Players during feline absence (4)

I believe the answer is:

mice

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'players' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mice that I've seen before include "Domestic rodents" , "Tiny rodents" , "They'll play when the cat's away" , "''Of ... and Men'' (John Steinbeck)" , "Computer controls" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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