Catlady711-The first time I ran it, I did not pick up ANYTHING! Cat toys were everywhere and it reconized that it shouldn't mess with them. It even went in the hall to my dirty clothes pile and tested it and left it alone. They are smart little contraptions.. My babies are horrified of the big vaccum and run and hide when they see me bring it up the hall. They are leary of this but not scared enough to run and hide! I think Giz will even be playing with it one day like she did my old vac I had.