Mouse under the rug for cats: how to play

A toy rustles under a rug, towel or sheet of paper. Your cat listens, stalks and pounces on the bump.

You'll need

Lay a small rug, towel or sheet of paper flat on the floor. Slide the wand toy underneath so only the wand stick shows on your side.

Scratch the toy slowly under the cover so it makes a small rustle. Pause often. Let your cat hear it before it sees it.
Move the bump in short creeps toward the edge, then back under.
Let the mouse peek out at the edge for a second, then hide again.
When your cat pounces on the bump, let the toy stay still under its paws for a few seconds, then slip out the far side and run.
After a few rounds, let the mouse come all the way out to be caught for real.
Finish with a treat placed where the mouse was caught.

Make it easier: Use thin paper that rustles loudly and let the toy poke out often.
Make it harder: Use a thicker blanket so your cat has to listen harder, or make two bumps (your hand on one side, toy on the other) so it has to pick the right one.

Ears swivelling toward the sound, low crouch, butt wiggle, accurate pounces on the bump, digging at the edge.

Your cat starts biting at your hands, flattens its ears, or lashes its tail. Stop and let it calm down.

Keep your hand away from the bump. Use the wand so pounces land on the toy, not your fingers.
Put the wand toy away after play.
Avoid plastic bags. Paper or fabric only.

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

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