Are you sick of playing fetch? Looking for some new ways to engage with your furry bestie? To help you out, we asked PetSure (administrators of AA Pet Insurance) for some fresh ideas for games that you can play with your pet that are cheap or free, and guaranteed to bring the fun.
Why is playtime important?
For cats, playtime is crucial as it provides mental stimulation, physical exercise and an outlet for their natural instincts to hunt. It also helps reduce stress and strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend.*
When it comes to your canine companion, play helps prevent boredom. Dogs need mental exercise just like they need physical exercise as boredom can lead to frustration and destructive behaviour. Playtime can help burn off excess energy, provide entertainment and keep your dog out of trouble.*
Doggy Delights
Hide and seek
If the weather is not playing ball for an outdoor walk, why not try some indoor scent games for your dog. Place a selection of empty containers or cardboard boxes in a group on the floor and bait one or a few with treats, allowing your dog to sniff all the containers to search for the hidden treasure. You can make the task easier by poking holes in the tops of the containers, and once your pup has got the hang of it increase difficulty by hiding treats in only some containers or spreading them out around the room.
Tug of war
Tug of war is a simple, easy way to get your pet moving. All you need is a rope or toy for your pup to pull on. This game can help build your dog’s strength and agility, while also creating a fun bonding activity. Make sure you choose toys that are gentle on teeth and gums and never pull the toy up or down roughly as this can cause neck injuries.
DIY snuffle mat
Snuffle mats are pieces of fabric with lots of pockets, loops or flaps where you can hide treats for your dog to sniff out. You can create an easy DIY version with a tea towel. Place some dog treats or kibble in the centre of a flat tea towel then fold it lengthways across the treats. Next, tie the tea towel in a loose knot with the treats are in the middle. Your dog will have to figure out how to untie the tea towel to get at the treats inside.
Kitty Capers
Fun with toys
Different cats are motivated by different things, so experiment with a variety of toys, movement and interactive play. Find out what type of play your cat responds to best – whether it’s chasing, pouncing, or batting. Wands, tassels or milk bottle tops can all provide entertainment, exercise and fun for your cat.
Scratching and hiding
To enrich your cat’s environment, you could consider getting cat trees, tunnels and scratching posts, but don’t underestimate the joy a basic cardboard box can bring – sometimes these can provide the most feline fun of all!
Going up
Climbing is quite likely one of your cat’s favourite things. As cats use vertical as well as horizontal space, carefully placed shelves can give your cat a great vantage point to look down on the rest of the household. This extra height can also provide space to escape from people or other animals.
*Source: Petsure.com.au