Kids like to play, and pets are no different. Keeping pets engaged in activities not only wards off boredom, but also keeps pets healthy by keeping them moving and mentally active, says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor and animal behavior expert in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Kids like to play, and pets are no different. Keeping pets engaged in activities not only wards off boredom, but also keeps pets healthy by keeping them moving and mentally active, says Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor and animal behavior expert in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
Cats need active toys, she notes, and wind-up toys, balls and other objects they can bat around are great ways to encourage activity and keep them from becoming sedentary. Cats would be chasing mice, bugs, birds and other small prey most of the day in the wild.
“A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is that cats, if not entertained, will find their own entertainment,” she adds. “They will jump on counters and bat at things not intended to be toys, things get broken and then living with a cat can get a little strained.”
Keeping this in mind can help you pick out toys they might enjoy, she says, adding not to pick out toys you think are pretty or interesting – pay attention to what the cat plays with. Toys also don’t need to be expensive -- sometimes a paper bag, cardboard box or a towel lumped in the middle of the floor can provide great entertainment for a curious cat.
Beaver says cats love to climb and perch. Cat penthouses, kitty condos, window boxes/hammocks and plenty of scratching posts help cats keep a natural habitat feel.
Beaver also recommends having two cats, if possible. Getting two together while they are young is often a great approach to owning cats. They provide company and entertainment for each other, she explains.
“Dogs are a bit different, but by keeping their natural behavior in mind, you can also provide them with a stimulating environment,” Beaver says. Dogs are much more interactive with humans and dogs typically play with toys while their owners are home.
With this in mind, dog parks are one of the best ways for urban dwellers to keep their dogs active and mentally stimulated. The interaction between dog and owner, and between dogs is great for mental and physical health Beaver says, adding to be sure that dogs are up to date on all vaccinations, and as with any public excursion, be certain to pick up after your pet.
But while you are away from home, you can keep dogs engaged with the right toys. As with choosing toys for cats, toys that promote activity and mental stimulation are ideal. Beaver says one great way to do this is by providing toys that dispense food, but advises being careful to watch calorie intake if using treats and food with toys. Beaver says that freezing rubber toys such as Kongs with a soft food filling is a good idea because it takes longer to get the treat out of the toy and extends the play time.
She suggests an inexpensive alternative: simply putting dry dog food in a plastic soda bottle. As the dog plays with the bottle, the food can fall out – a reward for playing with the bottle.
“Toys like this stimulate play, keep them busy and make being alone more enjoyable for the dog,” she explained. “Also by food being dispensed while the owner is away, it can reduce the mental link between people and the provision of food – which can help ease the anxiety of owners leaving the dog at home alone.”
Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University.
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