Skip to main content

Watch this clever cat try to teach their pet parent how cat toys work

She wants to teach her human how to play with the dangly toy

We love playing with our pets, and they seem to love it back. While dogs might enjoy endlessly chasing a ball or tugging at a rope, cats typically gravitate toward more obvious hunting games. That’s why plenty of cat toys involve a small mouse, sometimes stuffed with catnip or another intriguing smell. You can also find cat toys that dangle on a string, something like a fishing pole, for the feline to bat and bite. Well, this particularly clever cat has decided it’s her human who needs to practice and is determined to play a little game with him.

@petpetpals

???@petpetpals @petpetpals #cat #catsoftiktok #funnycat #petcat #petsoftiktok #foryourpage #fypシ゚viral #petpetpals

♬ original sound – petpetpals

We can’t exactly tell if this kitty was absentmindedly playing with her toy or if she’s a diabolical genius who has set out to teach human owners a lesson; commenters seemed to lean toward the first (and we do too). In the video, the little mouser sits atop a sofa and playfully waves her toy in front of her owner, clearly trying to get him to swing at it. This clip is entitled “Derp has turned the tables playing with derp daddy” and was posted to the Animals Being Derps subreddit, a place for some particularly funny pics and videos of pets.

Recommended Videos

The top comment perfectly summed up what the cat was thinking “Here catch it……. NOT,” says u/Earthling2112. It’s true this little guy seems to be egging on her person. u/Roland1232 took it a step further and responded,”‘Demeaning, isn’t it?'” while u/PM_ME_NEW_VEGAS_MODS declared the man’s attempts “Pawthetic.”

Others leaned into the existential nature of the video a bit with u/AKWire_Princess saying, “I like the cat’s grey eyebrows and mustache… definitely a when the student becomes a teacher moment.”

u/_stoneslayer_ agreed with the instructor vibes and put out there, “His look of disappointment at his human’s failed attempt is hilarious.”

Kitten plays with a yarn ball on a string
Katrin Baidimirova / Shutterstock

Why do cats play with toys?

While it might look silly when a person gives the string toy a go, it’s important for your pet’s overall health to give him mental stimulation. When you first bring your beastie home, try a few different types of playthings and see what sticks. Every animal has unique tastes. Some prefer the squeaky mouse version, and others will immediately gravitate toward ones that dangle from a pole or even their cat tree. No matter which accessory your cat picks, he’ll want to have a little fun with it, and you.

Next time your cat decides that it’s playtime, see if he’s interested in having you give the feather toy a go. You might wind up with a very confused feline, or you could discover a new game. Maybe showing him this video will give him a few ideas!

Topics
Rebekkah Adams
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
How to treat ringworm in cats safely and effectively
Effective treatments for cats with ringworm
Orange cat scratching an itchy spot on its neck

If you ever notice irritated skin or hair loss on your cat, your first thought might be that your cat has fleas. That could be the case, but it's also possible that a bout of ringworm is to blame. Ringworm can be both irritating and uncomfortable for your cat, and it can also spread to people and other pets in your home. Therefore, it's crucial to identify and treat ringworm in your cat as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can help minimize or prevent ringworm in cats, allowing your cat to feel comfortable and happy again quickly.
What is ringworm in cats?

Ringworm might sound like a worm or parasite, but it's actually a fungal infection that affects your cat's skin and hair. Several types of fungi can cause ringworm infections, and these fungi can also infect humans, dogs, and other cats.

Read more
Can cats eat apples? What’s safe and what’s not
How to prepare apples for cats
Fluffy cat looking at table of apples

It's essential to feed your cat a nutritionally complete diet, but you have a lot more leeway when it comes to cat treats. Meals should make up most of your feline friend's diet, so the treats you choose don't have to be as nutritious and filling. Treats are for enjoyment and rewards! Many human foods are safe to share with your cat as treats and some are toxic, but it can be hard to remember what's on the list.
If you've ever wondered, "Can cats eat apples?" you're not alone. After all, fresh fruits are an essential component of a balanced diet for people, so is it the same for cats? Let's find out!

Can cats eat apples?

Read more
Why your cat sleeping at your feet is a big compliment
If you've ever wondered about this cat behavior, this article is for you
Calico cat lying on a white comforter

Have you noticed that when you go to sleep, your cat automatically heads to the foot of the bed and curls up by your feet? It's no mistake, and it's not your cat giving you the cold shoulder, either. This is a deliberate decision on your kitty's part, and there are many reasons why they might choose to sleep there instead of curling up on your stomach or by your shoulder. Actually, if your cat sleeps by your feet, you should take it as a compliment and feel flattered.

So, why do cats sleep at your feet? It's a mix of your cat's affection for you, a feeling of safety, and even the body heat you generate that plays into your cat's decision to sleep at the foot of the bed. It's both smart and sweet!
Why do cats sleep at your feet? The reason is sweeter than you think

Read more