A few tips before starting: If your cat accidentally hurts you, let them know your disapproval by saying "ouch!" or "no!" and quit playing with them for half an hour or more. If you do this consistently, they will learn to be more gentle with you. Don't take play to the point where they are very scared of an object or of you. Choose a couple of sounds to use during some games and they will learn that the sound means it's game time. This lets you make fake threatening sounds and they will know they are safe. Choose a word or sound to let them know when you are done playing, too, so they won't attack your hands while you are doing something else or trying to sleep.

A classic cat game is to have them "hunt for burrowing mice." Just run your hand underneath a blanket and let them pounce on top.

Most cats can't seem to resist a brown paper shopping bag left on the floor, but if yours need a little enticing, try scratching your finger at the back of the bag when they are near the opening.

Fishing poles make great toys. All you need is a stick, a string, and some small, soft, bauble at the end like a knotted handkerchief or a stuffed mouse toy.

Showdown is a game for a confrontational cat, once they know they can trust you. It's best played once they know your signal of when to stop and how to be gentle. When they are batting at your legs or otherwise in a hunting mood, wave your arms up and down in front of them and make your playful fake fighting sounds. Don't frighten them, and watch that they don't get too serious, and it can be a fun game for both of you.

Similarly, you can play, "en garde!" Find some object like a ruler or a pencil or hairbrush. That and their paws are the foils in your swordplay.

If you want to get fancy, find a small laser pointer and watch your cat go wild trying to catch the dot of light. Do not let them stare directly into the laser source, but you can point the dot to a wall, or it's particularly fun if you can sit in a position where you can point the laser from one end of the house to the other and back and forth. You won't get tired, but they will get lots of exercise!

Cats love being in the same room with you, and are sometimes waiting for your return just on the other side of a closed door. If there is a gap under the door, try poking a pencil or some other object underneath and see if paws appear when you pull it back.