Got a real kitty on hand? That’s your first cut. If not, get a cat‑actor who can be coaxed by food, a little scratch‑post, and the sound of a treat dispenser. Keep the set quiet, no bright flashes, and a light, quick camera pass so the cat doesn’t feel like it’s in a stunt. Wrap a lightweight harness around its back—no sharp edges, just a snug band, so you can lift it without a rig. And remember, the best “explosion” is the one that doesn’t leave a scorch mark on the floor. If you need a “boom” for the scene, a rubber crate hit with a rubber hammer works fine, no digital fire needed. Just keep the cat’s safety first, and the crew will appreciate the honest work.

You want a quick sanity check? First, double‑check that the harness doesn’t trip over any cables—those can make a cat slip and turn a shot into a disaster. Keep the “boom” gun out of the cat’s line of sight; a stray bolt could scare it. Make sure the crew’s in a tight circle—no one’s standing on a stack of dolly trays, or the cat could claw at something and you’ll have a mess on your hands. And don’t forget the old trick: have a spare treat dispenser in the corner. If the cat’s eyeing the camera, give it a quick snack, then snap. That’s how you keep the set calm and the footage clean.

All set on the cat front, so let’s fire up the boom. Just keep the gun a few feet away, line up the frame, give that treat, and roll. If the cat decides to pounce on the mic, you’ll have a real, unscripted moment to save the day. No tweaks needed—just a quick take and a good laugh when the kitty walks offstage like a real crime‑scene suspect.