Entertaining Your Pets While You're Away: Tips for a Happy, Stimulated Furry Friend

Interactive feeders are designed to make pets work for their food, providing mental stimulation and slowing down eating. These feeders can be puzzles that require your pet to slide or flip compartments to access the food — for example, a wobbler-style toy for dogs or a treat ball for cats. These toys not only keep your pet busy but also prevent them from eating too quickly, which can lead to digestive issues.

If your pet loves to dig, create a digging box filled with sand or dirt. Bury some toys or treats in the box to encourage your pet to dig and explore. This activity mimics natural digging behavior and can be a great way for pets to expend energy and satisfy their digging instincts.

A snuffle mat is a mat with long, shaggy fabric strips where you can hide treats or kibble. Your pet will use their nose to search for the hidden treats, providing mental stimulation and satisfying their natural foraging instincts. Snuffle mats are especially great for dogs that enjoy using their noses, such as scent hounds.

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and cats, and providing safe chews can help keep them entertained and promote dental health. Choose chews that are appropriate for your pet's size and chewing habits — dogs may enjoy rawhide chews, bully sticks, or dental chews, while cats may prefer catnip toys or dental treats.

Hide treats or food inside toys that have a strong scent, such as rubber toys or fabric toys. The scent will encourage your pet to use their sense of smell to find the hidden treats, keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated.

If you have a bird as a pet, consider placing a bird feeder outside their cage. Watching birds eat and interact can provide entertainment and stimulation for your pet bird, keeping them engaged and happy.

Cats are known for their love of chasing moving objects, and a laser pointer can provide endless entertainment for them. Simply shine the laser dot on the floor or walls, and watch as your cat pounces and chases after it. Just be sure not to shine the laser directly in your cat's eyes.

Fish tanks can be mesmerizing for both cats and dogs. The sight of fish swimming around can be calming and entertaining for pets, especially cats. Consider placing a fish tank in a location where your pet can safely watch the fish without being able to reach them.

Cats are natural climbers, and providing them with a climbing area can help satisfy their natural instincts. A cat tree with platforms, perches, and scratching posts can provide hours of entertainment and exercise, or you can install shelves that allow your cat to climb and explore different heights.

Keep your pet's toys interesting by rotating them regularly. Introduce new toys and remove old ones to keep your pet engaged and prevent boredom with the same toys. You can also hide toys around the house for a fun scavenger hunt.

Leaving on a radio or TV can provide comfort to some pets, as it simulates human presence. The sound of voices or music can help mask outside noises and create a calming environment for your pet.

If your pet gets along well with others, consider getting them a companion to keep them company while you're away. Another pet can provide social interaction and companionship, reducing boredom and loneliness.

Treat-dispensing toys dispense treats when your pet plays with them, providing mental stimulation and rewarding your pet for playing. These toys keep your pet entertained and engaged.

Set up a webcam to check in on your pet while you're away. Many pet cameras allow you to watch live video feeds and even interact with your pet through two-way audio — this can help ease your mind and keep your pet entertained with your voice.

If your pet enjoys the outdoors, provide them with supervised outdoor time in a safe, enclosed area. This can allow them to explore, get fresh air, and expend energy, keeping them happy and healthy.

Automatic feeders can be programmed to dispense food at specific times, ensuring your pet is fed even when you're not home. This can help prevent overeating and ensure your pet maintains a regular feeding schedule.

Ensure your pet has a comfortable and safe space to relax in while you're away. Provide access to fresh water, comfortable bedding, and toys to keep them entertained, and consider a calming diffuser or music to create a relaxing environment.

If your schedule allows, consider enrolling your pet in daycare or hiring a pet sitter to provide companionship and care while you're at work. This can ensure your pet receives the attention and stimulation they need.

Use your time away from home as an opportunity to reinforce training with your pet. Practice obedience commands, teach new tricks, or work on behavior issues with your pet to keep their minds active and engaged.

Keep an eye on your pet's behavior to ensure they're not exhibiting signs of stress or boredom. If you notice any concerning behaviors, such as destructive chewing or excessive barking, try to identify the cause and address it.

By providing a variety of engaging activities and ensuring your pet's needs are met, you can help keep them happy and healthy while you're away. Experiment with different activities and toys to find what works best for your pet, and don't forget to spend quality time with them when you're home.