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DIY Claw Game

As with humans, play is an important component of a cat’s upbringing and daily life. Play can mimic wild impulses such as hunting or fighting, keep your cat well-groomed or simply stimulate your cat’s brain. Playing simple games that encourage your cat to playfully claw you or a game prop can form a powerful bond between you and your pet.

Things You'll Need

1 1/2 feet of string

Instructions

- 1
  Tie a knot at one end of the 1 1/2-foot string. Wrap the other end of the string around one or two fingers on your dominant hand.
- 2
  Sit on the floor in a cross-legged position. This will keep your legs out of the way while keeping you comfortable as you play with your cat.
- 3
  Fling the string away from you and allow it to fall onto the ground then gently pull the string back to you with your dominant hand. This should grab your cat’s attention. It may not attack immediately, preferring to wait for you to fling the string again.
- 4
  Continue to fling the string and pull it away gently until your cat attacks it. Before it can grab the string with its mouth or claws, pull the string sharply away and hide it behind your back. This will confuse your cat, but will keep its interest piqued.
- 5
  Switch the string from your dominant to your nondominant hand behind your back then distract your cat with your dominant hand by waving at it.
- 6
  Fling the string away from you and allow it to fall onto the ground, then gently pull the string back to you with your nondominant hand. This should recapture your cat’s attention and it will probably attack the string immediately.
- 7
  Continue flinging and pulling the string and switching hands until your cat or you tires of the game.

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