A box beside the couch and a clear patch of floor make a place to start. Move the laundry basket, tuck the dining chair back in, and choose a play spot you can return to normal when the game is over.
Make room for the game
Pick a spot away from the front door and the path people use through the room. Move drinks and breakable objects off nearby edges, and gather loose cords out of the play area. Keep your cat's usual resting place available; the corner you clear for a game can be temporary.
Place the toys you want to try beside your seat. That saves getting up to search a drawer while your cat is watching the toy you already have.
Two games for a small floor space
A toy around a box edge
Set an open cardboard box on the floor and check it for staples, loose tape and damaged edges. Move a wand toy briefly around its edge, pause, and let your cat catch it during the game. Battersea recommends this pattern of movement and catching in its cat-play guide. Keep your hands away from the toy.
A different toy in the same spot
Put the first toy away and offer another from your small selection. Try one at a time so you can see which your cat approaches. If you use a foldable cat scratcher with a ball track, check the space its open arrangement needs before choosing where it will sit.
Keep a small box of spare toys in a cupboard. You can change the selection without leaving every toy on the floor.
Finish by putting things away
Cats Protection's play advice supports short games and regular toy rotation. Use toys instead of fingers or toes, supervise anything your cat could shred, swallow or become tangled in, and check for wear. Replace damaged toys when needed.
Put wand toys and other toys that need supervision away when the game ends. Return the box to its storage spot if it is in the way, then put the chair and laundry basket back.
