Snake slither for cats: how to play

A long ribbon-style wand toy slides and curls along the floor like a snake. Lots of stalking, sudden pounces and bunny kicks.

You'll need

Clear a strip of floor about two metres long. Place a cushion or box at one end as the snake's hole.

Lay the tail flat. Draw it slowly in S-curves along the floor, keeping it low.
Stop with just the tip twitching. Snakes freeze, then move.
Slide it toward the hole and let the tail disappear inch by inch.
When your cat grabs the tail, let it wrestle and bunny-kick. Keep a loose grip so it can win the tug.
Let the snake slip free and slither away again. Repeat 4 to 6 times.
Slow, tired slither for the last minute. Final catch, then a treat.

Make it easier: Shorter, slower curves and a catch on almost every pounce.
Make it harder: Make the snake go around furniture legs and under a blanket edge.

Long, low stalks, tail tip twitching, two-paw grabs, rolling onto its back with bunny kicks.

Chewing and swallowing the fabric, tail lashing, flattened ears, growling at you.

Long fabric tails are a swallowing hazard. Supervise every second and store the toy in a closed cupboard.
Do not tug back hard; it can hurt teeth.
Stop if your cat starts eating the fabric.

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

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