Picture this: You’re working from home and have just clicked onto your first call of the day, when you feel a persistent nudge at your leg. “Go play,” you say to the wide, beseeching eyes of your dog. But alas, the nudging continues. Throughout this call, and the next, and the next…
If your dog or cat seems bored, they’re not alone. Bored pets often bark, chew, scratch, meow or demand attention because they need more mental and physical enrichment. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to keep your dog or cat entertained while you’re working, running errands or simply relaxing at home. Here are our experts’ favorite boredom busters to help keep your pet happy, engaged and mentally stimulated.
Looking for quick answers? Jump to our Ask an Expert: Pet Boredom Busters FAQs at the end of this guide.
“HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG OR CAT IS BORED?”
Common signs that your pet is bored may include:
- Excessive barking or meowing
- Destructive chewing or scratching
- Pacing
- Following you everywhere
- Digging
- Knocking objects over
- Overgrooming
- Restlessness
If you notice your pet showing any of these behaviors, check the chart below for ideas and explore the boredom-busting tips in this guide.
“WHAT ARE THE BEST TOYS TO KEEP DOGS AND CATS ENTERTAINED?”
Interactive toys provide mental stimulation while encouraging independent play. Give your pet an engaging toy, like a puzzle feeder, snuffle mat or treat-dispensing toy. By encouraging your dog or cat to use their brain to earn a tasty reward, you’re providing an outlet for their curiosity, helping them build confidence – and, of course, tiring them out while you enjoy a little uninterrupted time to yourself.
Enrichment ideas for dogs:
- Puzzle toys
- Snuffle mats
- Treat-dispensing toys
- Plush toys
- Tug toys
- Fetch toys
SAFETY TIP: Always choose toys that are appropriate for your pet’s size, age and chewing style, and replace damaged toys as needed.
“DO CHEWS HELP KEEP DOGS AND CATS BUSY?”
Did you know chewing is a natural (and healthy) behavior for both dogs and cats? In addition to fighting boredom, chewing helps relieve stress, promote relaxation, redirect destructive behavior and clean teeth. The right pet chew can make all the difference – be sure to pick one that’s the correct size and durability. Check out our Pet Chew Guide to learn more.
“DO LICK MATS AND FROZEN TREATS HELP WITH PET BOREDOM?”
Lick mats and frozen enrichment toys are a great way for pets to pass the time. That’s because licking releases endorphins to help them feel happy and relaxed. Plus, it usually involves a yummy treat.
Try freezing your cat or dog’s favorite wet food, bone broth or pre-made treat mix in a Woof Pupsicle, KONG, lick mat or Toppl to keep them busy and entertained for up to 20 minutes or more.
SAFETY TIP: Always keep an eye on your pet while they’re chewing, licking or engaging in interactive play.
“CAN TRAINING HELP PREVENT BOREDOM IN DOGS?”
Exercising your dog’s brain through training can tire them out just as much as a long walk – sometimes even more. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. And when it comes to training, a little goes a long way. Have 10 or 15 minutes between work calls? Grab your dog’s favorite training treats and teach them a new trick to burn off energy and help them relax.
“DOES EXERCISE HELP PREVENT PET BOREDOM?”
Regular walks, play sessions and games of fetch help burn off energy while reducing boredom. For indoor cats, interactive wand toys, laser toys (followed by a tasty reward) and climbing furniture can encourage healthy activity.
“CAN CALMING SUPPLEMENTS HELP DOGS AND CATS RELAX?”
For some pets, boredom isn’t the only thing preventing them from relaxing. If your dog or cat struggles with anxiety, try a natural calming supplement with ingredients like melatonin, chamomile, L-theanine and CBD to help promote relaxation. Wondering which supplement is best for your BFF? Check out our Pet Supplement Guide.
“HOW DO I KEEP MY CAT ENTERTAINED INDOORS?”
As all cat parents know, dogs aren’t the only ones who get bored. If your cat is scratching furniture, knocking things over or pestering you for attention, chances are they’re in need of a boredom buster. Try an interactive cat toy for mental stimulation; a cat scratcher to bring out their natural instincts; or a cat bed, where they can perch and observe their domain.
Whether your pet loves solving puzzles, chewing, licking, climbing or learning new tricks, the right enrichment activities can help prevent boredom and support their overall well-being. Visit your local pet experts to discover toys, chews, treats and calming solutions tailored to your dog or cat – and don’t hesitate to ask us anything about keeping your pet happy, healthy and entertained.
ASK AN EXPERT: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT PET BOREDOM BUSTERS
How can I keep my dog entertained while I’m working from home?
Provide enrichment and keep your dog busy with puzzle toys, lick mats, frozen treats and long-lasting chews. A walk or short training session before work can also help burn energy and reduce boredom during the day.
How do I keep my cat entertained while I’m busy?
Keep your indoor cat entertained with interactive toys, treat puzzles, cat tunnels, scratching posts and climbing furniture. Rotating toys regularly helps keep playtime fresh and encourages natural hunting behaviors.
What are the best interactive toys for bored dogs and cats?
Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, treat-dispensing toys, KONG toys, lick mats, Toppl toys and interactive wand toys provide mental stimulation while helping keep dogs and cats entertained.
How much playtime do dogs and cats need each day?
Daily play helps prevent pet boredom and supports overall health. Most dogs need at least 30-60 minutes of activity, while cats benefit from several short play sessions throughout the day.
Are lick mats and frozen treats good for dogs and cats?
Yes! Lick mats and frozen enrichment toys provide mental stimulation and encourage calming licking behavior. Freeze wet food, bone broth or pet-safe treats for a longer-lasting activity.
Why is mental enrichment important for pets?
Enrichment helps prevent boredom, reduces unwanted behaviors and gives pets a healthy outlet for their natural instincts. Combining enrichment with regular exercise helps keep dogs and cats happy and engaged.
Can boredom cause destructive behavior in dogs and cats?
Yes. Bored dogs and cats may chew, scratch, bark, meow, pace or knock things over. Interactive toys, exercise and enrichment activities can help redirect these unwanted behaviors.
When should I worry that my pet’s boredom is something else?
If your pet’s barking, chewing, scratching or pacing continues despite regular enrichment, talk to your vet. Ongoing behavior changes may be related to anxiety or an underlying health issue.