The importance of pet play: Why our cats and dogs need playtime

The importance of pet play

Fun, fun, fun…

All pet owners enjoy watching the playful antics of their pets. In fact most pet owners consider this one of the most enjoyable aspects of pet ownership. Have you ever wondered what makes your pet play, what you can do to encourage your pet to play or what makes a good toy for your pet? Here are some tips…

Why do pets like to play?

• When young, pet play is practice for life. Kittens stalking and pouncing on toy mice are learning to hunt.
• Play exercises our pets’ bodies and their minds. Most breeds of dogs traditionally had jobs to do. Playing with toys and interacting with us is now their role.
• We have bred our pets to have juvenile personalities all their lives. So while puppies and kittens especially love to play, even adult animals will play given the chance. Mature aged pets can also be encouraged to partake in a little gentle play.

The benefits of play

• Play can help keep our pets’ bodies and minds healthy. Chasing balls, tossing toys in the air, finding toys under the rug and interacting with us all encourage our pets to exercise.
• Pets are now suffering from unprecedented levels of obesity (yes, just like us!). Play is an excellent way of encouraging your pet to keep active. Of course, a balanced diet is also good for your pet.
• Just as our bond with our pet benefits from interaction, so too does our pet’s bond with us. Want your dog or cat to love you more? Play with him.
• Play can help prevent behaviour problems of dogs and cats. Giving your cat the opportunity to “hunt” at home can prevent the need to hunt wildlife. Giving your dog the opportunity to chase balls and chew toys can stop him barking or annoying you or even escaping and roaming the neighbourhood.
• Pets can overcome boredom or separation anxiety in cats and dogs.

How can we encourage our pets to play?

• Play with the toys yourself. Toss balls in the air, and throw them to one another. Your dog will want to join in. Reward him when he brings a toy to you by giving him praise, a pat or interacting with the toy.
• Use a toy that dispenses treats to get your food-motivated dog interested. Fill this toy with treats (cat biscuits taste great to dogs!) and let your dog seek them out. Toys such as these are great if your dog likes to play when left alone.
• Interact with your cat to encourage him to play. Cats love to follow moving objects so trail a cat toy behind you (try fixing it to your waistband). Cats are less likely to play with toys when left alone but some do, so provide lots of toys.
• Many people state they have backyards full of toys that their pet never plays with! Time to change. Rotate your pet’s toys around on a daily or weekly basis.  If they don’t see a toy for a week, it’s like getting a new toy. Also, take your pet’s toy away from them after a play session. This keeps them interested (just like kids get bored, so do your pets).

More pet play tips…

• Keep your pet’s favourite toy for when you really need them to behave. For some people this is when they go to work. For others it’s when they have visitors. Your pet will devote his attention to the toy.
• If you really hate the outdoor lifestyle, you can play with your pet around your home. Hide toys under a light towel or rug and encourage your pet to seek them out. Throw a ball from the comfort of your armchair (remove all fragile objects first!).
• Try a game of hide and seek with your dog. Have someone hold your dog until you hide and then let him find you. Dogs love it and you may even get your cat to join in the game. Parrots also love to play peek-a-boo with you.
• Read more about cat play and when this type of pet play turns into a catfight!

How can you tell if your cat is bored?

About the author
Dr Jo Righetti is an animal behaviour consultant, helping people improve the life of their pets. Read more about Dr Jo and Pet Problems Solved.

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