From an Idea to Expert Feedback: The Next Chapter of Whack-A-Mouse™

Every step forward with Whack-A-Mouse™ brings us a little closer to the reason KitTEASe Creations began: creating meaningful ways for people and cats to play, connect, and bond—even when life makes being together difficult.

And recently, we reached a milestone that meant a lot to me.

🐾 Bringing in the Cat Experts

As Whack-A-Mouse™ continues through development, I wanted feedback from people who understand cats beyond simply loving them.

I recently had the opportunity to discuss the concept with both a cat behaviorist and a veterinarian.

Their reactions were incredibly encouraging. Both loved the idea and recognized the potential behind creating another way for cats to receive interactive play and enrichment.

That matters because Whack-A-Mouse™ was never intended to be just another automatic cat toy.

The goal is to give cats an opportunity to watch, stalk, chase, pounce, catch, and be rewarded—while allowing the person on the other side of the screen to actually participate in the experience.

Interactive play and opportunities for predatory behavior are recognized as important parts of a healthy feline environment. Research and veterinary guidance also emphasize that enrichment should give cats opportunities to express natural behaviors while being adapted to the individual cat.

🐭 Now Comes the Fun Part: More Cats

The next phase is something I've been looking forward to for a long time:

Putting Whack-A-Mouse™ in front of more cats.

We're currently waiting for the next prototype and additional interchangeable attachments, including feathers, so we can explore how different cats respond to different types of prey and movement.

Because, just like people, cats have preferences.

One cat might go crazy for a mouse skittering along the ground.

Another might be completely unimpressed…until a feather appears.

Some cats are stalkers. Some are pouncers. Some want to chase. And some need a little time to sit back, observe, and decide whether this strange new object deserves their attention.

That's exactly what I want to learn.

🐱 Partnering With Rescue Cats

Once the next prototype is ready, I would love to partner with a rescue organization for the next stage of testing.

Before that happens, the toy will need to be properly cleaned and prepared between cats, and the testing setup will be evaluated with safety at the forefront.

Then comes the part that no drawing, survey, or prototype specification can replicate:

Watching real cats interact with it.

I want to observe cats of different ages, personalities, energy levels, and play styles.

Which attachment catches their attention first?

Do they come back for another round?

Do they stalk before they pounce?

Does changing the movement renew their interest?

What makes them walk away?

And, perhaps most importantly, what can we learn from them to make the product better?

Because the cats are ultimately part of the product-development team too.

They just happen to accept payment in treats. 🐾

🤎 Building It With Them, Not Just For Them

Whack-A-Mouse™ has already traveled through several stages—from an idea inspired by my own experience, to prototypes, customer feedback, and now conversations with professionals who work with cats.

The next stage isn't about proving that every cat will love the same toy.

They won't.

It's about learning what different cats respond to and using those observations to create something more engaging, adaptable, and thoughtful.

That's one reason interchangeable prey attachments are such an important part of the concept.

The mouse is only the beginning.

🐭 Mouse.
🪶 Feather.
🐦 Bird.
🐟 Fish.

Different prey. Different movements. Different cats.

✨ One Step Closer

There are still many steps between a prototype and a finished product.

Testing. Refinement. Safety. Manufacturing. More testing. And undoubtedly a few things the cats will teach us that we haven't thought of yet.

But that's what product development is supposed to be.

Whack-A-Mouse™ doesn't need to become perfect overnight.

It needs to become better with every prototype, every conversation, and every paw that reaches through one of those little holes.

And that's exactly what we're doing.

One prototype. One paw. One pounce at a time.

— Megumi
Founder, KitTEASe Creations

Play. Watch. Care.™