Paw Party: iPad games your cat can play

Most questions are answered below. If yours isn't, or something in the app isn't working, write to me and I'll reply.

Getting set up

Lay the iPad flat on the floor or a low table, on a rug or towel so it doesn't slide when pounced on.
Start with the volume low. Cats hear far more than we do, and the squeaks carry.
Dim the room a little. Prey stands out best when the screen is the brightest thing around.
To leave a game, press and hold the corner badge for three seconds.

Which iPads does it run on?: Any iPad on iPadOS 17 or later. That goes back to models from 2018, so the old one in the drawer probably works.
Will my cat care?: Some cats ignore screens completely, and no app fixes that. Try Fish Pond or Bug Safari first. Slow movers on a calm background are the easiest way in.
How do I stop my cat swiping out of the app?: Turn on Guided Access: open Settings, then Accessibility, then Guided Access. Open Paw Party, triple-click the top button (or the Home button on older iPads) and tap Start. Swipes and the Home gesture stop working until you triple-click again and enter your passcode.
Will claws scratch the screen?: Paw pads won't hurt glass. Grit caught under a claw can, so a glass screen protector is cheap insurance.
How long should a session be?: Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty. Finish with a treat or a toy your cat can grab, because catching something it can't hold gets frustrating.
Is it really free?: Yes. No ads and no in-app purchases.
Is there an iPhone version?: No, iPad only. A phone is a small hunting ground.