How to help keep your dog or cat entertained indoors

Dogs and cats are social, smart and active in their own ways. Their unique personalities and behaviors help them form strong bonds with us and encourage us to stay active and engaged. It’s what makes them such good pets and family members! But while pet owners often prioritize the physical well-being of their pets, it’s just as important to exercise their minds.

This is where enrichment comes in, which plays a crucial role in allowing pets to express their natural instincts and behaviors through their senses. Pet enrichment activities can help build confidence, prevent boredom and strengthen good habits — without having to leave the house. Not to mention, enrichment often involves playing with your cat or dog, which can help boost your own mental health.

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your dog or cat entertained while staying indoors, here are some easy enrichment ideas that can help exercise your pet’s mind and improve their quality of life.

Dog enrichment ideas

Simply playing with your dog is a form of enrichment, but the more effective enrichment activities are those that engage their senses.

While we primarily use our eyes to navigate the world, dogs use both sight and smell. Sniffing, for example, is twice as tiring as physical exercise for dogs. They have an incredible sense of smell — anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 times better than ours, in fact.

Keep reading for some fun things to do and tips on how to help keep your dog entertained indoors.

Interactive toys

Food is an incredible motivator for most dogs, so interactive toys that dispense treats are perfect for enrichment. These puzzles engage and challenge your dog’s mind through problem-solving, leaving them mentally exhausted for hours afterwards. And with a variety of toys out there — from puzzle feeders and snuffle balls to lick mats — and plenty of treat options, the possibilities for keeping your dog entertained are endless.

DIY dog toys

While you can find plenty of interactive toys at the store or online, you can also create your own using items you already have at home! Try rolling treats in a yoga mat or towel for an easy, no-frills enrichment activity. You can also hide treats in a cardboard box under things like plastic bottles, newspaper and tennis balls. This option can help provide an appropriate outlet for dogs who love to dig. Your dog and garden will thank you!

Hide-and-seek

You probably played hide-and-seek as a kid, but did you know it can also double as a fun indoor game for dogs? All you have to do is hide somewhere and let your dog find you! This game taps into their natural hunting instincts and provides a fun challenge. Plus, nothing beats the pure joy on their face when they finally find you! You can also tap into your dog’s foraging instincts and sense of smell by hiding treats around your home.

Indoor agility course

Setting up an indoor agility course is a fun way to help keep your dog entertained on those days when you’re stuck inside. Using everyday household items like chairs, brooms, buckets and cushions, you can create obstacles for your dog to jump over or weave through. This not only gives your dog a good workout, but also challenges their mind as they navigate through the obstacles you’ve created.

Training

Did you know that training offers more benefits than just having a well-behaved dog? It’s also a strenuous mental exercise that’s just as tiring as physical exercise — if not more! Training not only strengthens the relationship between you and your dog but can also help boost their confidence. After a good training session, your dog will more than likely need a long nap!

Rotate their toys

One of the easiest and simplest ways to spice up your dog’s life is by rotating their toys. We all love spoiling our pets, but they really only need 3 or 4 toys at a time. Keep a few out for your dog to play with and put the rest away. By regularly switching things up, you can help prevent your dog from getting bored with their toy collection. Not to mention, you can cut down on all that clutter!

That said, your pet probably has a favorite toy that gives them a lot of comfort — don’t mess with that one!

Cat enrichment ideas

Your cat was born to hunt, explore, bite, scratch and jump, so try to find enrichment activities that let them express these behaviors. By doing so, you can help enrich your cat’s quality of life.

Here are some tips on how to entertain your cat, along with some fun cat enrichment ideas you can try with your feline friend.

Interactive toys

Learning how to keep cats entertained involves finding the right toys and activities. If your cat doesn’t seem to enjoy playing with toys, perhaps you haven't found the right one yet! Try different toys that simulate hunting prey, such as toy mice and feather toys. Avoid using laser pointers, as they can frustrate most cats. Since they never actually “catch” their prey, it often leads to disappointment.

Prey-inspired playtime

Cats are mid-sighted, meaning they have trouble seeing objects up close and far away. So, if you’ve ever dangled a toy in front of their face and they seem disinterested, their vision is likely to blame! That’s why it’s important to learn how to play with cats in a way that suits their needs. Next time you’re playing with your cat, try moving the toy near your cat, around furniture and into corners. These movements mimic how a mouse would move in the wild and can help encourage your cat to pounce.

Puzzle feeders

Cats are excellent problem-solvers, which is why they’re so good at opening doors and kitchen cabinets! Puzzle feeders tap into this skill by making your cat work for their food. They have to figure out how to solve the puzzle to get to the treats inside, providing a fun and challenging way to keep your cat entertained indoors.

DIY cat toys

A budget-friendly way to help enrich your cat’s life is by using everyday items around the house. For instance, many cats enjoy simply sitting in a box or on a shopping bag. Ping pong balls, ice cubes, wadded-up paper and paper towel rolls can also double as cat toys. Throw around different items and see what your cat engages with. You might be surprised by what they end up chasing!

Scent-based enrichment

Indoor cats may benefit greatly from scent-based enrichment. By introducing your cat to different smells from outside, you expand their world. Crack open their favorite window, or treat them to some catnip or wheat grass. You can also buy other pet-safe indoor plants and herbs for them to smell. Just make sure to check if any new plants are toxic to pets before bringing them home.

Vertical spaces

As natural-born hunters, cats have an innate desire to be high up. Cat trees, upright structures and elevated perches engage your cat’s climbing and scratching needs. A cozy resting area by a window can also enrich their environment and satisfy their curiosity. It gives them the opportunity to watch birds, passing cars and other outdoor activities, which can help keep them entertained and connected to the world beyond your home.

Balance playtime with rest time to help keep your pet happy and healthy

As you can see, there are plenty of indoor enrichment activities for dogs and cats. While keeping your pet entertained is important, it’s just as important to balance their day with plenty of rest and downtime. To help keep them happy and healthy, see that their routine includes both stimulating enrichment activities and relaxation time.

Enrichment activities are beneficial for the long-term health and happiness of your pet, but they’re just one part of providing a long, fulfilling life together. Pet insurance can help protect their health and well-being, and your finances.

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