猫ねこじゃらし

noun

green foxtail; green bristlegrass

A common weed whose bristly seed head resembles a cat's tail. The name literally means 'cat teaser' because cats like to play with it.

See also: エノコログサ

• 道みち端ばたに猫ねこじゃらしがたくさん生はえている。

  A lot of green foxtail is growing by the roadside.

• 猫ねこじゃらしの穂ほを猫ねこの前まえで揺ゆらすと、猫ねこが飛とびついてきた。

  When I waved a green foxtail head in front of the cat, it pounced on it.

noun

cat teaser; kitty teaser

A toy for cats, often a stick with feathers or a fluffy object at the end, designed to mimic prey. The name comes from the plant, but now refers to any such toy.

• ペットショップで猫ねこじゃらしを買かった。

  I bought a cat teaser at the pet shop.

• 猫ねこじゃらしで遊あそんであげると、猫ねこが大おお喜よろこびする。

  When I play with the cat using a cat teaser, it gets really excited.