Enrichment Ideas for Dogs and Cats: Easy Brain Games

Why enrichment matters
Mental play reduces stress, builds confidence and helps prevent problem behaviours. Short, fun sessions beat long, tiring ones. Aim for a few minutes, a few times a day.

One-week quick-start plan

• Day 1: Scatter feed a portion of dinner on a snuffle mat or in rolled towels.

• Day 2: Box search. Hide dry food in a few small boxes or paper bags and let your pet nose them out.

• Day 3: Hallway fetch for dogs or wand-toy chase for cats. Keep bursts short.

• Day 4: Nose work. Hide 5 treats around one room. Help with easy hints at first.

• Day 5: DIY puzzle. Use an egg carton with paper over the cups. Place kibble underneath.

• Day 6: New texture walk for dogs or cardboard maze for cats.

• Day 7: Trick time. Teach a simple cue like touch, spin, or paw with 5 tiny reps.

Indoor ideas for rainy days

• Treat trails across safe, non-slip areas.

• Towel burrito. Wrap a few treats in layers to unroll.

• For cats, create vertical routes with chairs or shelves and hide treats higher up.

• Quiet foraging while you work. Use a slow-feeder or kibble trail in another room.

Backyard and balcony ideas

• “Find it” in short grass or on a balcony in muffin tins with balls covering treats.

• Cardboard tunnels for cats. Add one new hide spot each week.

• Mini obstacle course for dogs using broom handles on books and cones. Keep jumps low.

Dog-only games

• Scent pairing. Pick a safe scent like chamomile tea. Place a sachet near a treat and reward sniffing.

• Two-toy swap. Throw one toy, ask for a drop, then throw the second. Builds impulse control.

• Settle practice. Reward calm on a mat while life happens around them.

Cat-only games

• Hunt cycle. Stalk, chase, catch, eat, sleep. Use a wand toy before meals to mimic this.

• Food “fishing.” Place a few kibbles on different shelf levels to encourage gentle climbs.

• Paper peekaboo. Cut small holes in a paper bag. Move a wand toy underneath.

Keep it safe and low stress

• Supervise chewers. Remove broken toy parts.

• Avoid string, hair ties and ribbon unless you are right there.

• Stop if your pet looks worried or tired.

• Skip slippery floors and high jumps for seniors.

• Keep parasite protection on schedule for outdoor play and travel.

Trusted protection while they explore
Match the correct weight band and follow the label.

• Dogs, broad monthly chew: Simparica Trio chewable tablet for dogs

• Dogs, long-acting option: Bravecto chew for dogs

• Cats, broad monthly spot-on: Revolution Plus spot-on for cats

• Cats, long-acting spot-on: Bravecto spot-on for cats

FAQ

How long should each session be
Most pets do best with 3 to 10 minutes. Stop while they still want more. Do a few short sessions a day instead of one long one.

Can enrichment replace walks
No. It complements exercise. Dogs still need daily physical activity suited to age and weather.

My cat is not interested in toys. Any tips
Try different textures and speeds. Short, low-light sessions before meals often help. Rotate toys weekly.

What if my dog gets frustrated with puzzles
Make it easier. Fewer covers, larger treats, and more hints. Reward small wins to build confidence.

Need help choosing a prevention plan
Tell us your pet’s age, weight and routine and we will suggest a simple plan that fits your home. Contact us.