Do the match in list context, and don't use $\d+ at all 

if (@kitties = $string =~ /pattern (with) captures/) {
  paw_at @kitties;
}

[download]
Obviously you can use my($cats, $kittens) in place of @kitties there.

The other option is check that the match succeeded first 

if ($string =~ /pattern (with) captures/) {
  paw_at $1;
}

[download]
but $1 is ugly... unpacking into either an array or bundle of scalars will get you less maintenence-programmer hate.

@_=qw; ask f00li5h to appear and remain for a moment of pretend better than a lifetime;;s;;@_[map hex,split'',B204316D8C2A4516DE];;y/05/os/&print;

In reply to Re^4: I need a "non-trivial" bug for my script! by f00li5h
in thread I need a "non-trivial" bug for my script! by Antigone

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