof FDA-approved Polycarbonate thermoplastic ball core with an artificial felted wool cover and LED light strip.
Size: 3″ diameter, 0.6 lbs.
Suitable For: All cats and dogs – soft to medium chewers. Suitable for supervised and semi-supervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$.
Features:

• Smart and interactive premium cat auto-ball with sturdy pet-safe construction. Made in China.
• Features a durable 3″ big ball with a food-grade, FDA-approved polycarbonate core covered with an artificial wool cover that is naturally enticing to the cats.
• Designed to provide interactive stimulation and fun with three reaction modes and built-in intelligent sensing system that provides 10 minutes of active play followed by 30 minutes of rest. Includes a bright LED strip and a treat-dispensing hole to release small dry kibble treats.
• Works on all household surfaces, including carpets. However, does not come with an app.
• Easy to clean in running water with soap or mild detergent. Water-proof at IPX67 rating.
• Powered by a built-in rechargeable Lithium polymer battery that can last over eight hours on a one hour recharge.
• Premium-priced when compared to other electronic toy balls, but more durable and entertaining.
• Backed by a one-year warranty on the toy and six months on the battery. Also available with a solid polycarbonate cover for dogs.

Review:

The smart and interactive Cheerble Wicked Ball is another mid-range smart cat toy to consider to keep your kitty engaged with little or no supervision. Manufactured and marketed by China-based Cheerble (the maker of the popular Wickedbone smart dog toy bone), the Wicked Ball is another successful product coming out of the Kickstarter and Indiegogo platforms.

The Cheerble Wicked ball features a 3″ diameter ball with a food-grade, FDA-approved polycarbonate shell covered with an artificial wool cover that is naturally enticing to the cats. The ball is also available in solid polycarbonate texture specifically for dogs. The ball also has a bright LED strip to get the pet’s attention. Like other Cheerble products, the Wicked Ball is made in China.

The self-rolling and self-jumping smart ball is designed to provide interactive stimulation through three reaction modes – gentle, normal and active. The ball rolls seamlessly on all indoor surfaces including carpets.

The modes are controlled through an intelligent companion sensing system that provides 10 minutes of active play followed by 30 minutes of rest. The activation can be reset manually or on touch by the pet.

The key to this smart operation is the ARM Cortex-M0 processor, a high performance 6-axis mems motion-tracking device for touch sensing and high torque DC motors for implementing algorithms and motion. The ball is fully automatic and does not offer an app to control the movement. It does not have obstacle avoiding sensors either.

In order to get favor from food-motivated pets, the ball also has a treat-dispensing snack hole to release small, dry kibble and treats. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery that can last for up to 8 hours after a 1-hour full recharge. The battery is however not removable or replaceable, so you will have to reach out to the manufacturer in case of any issues.

Cleaning is easy and you can directly wash the ball in running water with soap. It is IPX67 rated, so largely waterproof.

The Cheerble Wicked Ball is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty on the toy and six-months on the battery. The manufacturer also offers a 24-hour customer support service through email.

If you are looking for a premium self-entertaining smart pet ball for your feline(s), then the Cheerble Wicked Ball is one of the best smart cat toys to consider.

Hexbug Deluxe Nano Smart Cat Toy Pack with Remote

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Type: Interactive robotic nano charmer and small mouse robot toy bundle.
Material: FDA-approved Polycarbonate thermoplastic body.
Size:

• Nano toys: 6.5″ x 0.5″ x 0.8″, 0.5 oz.
• Mice: 4.5″ x 1.5″ x 1.3″, 1.0 oz.

Suitable For: All cats and kittens. Only suitable for supervised play. Work only on hard indoor surfaces.
Price: $.
Features:

• Best-selling pet-activated robotic cat toy bundle that caters to the natural hunting and engaging game of cat-and-mouse. Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
• The bundle includes 2 Nano robotic cat toys with charmers, one robotic mouse toy and one remote-controlled mouse toy. Comes with batteries and screwdriver for convenient installation.
• Designed to exhibit realistic random movement, starting, stopping and pausing. Smart electronics allow the toys to navigate around objects and flip and move away when touched by the pet.
• The mice offer two different modes of operation – “paw mode” designed for the more docile cat, and “chase mode” designed for more active cats or kittens. Noiseless operation.
• Work only on hard surfaces only, so may not work well on carpets. Suitable for supervised play only. Keep an eye against accidental ingestion by the pet.
• Value-for-money bundle has four toys in assorted colors and the ones available are sent. Backed by a satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

Review:

Hexbug interactive smart cat toys offer an affordable collection of human and pet robotic toys and the Hexbug Deluxe Nano Cat Toy Pack with Remote is an excellent value-for-money smart cat toy bundle to consider.

The Deluxe Cat Toy Pack features four robotic cat toys – 2 Nano robotic cat toys with charmer feathers, one robotic mouse toy and one remote-controlled mouse toy, all powered by button alkaline batteries (a full set of 12 LR44 batteries is included). These toys are also available separately, but you get the best value when purchased as a bundle.

The Hexbug Robotic toys are designed to exhibit realistic random movement, starting, stopping and pausing. Smart electronics allow the toys to navigate around objects and flip and move away when touched by the pet.

The electronic mice in the bundle are especially entertaining. They are equipped with cute, playful pink ears and whiskers, along with a soft rubber tail that wiggles as the toy scampers through the surface. The mice offer two different modes of operation – “paw mode” designed for the more docile cat, and “chase mode” designed for more active cats or kittens. One of the mice (white one in our bundle) can be controlled by a remote control, giving you or your kids plenty of entertainment as well.

Because of small pet-activated wheels, these toys only work well on solid, hard surfaces – they would not work well on pile carpets. Moreover, because of the risk of accidental ingestion, these toys are only suitable for supervised and semi-supervised play. Finally, the toys do not have an auto-shut-off, so you will need to manually turn them off after the play session to prevent the batteries from discharging.

Despite all the minor limitations, the Hexbug Deluxe Nano Cat Toy Pack is an ideal choice if you are looking for some interactive cat toys to cater to your kitty’s natural hunting behavior and do not want to spend a fortune.

PetFusion Ambush Interactive Smart Cat Toy

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Type: Interactive hunting cat toy disc with LED lights and a soft feather catch.
Material: BPA-free Polycarbonate thermoplastic body and soft artificial felt feather catch.
Size: 6.8″ x 6.8″ x 6.8″, 1.1 lbs.
Suitable For: All cats and kittens. Suitable for supervised and semi-supervised play. Indoor/Outdoor use on any flat surface.
Price: $.
Features:

• Smart automatic cat play device that appeals to the natural hunting instincts of the felines. Made in China under strict quality control.
• Features a 6.8″ diameter disc made of heavy-duty polycarbonate plastic with six symmetrically-placed popping holes for the feather catch.
• Intelligently programmed ensures the feather pops out randomly from one of the six holes at different time intervals. Dual-mode LED lights (blue and purple) add to the excitement.
• Especially suitable for multi-cat homes. Loud and noisy operation so may not be suitable for sound-sensitive pets.
• Has stable anti-skid feet that keep the toy stationary on all surfaces – hardwood, carpet, tiles, etc.
• Powered by 4 AA-batteries (included) with an 8-minute auto-shut-off feature. Comes with a bonus replacement feather.
• Backed by a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects. Replacement feathers are sold separately.

Review:

The PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy is another intelligent interactive cat toy that aims to appeal to the feline’s natural hunting instincts. This toy is especially suitable for multi-cat homes and works well to provide day or night-time entertainment and workout just before sleep.

The Ambush features a 6.8″ diameter BPA-free heavy-duty polycarbonate plastic disc with six symmetrically-placed holes for the feather catch to pop out from. The disc is supported by stable anti-skid feet that allow it to work on all household surfaces – carpets, rugs, hardwood, tiles, etc. The toy is made in China under strict quality control measures.

The toy is intelligently programmed to ensure the feather pops out randomly from one of the six holes at different time intervals. What makes this toy special is the availability of dual-mode LED lights (blue and purple) that add a lot to the excitement. The motor of the toy is loud and noisy, so if your kitty is sound-sensitive, you may want to consider other smart cat toys.

The toy is powered by 4 AA-batteries (one set is included) which lasts for a reasonably long time. The toy also has an 8-minute auto-shut-off feature to preserve the charge.

The PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy comes with two feather attachments. Additional feather replacements are sold separately. The toy is backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty against any operational defects – so you can use the toy without worry.

To summarize, if you are looking for a stimulating hunting toy for your multi-cat home, then you can consider the PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy as one of the options to provide your felines with entertainment and workout.

Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet Robot

Type: Mobile robot with a camera, smart laser toy, and treat dispenser.
Material: ABS plastic shell and casing with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) wheels. 3R class gentle laser.
Size: 9.0″ x 10.0″ x 14.0″, 4.0 lbs.
Suitable For: All cat breeds and dogs too. Suitable for supervised and unsupervised play. Indoor use only.
Price: $$$$.
Features:

• Newly launched movable pet robot with an HD camera, smart laser toy and treat dispenser. Made in China.
• Features an ABS plastic body with chew-resistant, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber wheels. Has a tray-type treat dispenser that can dispense mini or small cat treats.
• Equipped with a decent HD Camera with 4X digital zoon attached to the robot head. The camera is not as high-quality as the PetCube camera but capable of capturing images and streaming videos.
• Comes with a 3R-class laser (class 2 in EU) – same as one used in laser pointers and computer mice and safe for human and animal eyes. The laser pointer is programmable through the app.
• All the features are configurable through an iOS/Android Pet Robot app. Supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity (no 5G) with built-in 4-microphone array and speaker bar for clear two-way communication.
• Powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. Comes with a USB charging cable but no docking station.
• Available in a white and black color combination and backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

Review:

The newly launched, Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet Robot in an interesting mobile pet robot the offers decent moveable two-way audio and video communication and an interactive laser toy with treat dispensation – all in a single unit. This toy is made and marketed by the China-based company.

This smart cat toy features an ABS plastic body with chew-resistant, Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) synthetic rubber wheels and built-in obstacle sensors to provide seamless mobility. This mobility of the robot makes this toy unique and different from other pet cameras and smart toys as you can now “drive” the camera to the pet.

The Pet Robot is equipped with a decent HD camera with 4X digital zoom, attached to the movable robot-head. The camera is not as high-quality as the PetCube 2.0 camera but is still capable of capturing images and streaming videos stored on the Cloud (and there is no subscription required).

The camera is supported by a built-in speaker and microphone for seamless two-way communication. The video recordings of the pet’s activity can be automatically triggered by sound and motion. There are some in-built sounds as well to get the pet’s attention.

The Felix & Fido Petbot also has a tray-type treat dispenser that allows you to store mini and small dry pet treats. This tray-type treat storage is especially useful as it allows you to store a variety of treats without mixing with other treats. It is important to emphasize that the treats are not launched far, they are in fact rolled close to the robot.

The Petbot also comes with a 3R-class laser – the same as one used in laser pointers and computer mice and safe for human and animal eyes. The laser is only activated when you log in the app and the path can be configured as desired.

All the features of the Petbot are configurable through an iOS/Android Pet Robot app (remember to search for the “Pet Robot” App instead of Petbot). The pet robot supports Bluetooth as well as 2.4 GHz. Wi-Fi connectivity (there is no 5G).

The Petbot is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery and the Robot comes with a standard USB charging cable. There is no docking station, however. On a full recharge, the battery can easily last for over 2-3 days.

The Felix & Fido Petbot is available in a single black and white color and backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

With respect to the limitations, the quality of the camera and the viewing angles (the head does not move more than an inch on each side) are not the best by any regards. Additionally, the Petbot does not support 5 GHz. Wi-Fi connection and some people have complained about the connection dropping intermittently. Finally, the syncing of the app produces a loud introductory ring every time you connect – something that can be startling to the pet.

So, if you are looking for a mobile pet robot toy that can provide a two-way audio and video communication with your pet and keep it enticed with treats and laser pointer, then the Felix & Fido Petbot Smart Pet Robot is one option to consider.

Smart Pet Love Snuggle Kitty Behavioral Aid Cat Toy

Buy It on Chewy

Type: Cuddling, plush cat calming toy with a disposable heat warmer and a “real-feel” pulsing heartbeat generator.
Material: Plush, fleece shell with a non-toxic disposable heat warmer.
Size: 6.0″ × 4.5″ × 12.5″, 1.92 lbs.
Suitable For: All cat breeds and kittens too. Suitable for supervised and unsupervised use. Indoor use only.
Price: $.
Features:

• Uniquely-designed, smart cuddling cat toy that reduces negative behaviors resulting from anxiety or loneliness through physical warmth and stimulated heartbeat. Made in China.
• Features a furry fleece outer shell that is machine washable with the heartbeat simulator and heat pack removed. Available in tan tiger design for cats. All natural and chemical/medication free.
• Comes with an optional, 24-hour disposable warming pack that provides extra warmth without electricity or microwaving. However heat pack is single use and needs to be replaced if necessary.
• The pulsating heartbeat is powered by two AAA batteries (included) which can last for 15 days on 24/7 use. The heartbeat can be turned on and off.
• Suitable for all cat breeds and kittens too without supervision. Used by pet-rescues worldwide with optional feeding bottle.
• Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer. Replacement heat packs and heartbeat simulators are sold separately.

Review:

If you are looking for a smart cat toy that can help in handling loneliness and separation anxiety, then the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Kitty Behavioral Aid Cat Toy is a perfect choice. For over 20 years, Smart Pet Love toys have been the go-to choice for pet-rescues around the world and there is a good reason for that.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Kitty Behavioral Aid Cat Toy is a uniquely-designed, tiger-shaped, smart cuddling cat toy that reduces negative behaviors through soft, plush surface, physical warmth and stimulated heartbeat.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy features a furry, soft fleece outer shell with a heartbeat simulator and optional heat pack in the core. The toy is all natural and chemical and medication free. It is also machine washable in gentle cycle. Like other Smart Pet Love toys, the Snuggle kitty toy is made in China under superior quality-control measures.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy has a pulsating heartbeat simulator that is powered by two AAA batteries (one set included) and produces a real, life-like pulse. The heartbeat can be turned on and off as desired and can last for up to 15 days in 24/7 mode on a single recharge.

The toy also has a removable, single-use air-activated heat pack. The heat pack is made of non-toxic materials and can produce warmth for up to 24 hours on activation. It is, however, not reusable and you will have to get a replacement once used. Just to add, the toy actually provides decent self-warming even without the heat pack, so it is not mandatory to use one.

The Smart Pet Love Snuggle Toy is suitable for all kittens and cat breeds and can be used without supervision. Moreover, like other Smart Pet Love toys, it is backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment.

So, if you are looking for a smart cat toy to ease your pet’s separation anxiety and related behavioral issues, you should definitely consider getting the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Kitty Behavioral Aid Cat Toy.

Senneny Automatic Flopping Fish Cat Toy

Type: Flopping and wiggling cat toy with sensor.
Material: Plush, fleece shell with PP cotton filling and ABS plastic motor.
Size: 11.0″ × 5.0″ × 1.5″, 0.23 lbs.
Suitable For: All cat breeds and kittens too. Suitable for supervised and unsupervised use. Indoor use only.
Price: $.
Features:

• Engaging automatic wiggling fish toy made of high-quality pet-safe plush material and stuffed with PP cotton. Soft, non-toxic and safe for biting, chewing and kicking. Made in China using standard 3D printing processes.
• Features a realistic, 11″ fish with an improved built-in motion sensor-based motor that wiggles the fish whenever touched by the cat, producing sporadic flapping to entice the cat and cater to the pet’s hunting instincts.
• Powered by a USB-rechargeable Li-Ion battery (included) with a standby mode that automatically turns off the power when not in use. The 2020 design has a battery protective circuit to ensure additional safety when charging.
• Easy to clean in running water. The chargeable motor is detachable for convenient cleaning of the plush toy.
• Suitable for all cat breeds and kittens too with minimal or no supervision.
• Comes with organically-grown catnip to stimulate the cat to play with the toy. Backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

Review:

The improved, 2020-version Senneny Automatic Flopping Fish Cat Toy is an innovative self-stimulating interactive cat toy. Such toys have become quite popular in recent times with lot of options available in the market. Of those we found the Automatic Fish Toys by Senneny as one of the best built with longer lasting battery.

The Senneny fish toy is made of high-quality plush fleece-type soft material and stuffed with PP cotton with a hidden compartment to add the motor. The material is soft yet durable and generally suitable for mild chewing, biting and kicking (we do not recommend using it for dogs or heavy-chewer cats). The toy is made in China using Good 3D-Printing Manufacturing Processes.

The Automatic Flapping Fish Toy features and improved built-in motion sensor-based motor that wiggles the fish whenever the toy is touched by the cat. This produces an sporadic flapping that helps in enticing the cat to engage in play and stimulates the hunting instincts in the pet. The fish are available in multiple realistic designs – Carp, Catfish Trout or Clownfish, so you can pick the best one for your kitty. And to further encourage the cat to play, the toy also comes with 100% organically-grown catnip that you can fill in the toy to produce an aromatic pet-friendly fragrance.

The fish is powered by a standard USB-rechargeable Li-Ion battery (included) that can last a reasonably long time. The 2020 design has an improved battery protective circuit to ensure additional safety when charging. And the motor is equipped with a standby mode that automatically turns off when the toy is not in use.

The Senneny fish toy is easy to clean – the chargeable motor is detachable for convenient cleaning of the plush toy. And like other Senneny pet toys, the fish toy is backed by a 100% satisfaction guaranteed commitment by the manufacturer.

So, if your kitty is not a heavy-chewer and loves hunting, then the newly-relaunched Senneny Automatic Flopping Fish Cat Toy is an excellent smart toy to consider for minimal or completely unsupervised play.

Things to remember while using smart cat toys

While smart cat toys can provide a lot of YouTube-worthy “Stunning!” and “Wow!” moments to you and your furry friend, it is important that you keep a few things in mind while using them. Some of these major things are summarized below:

• Always pick an interactive cat toy that is of suitable size, shape and difficulty level. Getting a toy that is too small or too big can make playing uncomfortable for your pet and it can simply ignore the toy. You can consult some trainers or fellow pet owners about their experiences with the toy, check the reviews, videos and Q&A section or reach out to the manufacturer customer support for help.

The interactive dog toys are generally classified into three levels of difficulty. Most smart cat toys fall in Training Level 2 or Training Level 3.:

• Training Level 1 – Easy: Suitable for most cats, even kittens. The puzzles are easy for the pet to master.
• Training Level 2 – Intermediate: Such toys require the feline to use multiple sensory organs – paws, mouth, etc. Some effort and training may be needed for the cats to master the puzzle.
• Training Level 3 – Advanced or Difficult: These are the most challenging interactive toys and suitable for well-trained, savvy cats only.

• Since smart cat toys are not a cheap investment and have circuits that can occasionally malfunction, it is important that you test the toy as soon as you get it to take advantage of the 30-day return policy. If you have got it as a gift or are gifting one to someone else, it would be a good idea to set the expectations accordingly. Also, read the warranty conditions carefully before use.
• Always purchase these smart cat toys directly from the manufacturers or authorized resellers. And in case of any issues, reach out to the customer support team and ask repair/replacement.
• Be patient while configuring the toy and teaching your kitty to interact with it. Different toys have different learning curves and even the smartest cat can take some time to “get in the zone” with a smart cat toy. The same will apply to you while setting up the toy’s smart application if it comes with one.
• Clean-up the toy periodically with soap and water. If the toy has dishwasher-safe parts, remove them and keep it in the top rack while cleaning. Remember, the electronic circuitry of these toys is not washable. If the toy shows any signs of damage, reach out to the manufacturer for replacement parts.
• Avoid sharing of toys with other pets outside your own household, as it can cause infection from your pet felines to be transferred to the other pets and vice versa
• While we have clearly stated which toys should be used under supervision and which toys are fine to be left with the pet, no toy is durable enough for a power chewer. If you have such a cat or another power chewer dog, avoid leaving plastic and other non-chew toys with the feline and only engage in supervised play.
• If you see a damaged toy or your cat shows some signs of discomfort, immediately consult the vet. Your cat might have accidentally ingested a piece or part of the toy.

Following these basic guidelines would help in playing with smart cat toys much more enjoyable for you and your darling kitty.

Final thoughts on the best smart cat toys

Most cat owners prefer to keep their felines indoors to prevent mishaps and unwarranted encounters with other pets. So it is obvious to look for interactive cat toys that can keep the cat stimulated and entertained, most of which require reasonable supervision.

One way to overcome the need for continuous attention and monitoring is to opt for smart cat toys that can provide the needed entertainment and exercise without a lot of supervision. These toys can provide mental, physical and sensory stimulation and not only help in keeping your feline entertained but also provide the much needed physical and behavioral conditioning that the pet needs.

In this article, we listed some of the best smart cat toys available in the market. All the options that we listed are hi-tech, automatic and configurable and can be used without a lot of supervision. We also listed out some things to keep in mind while using these toys.

We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best smart cat toy for your canny kitty. Do let us know your feedback, questions and any other toy recommendations that you love by commenting below. Until next time, Happy Catification!

Image credits: Amazon.com