A ball-throwing apparatus (10) is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receptacle (32) for holding at least one ball-shaped projectile, the receptacle having an opening (34). A feeder is also included in the apparatus, the feeder having a track (62) associated with the opening in the receptacle. The track has a first section positioned adjacent the opening and a second section spaced apart from the first section. The apparatus also includes a holder for holding the at least one ball-shaped projectile in a stationary position, and a launching assembly for launching the at least one projectile in a direction extending away from the ball-throwing apparatus. The ball-throwing apparatus may be sized so that a variety of different pets are able to drop the at least one ball-shaped projectile into the receptacle. Methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed.
