A pet toy (20) made up of a wand (26) and a play object (22) flexibly coupled to an end of the wand (26) is taught. The wand (26) has a wand shaft (50) and a wand head (52) rigidly affixed to the end of the wand shaft (50). The wand shaft (50) has a predetermined shaft diameter (54). The wand head (52) has a base width (58) greater than the shaft diameter (54). A flexible coupling (24) flexibly couples the play object (22) to the wand (26). The flexible coupling (24) has a coupling pocket (74) encompassing the wand head (52). The coupling pocket (74) is configured so that the wand head (52) has limited free movement therein. Motion of the wand (26) by a human therefore imparts a complex motion to the play object (22). This complex motion emulates the motion of prey and stimulates the instinct of the pet.