By Richard Stubbs · September 17, 2026
It was a warm afternoon at 7 Stichwort Lane in Ashford. Nine-year-old Jordyn and seven-year-old Tyler sat on the grass with a tablet between them, on a video call with Granddad Richard — enjoying a sunny morning at Waterfall Kennels and Cattery in Fourways, South Africa.
"Since the Stubbs family opened the kennels in 1959, we've had all sorts of wild visitors — birds, lizards, and even the occasional cheeky monkey!"
"We just have bugs," Tyler sighed, looking around the garden.
The ginger tabby crouched low, tail swishing back and forth, eyes locked on a fat green fly resting on a flat garden stone.
The black-and-white cat wiggled his hindquarters, getting ready for the perfect pounce. Both cats were completely focused — muscles tensed and ready to spring.
Just as the cats tensed to spring, a chubby garden toad hopped out from under a broad hosta leaf — and sat perfectly still, looking like a bumpy little rock.
"Look, Granddad!" Jordyn whispered, turning the tablet so the camera pointed at the stone. Mum Michaela and Dad Warren stepped out onto the patio just in time to watch the standoff.
Jack and Joey edged one inch nearer to the stone, muscles coiled and ready.
The green fly simply rubbed its front legs together, completely unaware of the danger surrounding it.
The toad remained motionless — patient, still, and perfectly positioned.
Suddenly, before either cat could move a paw — a tiny pink flash! The toad's long, sticky tongue darted out, and zap!
The green fly was gone.
Padded over and sniffed the empty rock, searching for any trace of the vanished fly.
Gave the toad a very suspicious glare — clearly blaming the bumpy little creature for the disappearance.
Both cats looked at the empty stone, then at each other. Where had their prize gone?
"Well, I'll be! I think your cats just learned that a toad's tongue is faster than a feline's paw!"
Granddad Richard's booming laugh came through the tablet speakers, delighting the whole family gathered on the patio.
"That toad just stole their lunch!" Tyler giggled.
Dad Warren smiled as he scooped up the baffled ginger cat.
"Don't worry, Jack. We've got plenty of cat treats inside that won't fly — or hop — away."
A toad's sticky tongue strikes faster than even the quickest cat can pounce.
The toad waited perfectly still — and let the moment come to it.
From Ashford to Fourways, a tiny garden drama brought the whole Stubbs family together in laughter.
The Garden Toad's Trick