How to Relieve Pet Boredom

Bored pets are restless pets. If there is not enough activity to keep yours entertained, they will fill the time in their own way. Unfortunately, that’s often destructive. Cats will run from wall to wall, climbing curtains, knocking over prized pottery and scratching up the upholstery. A dog may exhibit his boredom by making your sofa his favorite chew toy. Both may urinate in forbidden areas when bored.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Exercise your pet. The more pent up energy your furry friend has, the more he benefits from physical activity. His muscles need to move and his mind needs stimulation. Take your dog for a walk or roll a ball around for your cat to chase.

2. Consider getting a playmate for your pet. When you can’t entertain him, another dog or cat might be the answer to pet boredom. Animals crave attention and companionship. Make sure your pet will accept a new friend, however, before you commit to getting one.

3. Visit your local video store to rent pet-specific videos. Designed specifically to entertain your dog or cat, they feature the antics of other pets, their barks and meows and various eye-catching movements that will keep your pet entertained for a while.

4. Try calling your pet from work if he enjoys hearing your voice. Some pet owners set the volume on the answering machine high enough that Fido can hear, then they call a few times a day and leave a message.

5. Purchase an aquarium and stock it with lively fish that your pet can observe when you’re gone. Cover it securely if you have a cat, and place it where your pet can easily watch.

6. Litter the floor with pet-specific chew toys and treats before you leave for work. Dogs can chew on a silicone or rawhide for hours, while a cat can entertain herself by batting soft toys around.

Tips & Warnings

• Walk around your home and try to put yourself in your pet’s shoes. Ask yourself what would keep you entertained, then set about providing it for your furry friend. Eliminate pet boredom by understanding your pet's needs.

Resources

• Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
• The Art of Raising a Puppy
• DVD For Cats: While You Are Gone