 Political parties like to control media conversations, particularly during election campaigns. However, sometimes they lose control of the narrative and resort to desperate measures to shift attention. One such strategy is known as throwing a dead cat on the table, also known as a dead cat strategy. The term describes a maneuver to regain control by throwing a more shocking issue into the mix, distracting people from the topic the party wants to avoid. Everyone becomes fixated on the dead cat, and the issue that was causing the party grief will fade into the background. This kind of diversionary tactic becomes critical in the heightened atmosphere of an election campaign, but it only works if the right elements are in place to shift opponents from their preferred ground to your ground. Firstly, the dead cat must be a topic that is irresistible to the media, something tantalising and negative that will appeal to their audiences. Secondly, it must also be something of general interest and easily understandable. Thirdly, it can't be done by the leader, but instead should be offered up by more junior minister or shadow minister. While a dead cat strategy might be the best way to avoid debate and derail the opponent's momentum, it can also be risky. Photos can be put off by negative campaigning, and as much as you might shift the focus in the short term, you never know when a dead cat might be thrown in your direction.