The Vital Role of Playtime in Keeping your Pet Happy and Stimulated, According to Pets at Home Expert 

Just like us, our pets thrive on mental and physical engagement, and incorporating play into their daily routine is vital for their overall well-being. Whether it's a game of fetch, a puzzle toy, or simply some quality bonding time, playtime not only provides physical exercise but also stimulates their minds, prevents boredom, and strengthens the bond between pet and owner. 

Last year, pet owners spent more than £69 million at Pets at Home on dog, cat and small animal toys in a bid to keep their furry friends active and engaged. The classic game of fetch continues to be a favourite, as evidenced by the staggering 13 million dog balls sold last year, while our love of food was obvious in the plush toys department with donuts, burgers and hotdogs being the top purchases for toys.    

In today's dynamic lifestyle where our schedules fluctuate between being at home and in the office, Dr. Samantha Butler-Davies MRCVS, Veterinary Services Director at Pets at Home identifies how our pets may experience shifts in their environment and attention levels, making it even more important to make sure they have the right type and amount of stimulation. Regular play sessions serve as a consistent source of mental and physical engagement, helping to alleviate stress and prevent possible behavioural problems. It’s also worth remembering that mealtimes can be an easy way to add stimulation into your pet’s daily life, thanks to fun and interactive feeding devices such as fillable chew toys, which are more interesting than just serving food in a bowl.  

According to Dr. Samantha Butler-Daviesey, there are a number of signs to identify whether your pet is bored:  

  • Destructive Behaviour: if your pet starts chewing on furniture, shoes or other objects around the house, it could be a sign of boredom. 

  • Excessive Barking or Meowing: pets may vocalise more than usual when they’re bored, seeking attention or stimulation.   

  • Restlessness: pacing around the house without a clear purpose can indicate boredom. 

  • Excessive Grooming: pets may excessively groom as a coping mechanism when bored or anxious.  

Dogs 

We’re all familiar with the necessity of daily walks for our canine companions, but it’s equally vital to provide opportunities for diverse play.  

  • Introduce functional toys which are designed to provide mental stimulation, satisfy instincts, and relieve stress. For example, an automatic treat dispenser requires dogs to work for their food; whilst a chew toy filled with food (frozen or unfrozen) can keep your dog engaged. 

  • Snuffle mats offer an ideal solution for keeping your dog entertained, featuring hidden treat compartments that stimulate their innate foraging instincts. 

  • It’s a common misconception that older dogs don’t need as much stimulation, but this is not the case. Dogs, regardless of their age, thrive on interaction and companionship, and therefore play time is essential for their emotional health and happiness.  

  • When selecting toys for dogs, it’s important to understand their individual play preferences. While certain breeds might naturally incline towards particular types of play, it’s not a one size fits all situation. Take the time to interact with your pet and observe what activities they enjoy most. Whether it’s fetching, chasing, tugging, or finding, every dog is different. By actively participating in playtime with your pet, you can tailor their experience to ensure they stay mentally stimulated and satisfied.  

Cats 

Ensuring playtime is integrated into your kitten’s routine is vital for their development; and it also helps older cats stay mentally sharp and physically agile.  

  • Scratching posts and activity centres are a great way to keep your cat stimulated and encourage natural behaviour. It is important that the centres are large enough for your cat to fully stretch out and that they are sturdy, as cats will avoid them if they are wobbly. The location of your activity centre is equally as important, as cats like to be high up in a quiet space where they feel safe. 

  • Use food puzzles or interactive feeders, such as fillable toys that are hidden in different areas, to make mealtimes more engaging. These puzzles require your cat to ‘hunt’ for their food – like they would in the wild - providing mental stimulation.  

  • Cats perceive playing with toys as 'object play,' not 'social play,' as they view humans solely as the 'batteries' to move the toy. However, due to their solitary hunting nature, they may struggle to differentiate playtime from hunting, leading to potential scratches for pet owners. Dr. Samantha Butler-Davies recommends using a wand toy with a long handle for safe pet play, mimicking prey movements such as scuttling on the ground or sweeping through the air, to avoid accidental bites and scratches.  

Small Animals 

Small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits also need opportunities to exercise and engage in activities that stimulate their minds. Providing them with toys, tunnels and other enriching activities can help prevent boredom and promote overall well-being.  

  • 1:1 reward-based training can keep animals stimulated and can strengthen the bond between pet and owner.  

  • It’s worth providing rabbits with plenty of interesting toys such as tunnels, platforms and willow toys to deter them from nibbling things they shouldn’t (a clear sign of boredom!). 

  • Introduce gnawing toys which have chewable textures. These are perfect for play and satisfy small pets’ urge to chew, as their teeth never stop growing, so gnawing is how they keep their teeth healthy.