The Benefits of Pet Insurance: Why Now is the Best Time to Get Covered – Test

# CAT BALL LAUNCHER
by

Fact checked by Nicole Etolen 

Updated On :

The Benefits of Pet Insurance: Why Now is the Best Time to Get Covered – Test

Picture of Ryan

Ryan

Fact checked by Nicole Etolen

Automatic dog ball launchers are a must-have for any pet owner who ever thought to themselves, “My arms can’t take another moment of fetch!” But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which one to choose.

FAQ

What is pet insurance?

Pet insurance is a health insurance policy specifically for your pet. It helps cover the cost of veterinary care, including accidents, illnesses, and preventive care, depending on the plan you choose.

Now is the best time to get pet insurance because veterinary costs are rising, and having coverage can provide financial peace of mind. Early enrollment often means better rates and coverage before any pre-existing conditions develop.

I tested out dozen of options for my list of the best automatic ball launchers for cats out and available in the market in 2023. I have four cats and each wants my undivided attention, so I really have tried almost ALL available options on the market!

If you’re in a hurry, check out my top picks in the table below.

FYI, this post includes affiliate links. If you decide to purchase anything through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

#1

Best Cat Ball Launchers in 2023

When it comes to our furry friends, few things bring them more joy than chasing a ball. The thrill of the chase, the excitement of catching the ball mid-air, and the pure delight of running back to their beloved humans—it’s a simple pleasure that never fails to ignite their spirits. However, as much as we love playing fetch with our cats, our hectic lifestyles can sometimes limit the time we have to dedicate to their favorite game.

Enter automatic ball launchers, a revolutionary solution that keeps the fun rolling even when we’re not available to participate. These incredible devices have taken the pet market by storm, providing our canine companions with endless hours of entertainment and exercise. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect automatic ball launcher for your furry friend?

When it comes to our furry friends, few things bring them more joy than chasing a ball. The thrill of the chase, the excitement of catching the ball mid-air, and the pure delight of running back to their beloved humans—it’s a simple pleasure that never fails to ignite their spirits. However, as much as we love playing fetch with our cats, our hectic lifestyles can sometimes limit the time we have to dedicate to their favorite game.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the world of automatic ball launchers for cats and explore the top contenders that offer exceptional features, durability, and safety. Whether you have an energetic Siamese or a laid-back Ragdoll, I’ve done the research to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect cat fetch machine that will keep your kitten entertained and tail-wagglingly happy.

First things first, which types of automatic ball throwers for cats are available in the market today? There are many types of them:

Before we start with the details, remember that all of the items included here were reviewed and we have had first-hand experience with the best cat ball launchers included here. So if you have a particular favorite automatic cat ball thrower that is not included here, chances are I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, which is why I can’t include it in my list.
When determining which of the cat ball throwing machines that I tried are worthy of being called “the best,” I looked at its overall value (not just the price, but whether the price was justified), the basic features, the recommended size for cat that would use it (for example, is it safe for small breeds AND large cats, or just the big pups?) and what type of machine it is (fetch machine, blaster, etc). I also looked into the comments and reviews of other users out there as their experiences might be different from ours, especially from a safety and interaction perspective.  Enough chit-chat! Let’s begin…

Table of Contents

#2

iFetch : Automatic Fetch Machine for Cats

We start our list of automatic cat ball throwers with the iFetch Interactive cat Ball Launcher. This fetch machine is the most popular choice among cat owners with amazing reviews on Amazon and a fair price (check here).

Since it is interactive your cats can be trained to operate the iFetch auto cat ball thrower all on their own! You just need to set up the adjustable settings for distances like 10 feet, 20 feet, or if you are outdoors, even as far as 30 feet.

This is perfect for small cats or medium size cats if you want to improve their dexterity. If you have a bigger cat, then you can get the larger version of the iFetch. It is basically an automatic ball thrower for big cats.
They both come with three mini balls, you can also use slightly larger or regular balls but they can cause performance issues. It is very easy to use just teach your cats to drop the mini balls on the receiver end of the iFetch Interactive cat Ball Launcher and watch them drop, fetch, and repeat all day.
Some owners even resort to hiding the iFetch because their cats just will not stop playing fetch. Just check this video to see how a Husky is playing with iFetch.

Quick disclaimer: if you decide to purchase a SpotOn virtual fence for your pup through my referral link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, this is not a sponsored review. I never delete the negative comments  and talk about negative things compare to many other reviews.

Due to ongoing supply issues with electronics, the SpotOn fence might not occasionally go out of stock. If you see it available and decide it’s right for you, I recommend grabbing it right away.

Those mini tennis balls are awesome, but they’re also the only real drawback to the iFetch interactive ball launcher for cats since you can’t just replace them with any old tennis ball when they wear out. Instead, you’ll need to buy a refill pack. They’re not terribly pricey, though, and you can probably find knock-offs for cheaper on Amazon. I do recommend sticking with the iFetch brand, though, just to make sure that you don’t run into any issues. Sometimes those knock-offs are slightly too big.
Also, I want to mention one more thing. While it’s not technically a feature of the ball launcher, one of the things I really love about the iFetch is that it’s a family-operated company owned and managed by the Hamill family out of Austin, Texas.
I just love supporting startups and family-owned businesses selling family-invented products because it gives a healthier sense of competition and ownership all around. Read my full review of iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher.
#3

PetSafe Automatic Ball Shooter For Cats

The throwing distance is not that far compared to others in here but indoors and doors the 8 feet to 30 feet distance is quite big. What the PetSafe device lacks in throwing strength it more than makes up for in versatility by having nine different distance settings combined with six different angle settings making more than 50 possible different combinations.
Another cool feature of the PetSafe automatic fetch machine is its rest feature. Typically,  owners of automatic tennis ball throwers for cats would usually hide the machine to give their cats time to rest in between plays. But with PetSafe’s rest feature, you can factor in the rest periods in between playtime for pets. It has amazing reviews on Amazon as well.
The device is made from high-quality materials, making it durable and able to withstand regular use. It runs on both AC power and batteries. I recommend using the corded option, though, as the batteries wear out very quickly.
The only major drawback is how loud it is.  It’s honestly one of the loudest cat ball throwing machines I’ve tried.  The noise may startle some cats and make them hesitant to use it. It’s also one of the pricier options. Overall, though, the PetSafe Automatic Ball Shooter is a great option for pet owners who want to provide their cats with exercise and entertainment.
#4

GoCatGo Fetch Machine Cat Ball Launcher

If you are looking for a cat ball launcher that is ideal for cats of all sizes, you can try the GoCatGo Fetch Machine! The GoCatGo is one of the best automatic best cat launchers on the market today.

We tested this tennis ball launcher as soon as we unboxed it. Speaking of unboxing, the package includes five GoCatGo cat tennis balls, rechargeable lithium batteries, remote control, and an AC adapter.

The GoCatGo fetch machine offers a time-setting option that allows you to select launch intervals of four, seven, or fifteen seconds. A distance setting is also available, which varies based on the size and kind of ball used. It also comes with a remote control that works up to 50 feet away from the device.

The device also includes multiple safety features, such as a sensor that prevents balls from launching if the cat is too close to the device, ensuring the cat’s safety during playtime. It also has a safety arc that permits the balls to fly higher and further.
It may also be powered by an AC adaptor or rechargeable batteries. Taking the GoCatGo is also easy since it is compact and lightweight weighing 8.6 pounds. You can definitely bring this when you are traveling with your cat.

My Maine Coon loves this automatic ball launcher as it is easier for him to drop the balls in the launcher’s wide-mouth ergonomic bucket. The bucket can hold up to 17 tennis balls (25-inch size). Based on my experience, though, you should use lighter balls if you want the ball to go far. Using a heavy ball will not launch it as far.

I did not experience problems with wet and slobbery balls. The launcher still worked even when the balls are already wet with our cat’s saliva. I am hoping the machine will meet my longevity expectations. Especially since the GoCatGo Fetch Machine is relatively expensive compared to other cat ball launchers on the market!

Pros and Cons at Glance

Pros
Cons

Advantages of Pet Insurance

Pet insurance helps cover the cost of unexpected veterinary bills for accidents and illnesses, protecting you from significant out-of-pocket expenses. Monthly premiums make it easier to budget for your pet’s healthcare needs.

Insurance allows you to afford a wider range of treatments and procedures, including emergency care, surgeries, and specialist consultations. Some plans include coverage for preventive care such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual check-ups.

Disadvantages of Pet Insurance

The need to pay monthly premiums can add up, and if your pet remains healthy, you might feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth. Pet insurance typically does not cover pre-existing conditions, which can be a significant drawback if your pet has ongoing health issues.

Certain policies exclude hereditary or breed-specific conditions, limiting the coverage available. Most pet insurance plans operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning you must pay vet bills upfront and then wait for reimbursement, which can take time.

Author

Picture of Ryan

Ryan

Writer

Seniorpups_y1d40m is a passionate writer celebrated for heartwarming and insightful works about dogs. With a deep love for canines, Seniorpups_y1d40m’s stories capture the unique bond between humans and their furry companions, resonating with readers of all ages.
Spread the love