Rain, hail or play: indoor winter fun for pets

As another winter descends, so does the prospect of rainy or chilly days best spent indoors. And while those days may be cosy for us, our furry friends won’t be as excited. Trips to the park, days at the beach and even walks around the neighbourhood are suddenly off the table, or at least logistically difficult. Worse still, understimulated pets can turn to destruction to let out their energy, with furniture often bearing the brunt of anxious chewing and scratching. Your pet still needs their daily dose of activity and enrichment, but there's a creative and fun solution within reach. By turning your home into a stimulating pet playground, you can keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching on even the dreariest winter days. Understandably, cats and dogs want different things from their playtime, so get creative and keep it fun with these practical tips.

Time to play

Make some space and set aside a specific area to transform into your pet’s playroom. Consider a rug or foam tiles to prevent slipping and fence off any place you don’t want the fun to go. Once you have your blank canvas, it’s time to create a course. Consider your pet’s personality and create tunnels, towers and pathways to navigate using cushions, chairs, toys and other pet-safe objects you have on hand.

Fun with food

Food is the great motivator for any pet, but when it’s miserable outside, why not make them work for it? Hide their favourite treats around the play area, then unleash your pet on a scavenger hunt. If you have any clean egg cartons or boxes in recycling, make some holes and fill them with treats. These DIY busy boxes will entertain and frustrate your pet in equal measure as they work hard to free the tasty rewards. Keep the forage-fest going with a snuffle mat, which is a great food-based head-scratcher for dogs and cats alike. It pays to emphasise slow feeding if your pet is housebound for any length of time. Rather than leaving food out for constant snacking (or gorging), use slow-feed bowls or food dispensing toys to ease the feeding frenzy. Likewise, a lick mat is another ideal way to elongate meals as well as ease anxiety.

Toys in the ‘hood

You’re likely to find that empty cardboard boxes, plastic bottles or even a scrunched-up ball of paper can provide oodles of fun for pets. Toys meant for the park can work at home in the right environment; if you have the space, send your dog on a fetch quest for soft bouncy balls, or break out the ping pong balls and toy mice for your cat. Food puzzle toys are another great way to keep pets entertained, and you’ll doubtless find plenty to enjoy as you watch them try to unlock the treats within. Stay on hand to help your pet learn these games and encourage them to keep playing. Make sure they’re successful early on so they don’t get frustrated. And don’t forget, any food or treats count towards their daily portion of food.

Work, rest and play

Pet playtime doesn’t have to take up the entire day. For dogs, consider two or three 15–30-minute play sessions evenly spaced throughout the day, with small bursts between. Cats will prefer shorter sessions, perhaps 5-10 minutes, and a variety of small toys and laser pointers to simulate the hunt. Socialising is an important benefit of any trip outside, but it’s not always a good idea to invite a furry friend over – after all, a pet’s home is sacred to them. Weather permitting, consider a brief outdoor playdate somewhere nearby. A little schmoozing goes a long way for your pet. Make sure you provide a calm space where your pet can rest after playtime has ended. Remember, your home is also your pet’s home, so it may be difficult for them to adjust its rezoning as a play area. However, careful planning and use of fences can separate rest and play areas. All pets are different, so your mileage may vary, but tailoring playtime is part of the fun. Mix things up, add variety and don’t be afraid to get a bit silly! Ultimately, it’s not about surviving winter. You’re building positive associations and a stronger bond with your pet and giving them the attention and engagement they need to thrive.

FAQs

How can I keep my pet entertained during winter?

Indoor enrichment activities such as scavenger hunts, puzzle toys, play courses and interactive games can help keep pets mentally stimulated and physically active when outdoor activities are limited.

What are the best indoor activities for dogs on rainy days?

Dogs often enjoy indoor fetch, treat hunts, snuffle mats, food puzzles, training sessions and obstacle courses made from household items. These activities can help burn energy and reduce boredom.

How do I stop my pet getting bored indoors?

Providing a variety of toys, enrichment activities, food puzzles and regular play sessions can help prevent boredom. Rotating toys and introducing new challenges can also keep pets engaged.

Are puzzle toys good for pets?

Yes. Puzzle toys encourage problem-solving, provide mental stimulation and can help slow down eating. They are a great option for keeping pets occupied during long periods indoors.

How much exercise does my pet need in winter?

Exercise needs vary by species, breed, age and health status. While outdoor activity may decrease during winter, pets still benefit from regular movement, play and enrichment throughout the day.

Can indoor pets become anxious or destructive during winter?

Pets that do not receive enough physical activity or mental stimulation may become bored, anxious or destructive. Providing enrichment opportunities can help reduce unwanted behaviours such as chewing, scratching or excessive vocalisation.

How can I create an indoor playground for my pet?

You can use household items such as cushions, tunnels, boxes, chairs and toys to create obstacle courses and interactive play areas. Tailor activities to your pet's personality, mobility and preferences.

Why is enrichment important for pets?

Enrichment supports your pet's mental wellbeing, encourages natural behaviours, reduces boredom and helps strengthen the bond between pets and their owners.