Quick answer

Present the toy near your cat's belly or chest to trigger an instinctive grab-and-kick response, then let your cat control the play session.

Why a kicker toy works differently

Unlike wand toys or balls, a kicker toy is designed for your cat to hold with front paws while delivering powerful back-leg bunny kicks. The long plush body gives a satisfying target for biting and wrestling, which mimics how cats would subdue prey in the wild.

The Crazy Giant Caterpillar Catnip Kicker is stuffed with catnip, which adds an extra layer of excitement. Not all cats react to catnip, but for those that do, it can make play sessions more enthusiastic.

Common mistake: forcing the toy

A frequent error is waving the kicker toy like a wand or pushing it into your cat's face. Kicker toys are meant to be held still or moved slowly so your cat can initiate the grab. Let your cat decide when to pounce.

How to play with a catnip kicker toy

  1. 1. Present the toy at the right angle: Hold the kicker toy horizontally near your cat's belly or chest, not above their head. This mimics the position of prey and invites a natural grab. If your cat ignores it, try dragging the toy slowly along the floor instead.
  2. 2. Let your cat initiate the grab: Once your cat wraps their front paws around the toy, release your hold. Allow them to bite, kick, and wrestle without resistance. Your role is to hold still or move gently. Pulling the toy away during a kick can frustrate your cat and end the session early.
  3. 3. Supervise and rotate toys: Watch for overstimulation: tail lashing, flattened ears, or hissing mean it's time for a break. After play, store the kicker toy away so it stays novel. Rotate with other toys to maintain interest. Catnip loses potency over time. Seal the toy in an airtight bag between sessions to preserve the scent.

Product used in this guide