It's alive! Well as lively as a Rag Doll kitty is purported to be (I've never met one). He's soft and very limp like the real cat--in fact many think he is real at first. The entry opening is almost invisible, so his belly may be rubbed. Although the head and mouth (which is tiny) can be operated, this puppet works best when handled mostly from the outside like a real, although floppy, kitty. Popular with the kids.