Moving Cat Tail

[blevyboy]

I am working with a smaller theatre company and we need a sick cat in a box with a tail moving every now and then. We dont need to see the cat but we would like to see the tail move every now and then. We appreciate your help!

 

[seanandkate]

When the tail moves, will the box be held by someone, or will it be on its own?

 

[blevyboy]

When the tail moves, will the box be held by someone, or will it be on its own?

It is held by the actor in a 80 seat thrust space so it would have to not be noticeable from 5 feet away

 

[BrianWolfe]

Maybe start with one of those jointed moving snakes and cover with light twin strech fur. Stagehand can manipulate.

 

[blevyboy]

We were looking into the idea of having it motorized if possible so that it would move on its own. Any idea on small motors or anything that might work better?

 

[derekleffew]

Look to the RC toy industry: Hobby Lobby: Radio Control RC Airplanes, RC Helicopters, & RC Cars . You can make the movement as simple or as complex as you can afford.

 

[BrianWolfe]

Agreed RC can work or any small motor. The easiest way I can think is to make the tail using a jointed sections of a toy snake or similar. Use springs down the center that make the tail stick straight out. Run a cable down the middle of the springs to the end of the tail. Use a small motor or servo to pull and release the tail which will make the tail move. A bicycle brake lever would work also. Multiple cables with various attachment points for more interesting movement.Good luck.