The cat arches its back in a convex fashion. Its tail is usually curled up and away from its body in an inverted U-shape and the body is oriented in a lateral position to the object. Its head will be turned to the side to face the object, and often its ears will be pulled back, although not pinned to the head. Overall the cat’s body will look taut and drawn upwards. The cat’s toes are often spread and often take the cat’s weight. In some cases claws may be extended.

The cat then approaches the object in a jerky, bouncy lateral gait that may involve each foot stepping in turn or front and back pairs, or all four feet at once. The forepaw nearest to the object being approached may be lifted and held up at intervals, in readiness to bat or poke.

On reaching the object, the cat may retreat again immediately, sometimes laterally or by moving into a canter. This sideways darting approach and retreat may be repeated on a number of occasions during a play bout.

*Photographic images and video coming soon