Top high-tech cat toys to keep your feline friend entertained
By Ed Malaker
The number of people who own a pet has skyrocketed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic a few years ago. Most of us treat our pets as part of the family. And like family, they deserve the best, which has most of us on a constant quest for new ways to satisfy them.
While cats aren’t quite as popular as dogs in many areas, they are a close second. Right now, we are going to take a look at some high-tech toys that are sure to satisfy whether you have a seasoned hunter or a couch lounger.
PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy
The PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy is a game-changer for cat owners looking to keep their feline friends entertained without constant supervision. It’s also a good choice for people who have to spend long days at work. It projects a randomized laser pattern across floors and walls that most cats just can’t resist chasing, helping them to get some activity.
Multiple play modes will help keep your pet entertained, and it has an automatic timer that shuts the device off after 15 minutes to conserve battery power. Most users report that their cat loves it, and it is durable enough to last a long time.
Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy
The Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy looks and feels like a real mouse, and what’s even more important is that it acts like one, too. It contains a small motor and smart sensors that cause it to scurry across the floor in random patterns, stopping and starting just like live prey, which keeps cats on their toes and encourages them to stalk, chase, and pounce.
The Hexbug Mouse Robotic Cat Toy delivers physical and mental exercise, keeping felines engaged and less prone to boredom. Its “wake up” mode is touch-activated, making it easy for a cat to activate it and stay busy while you are otherwise engaged. It’s durable enough to withstand the impact of pouncing and swatting, and the toy’s battery-efficient operation ensures long-lasting entertainment.
Petcube Bites 2 Lite
While not a toy, a smart treat dispenser is a great example of how technology can benefit pets, and the Petcube Bites 2 Lite is one of the best. It’s perfect for pet owners who have to spend long days at work and for when you go on vacation. It feeds your pet on time, so you’ll know they are fed, but that’s only part of it.
The Petcube Bites 2 Lite feeder comes equipped with a high-definition 1080p camera with night vision, a wide-angle lens, and two-way audio that allows you to keep a close eye on your pets, speak to them, and dispense treats while away using an app on your smartphone. It includes motion and sound alerts that will notify you of unusual activity, and it even integrates with Alexa.
Tips for choosing and using high-tech toys for your cat
- Active hunters might enjoy laser toys or smart balls.
- Shy cats might prefer gentler toys like a slow-moving feather wand.
- Food-motivated cats will likely appreciate treat-dispensing toys.
- While these toys are designed for solo play, supervising initial play sessions can help ensure your cat’s safety.
- Keeping toys fresh and rotating them helps maintain your cat’s interest.
- Make sure toys are charged and functional, especially if you plan to use them during periods when you’re not home.