The protective sleeve extends approximately 10-12 inches from the wrist, providing coverage past the elbow for most users. This length is specifically designed to protect against bunny kicks – those powerful back leg scratches that cats do during wrestling. If you have a particularly large or energetic cat that tends to grab high up on your arm, the sleeve should still provide adequate protection.

We recommend spot cleaning only with mild soap and water. The catnip pockets and crinkle material inside the ears are not designed for machine washing, which could damage these features. Let the puppet air dry completely before the next play session. Most customers find that spot cleaning every 2-3 weeks keeps it fresh and hygienic.

Your fingers slide into the puppet portion (the cat’s body), with your index and middle fingers controlling the front paws, and your thumb operating the mouth. This natural hand position allows you to create lifelike movements – making the puppet pounce, grab, and “bite” back during play. The design mimics how you’d naturally move your hand during interactive play, making it intuitive even for first-time users.

We recommend adult supervision for children under 12. While the puppet protects hands, children need to understand proper play boundaries – knowing when to stop if the cat becomes overstimulated, avoiding sensitive areas like the belly, and not teasing the cat. For teenagers and adults, it’s perfectly safe and creates wonderful bonding opportunities. Some parents report using supervised puppet play as a way to teach children about respectful pet interaction.

The white portions are made from soft, plush polyester fur that mimics a cat’s natural coloring. This material is specifically chosen because it’s durable, holds its shape well, and provides a satisfying texture for cats to grip and bite during wrestling. The contrast between black and white also makes the puppet visually engaging for cats, as they’re naturally attracted to high-contrast patterns.

The puppet is too large for a cat to swallow and doesn’t have small detachable parts. The ears, legs, and features are all securely sewn into the main body. However, if your cat is an aggressive chewer who tears apart toys, supervise initial sessions to ensure they’re playing appropriately rather than trying to destroy and ingest pieces.

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild pet-safe soap, focusing on heavily drooled areas. Sprinkle baking soda on the affected areas, let sit for 30 minutes, then brush off thoroughly. Allow complete air drying before the next use. Some users lightly spray with diluted pet-safe enzymatic cleaner. Avoid soaking the puppet as this damages the catnip pockets and crinkle material.

While designed for cats, some users successfully use it with small, gentle dogs. However, dogs typically have stronger jaws and may damage the puppet more quickly. The catnip won’t interest dogs. If your dog plays gently and you supervise closely, it can work for light play. For rough-playing dogs, the puppet isn’t designed to withstand that level of force.