Top 12 "Prey-Stalking" Games to Try for Cats to Awaken Their Killer Instincts Indoors
Look at your cat. See them there, curled up in a sunbeam, looking like the fluffiest, most innocent creature on the planet. It’s easy to forget that beneath that purring, sleepy exterior lies the heart of a tiny, incredibly efficient apex predator. Every twitch of their ear, every flick of their tail, is a remnant of thousands of years of evolutionary programming designed for one thing: the hunt.
For our indoor-only feline friends, this powerful instinct doesn't just vanish. It gets bottled up. Without a healthy outlet, it can manifest as boredom, anxiety, or even destructive behaviors like scratching furniture or pouncing on your unsuspecting ankles. That's why actively engaging their inner hunter is one of the most important things we can do for their mental and physical well-being. It’s not just about play; it’s about fulfilling a deep, instinctual need.
The goal is to simulate the complete "prey sequence": stalking, chasing, pouncing, catching, and "killing." By turning your living room into a temporary savannah, you provide crucial enrichment that keeps their minds sharp and their bodies strong. Ready to awaken your cat’s inner panther? Here are 12 of our favorite prey-stalking games to get you started.
1. The Classic Wand Toy Hunt
This isn't just about wildly waving a feather on a stick. To truly engage your cat's killer instincts, you need to become the prey. Think about how a small animal or bird would act. It would scurry away, hide behind a couch cushion, pause, and then dart out again. The wand toy is your puppet, and you are the master puppeteer bringing the hunt to life. The key is making the toy’s movements unpredictable and realistic.
Don’t just dangle the toy in your cat's face. Drag it slowly across the floor, letting it disappear around a corner. This forces your cat to stalk, anticipating where their "prey" will reappear. Flick it into the air to mimic a bird, letting it land and "flutter" on the ground. The variation in movement keeps them guessing and fully invested in the game. Remember, a successful hunt for a cat is often slow, deliberate, and strategic before the final explosive pounce.
Pro Tip: Invest in a wand with interchangeable ends. A feather attachment mimics a bird, a long ribbon mimics a snake, and a small, furry toy mimics a mouse. Swapping them out keeps the game fresh and allows you to learn what kind of "prey" your cat prefers to hunt. And most importantly, always let them have a satisfying "catch" at the end of the session to complete the prey sequence and avoid frustration.
2. The "Under the Blanket" Monster
This game requires zero special equipment, just a blanket (or rug, or towel) and your hand or a toy. It plays directly on a cat's fascination with hidden, moving objects. By moving your hand or a toy under the blanket, you create a mysterious, rustling lump that your cat’s brain immediately registers as potential prey hiding in the undergrowth. They can't see it, but they can hear it and see its outline, which sends their stalking instincts into overdrive.
You'll see them crouch low, pupils dilating, tail twitching as they calculate the perfect moment to strike. They might creep closer, slowly and silently, before launching a full-body pounce on the mysterious "monster." The rustling sound of the fabric combined with the unpredictable movement is an irresistible combination for almost any cat. It allows them to practice their ambush skills in a safe and hilarious-to-watch way.
Pro Tip: Vary the speed and rhythm. Make the "monster" move quickly, then stop dead. Make it wiggle slowly, then "scurry" to the other side of the blanket. If you're using your hand, be prepared for some playful (but potentially sharp) pounces! For a safer alternative, use a long, sturdy toy like a wand handle under the blanket instead.
3. Laser Pointer Tag (The Right Way)
The laser pointer is a controversial toy, and for good reason. If used improperly, it can lead to serious frustration and obsessive-compulsive behaviors in cats because they can never physically catch the red dot. The chase is thrilling, but the lack of a satisfying conclusion to the hunt can be mentally taxing. However, when used correctly, it can be a fantastic tool for the "chase" portion of the prey sequence.
The secret is to use the laser to lead your cat on a wild chase that ends at a physical toy. After a few minutes of zipping the dot around the room, over furniture, and up a cat tree, guide the dot onto a pre-placed stuffed mouse or kicker toy. Once the laser lands on the toy, turn the laser off. Your cat will pounce on the physical object, finally getting the tactile reward of a successful "catch and kill."
Pro Tip: Never shine the laser directly into your cat’s eyes, as it can cause damage. The goal is to finish the game with the real toy, so your cat associates the laser with a successful hunt, not endless frustration. This small change transforms the laser from a potential problem into a powerful enrichment tool.
4. The Box Ambush
It’s a universal truth: cats love boxes. But beyond being a cozy napping spot, a simple cardboard box is the ultimate ambush fortress. This game turns that love of boxes into a thrilling hunting scenario. Place a box on its side in the middle of a room and use a wand toy to entice your cat. The game has two fantastic variations.
First, your cat can be the one in the box. They'll wait inside, hidden from view, as you dangle a feather or mouse toy just outside the entrance. They get to practice their patience and timing, waiting for the perfect moment to explode out of the box and snatch their prey. Second, the toy can be the one hiding in the box. You can drop a crinkle ball or other small toy inside and watch as your cat circles the box, peering over the edge, trying to figure out how to get to the "creature" hiding within.
Pro Tip: Cut a few extra "peek-a-boo" holes in the sides of the box. This allows you to poke a wand toy through different openings, keeping your cat guessing and engaged from all angles.
5. Cat Fishing
This is a step up from the basic wand toy game and requires a bit more space. The idea is to "cast" a toy on a long string or wand around a corner, over the back of the sofa, or onto a different level of a cat tree. Your cat sees the "prey" appear and then vanish, triggering their instinct to investigate and stalk. They have to use their hearing and intellect to predict where it went and how to approach it.
The "casting" motion, where you flick your wrist to send the toy flying, perfectly mimics the erratic flight of a bird or a large insect. Let the toy land and sit for a moment before twitching it again. This patient, strategic play is much more stimulating than constant, frantic motion. It allows your cat to engage their brain, planning their route of attack to intercept the prey.
Pro Tip: Use a sturdy, long-line wand toy for this. The extra length gives you more room to "cast" and keeps you at a safe distance from the inevitable pounce. This is an excellent game for shy cats, as it allows them to play from a distance they feel comfortable with.
6. The Treat Puzzle Hunt
While not a traditional "stalking" game, puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys are a fantastic way to engage the "hunt, catch, eat" part of your cat’s brain. Instead of just putting food in a bowl, you're making them work for their reward. This simulates the mental and physical effort required to find and secure a meal in the wild.
Start with simple puzzles, like a ball that releases kibble when rolled, and gradually move to more complex ones with sliders, compartments, and different levels of difficulty. You can also simply hide treats or a portion of their daily kibble around the room—on a low shelf, tucked into a cat tree, or behind a chair leg. This encourages them to use their powerful sense of smell to "hunt down" their food.
Pro Tip: Create a "scent trail" by rubbing a particularly smelly treat (like a freeze-dried minnow) in a few spots leading to a hidden puzzle feeder. This adds an extra layer of tracking and hunting to the game.
7. Hide-and-Seek with Scented Toys
This game taps directly into your cat's incredible sense of smell. Take one of their favorite soft toys—a small mouse or a kicker—and rub it with some catnip or silver vine to make it extra enticing. While your cat is in another room, hide the toy. Start with easy spots, like under the edge of a rug or peeking out from behind a sofa cushion.
Then, let your cat into the room and encourage them to "find it!" At first, you might need to help them by showing them the general area. Soon, they'll learn the game and will actively start sniffing around, using their nose to pinpoint the toy's location. The moment they locate and pounce on it is a huge victory that reinforces their hunting prowess.
Pro Tip: As your cat gets better at the game, increase the difficulty of the hiding spots. Tuck the toy inside a partially open drawer, place it on the seat of a dining chair tucked under the table, or put it on a shelf they can safely access.
8. The Paper Bag Pounce
Simpler, crinklier, and arguably more fun than a box, a large paper bag (with the handles cut off for safety) is a prime piece of hunting real estate. Lay the bag on its side and watch as your cat immediately claims it. The crinkly noises it makes with every movement add an exciting auditory element to playtime.
You can drop small toys like crinkle balls or fuzzy mice into the bag for them to "excavate." The real fun, however, begins when you use a wand toy. Gently tap the outside of the bag, making it rustle and move. Your cat, hidden inside their dark "cave," will go wild trying to attack the source of the noise through the paper walls. The muffled sounds and subtle movements are an irresistible trigger for their pounce instinct.
Pro Tip: Always use paper bags, never plastic, and always cut the handles off to prevent your cat from getting their head stuck. For extra fun, connect two or three bags to create a "crinkle tunnel."
9. Staircase Gravity Chase
If you have stairs in your home, you have a built-in, multi-level playground. This game uses gravity to your advantage to create an exciting and energetic chase. Use a lightweight toy that will bounce and roll erratically, like a ping pong ball, a crinkle ball, or a bouncy foam ball.
Stand at the top of the stairs and simply toss the ball down. Its unpredictable journey, bouncing off steps and walls, mimics a panicked prey animal trying to escape. Your cat will love chasing it down, getting a great burst of exercise in the process. Once they "capture" it at the bottom, bring it back to the top and start again. Here at Goh Ling Yong's blog, we find this is a fantastic way to tire out a high-energy kitten or young cat.
Pro Tip: Don't use heavy toys that could hurt your cat as they tumble down. The lighter and more unpredictable the bounce, the better. This game is also a great photo opportunity to capture some impressive mid-air action shots!
10. Scent Work Snuffle Mats
Originally designed for dogs, snuffle mats are a brilliant enrichment tool for cats. A snuffle mat is essentially a fabric mat with lots of fleece strips and pockets where you can hide dry food or high-value treats. It forces your cat to use their nose and paws to forage and "hunt" for every single bite.
This is less about the high-speed chase and more about the methodical, scent-driven part of hunting. It slows down fast eaters and provides incredible mental stimulation, which can be just as tiring and satisfying as physical play. It’s a perfect activity for older cats who may not be up for vigorous chasing, or for any cat on a rainy day when you need a calm indoor activity. As Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes, engaging all of your cat's senses is key to well-rounded enrichment.
Pro Tip: Introduce the mat slowly. Start by just sprinkling a few very smelly, high-value treats on top. As your cat gets the hang of it, start tucking the treats deeper into the fleece strips to increase the challenge.
11. Robotic and Automated Toys
In a perfect world, we'd have hours every day to play with our cats. In reality, life gets busy. Automated toys can be a great supplement (but not a replacement) for interactive play. These toys, which range from self-rolling balls to robotic mice that zip around, can help bust boredom when you're working from home or otherwise occupied.
The best automated toys are the ones that move unpredictably. Look for toys that change direction, stop and start randomly, and have features like feathers or ribbons to attract attention. Some even have sensors that help them navigate around furniture and out of corners. They are designed to mimic the erratic movements of prey, keeping your cat engaged and on their toes.
Pro Tip: To keep these toys novel and exciting, don't leave them on all the time. Bring them out for specific 15-20 minute "play sessions" once or twice a day. This prevents your cat from getting bored of them and makes their appearance a special event.
12. The "Invisible Prey" Game
Sometimes, the most tantalizing prey is the one you can't see. This game is all about building anticipation and mystery. Simply use your fingers or a toy under a closed door, a sofa skirt, or a corner of a large rug. Wiggle your fingers or the toy so your cat can just see the tip of it, or only hear it scratching against the surface.
This drives cats absolutely bonkers in the best way possible. They know something is there, but they can't quite see what it is or how to get to it. They will stalk, crouch, and wiggle, preparing to pounce on the mysterious entity. It’s a low-energy game for you but a high-level mental workout for your cat, tapping deep into their curiosity and hunting drive.
Pro Tip: After a minute or two of teasing them with the "invisible prey," slide the full toy out from under the barrier so they can have the satisfaction of a full pounce and capture. This provides the crucial payoff they need to feel successful.
Fulfill Your Cat's Inner Hunter
Providing opportunities for your cat to stalk, chase, and capture "prey" every day is essential for a happy and well-adjusted indoor cat. It builds confidence, relieves stress, provides exercise, and strengthens the bond you share. Remember to rotate through different games and toys to keep things exciting and to always end every play session on a positive note with a successful "catch."
By understanding and catering to their natural instincts, you're not just playing a game; you're honoring the magnificent little predator you share your home with.
What are your cat's favorite prey-stalking games? Share your top tips and your cat's hilarious hunting stories in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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