Cardboard whack-a-mole for cats: how to play
A cardboard box plus a feather rod. Move the feather around and over the box so your cat can stalk, pounce, chase and bat it, in short games of a minute or two.
- Time
- 2 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- cardboard box
- fishing rod toy with feathers
Set up
Put a cardboard box on the floor in a spot your cat already likes. Pick up a fishing rod toy with feathers on a string. Keep the session short: a minute or two is plenty.
How to play
Put the box on the floor. Cats love to climb and hide, so a cardboard box is a cheap way to give your cat somewhere to play.
Start when your cat is awake and in the mood. Many cats will tell us when their mood is right for play, so do not wake them for it.
Pick up the feather rod. Move the feather in short, changeable bursts so your cat can stalk, pounce, chase and bat it.
Move the feather around, over and behind the box. Your cat can hide, climb and swat at it from cover.
Let your cat catch the toy every so often so they do not get frustrated. Then keep the feather moving for another moment.
Stop after one to two minutes. Short games are fine, so offer another short session later. Put the rod toy away afterwards.
House rules
- Use a fishing rod toy with feathers on a string to mimic prey.
- Keep the toy away from your body. Hands and fingers are never the toy.
- Let your cat catch the toy periodically so they do not get frustrated.
- Play in short games of one to two minutes, several times when your cat is in the mood.
- Swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting.
- Put the rod toy away after the game.
- Make it easier
- Try another cheap toy: a plastic top from a milk carton or a pingpong ball can be as much fun as an expensive toy. Keep the feathers slow and close to the box.
- Make it harder
- Move the feather over and behind the box in unpredictable bursts, so your cat has to climb or hide to reach it.
Signs it's having fun
Eyes fixed on the feather, a crouch beside or behind the box, quick swats and pounces, and coming back for the next round.
Stop if you see
Your cat grabbing your ankle, scratching or biting you when they want to play. Those can be signs of redirected play aggression, more common with kittens and young cats. End the game and use a rod toy away from your body. If an adult cat suddenly starts this when they have not before, call your vet now to rule out medical concerns, then consult a qualified behaviourist.
Safety
Safety- Check toys regularly for signs of wear, replacing them when needed.
- Do not leave your cat on their own with toys which could be shredded and eaten or ones that they can get tangled in.
- Avoid using ribbon, yarn, or string as toys. Those linear foreign bodies can be life-threatening if swallowed.
- If your cat grabs your ankle, scratches or bites you during play, end the game and swap to a rod toy held away from your body.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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