Giving your pets attention and love is essential. After playing with you, they feel fulfilled and understand that they are loved. This is beneficial for both you and your pet, as they will expend enough energy to sleep peacefully for several hours before waking up ready to play again!
Games with Dogs
Step 1. Hide Treats.
Hide treats. If you have a well-trained and obedient dog, you can sit them down and then hide treats around the same room. Then give the command "find it." Your dog will start running around the room searching for the treats. Hide them in places where your dog can easily reach.
Step 2. Play Hide and Seek.
Play hide and seek. Remember this game from childhood? Maybe your kids play it too, but it’s not just for humans! Like the previous step, it requires a well-trained dog. Sit the dog facing a wall, preferably in a corner. Then hide! Be careful, as dogs sometimes peek! Don’t make too much noise while hiding. Call your dog and wait for them to find you. Note that it's best to play this game at home alone with your dog, as other people may distract them.
Step 3. Chase the Sheet!
Chase the sheet! This game requires a backyard and an old sheet. Find an old sheet you no longer use and head to the yard with your dog. Now run while dragging the sheet on the ground; your dog will go wild trying to catch it!
Step 4. The Moving Red Dot Game.
The moving red dot game. For this game, you need a laser pointer. Use the laser pointer to drive your dog (or cat) crazy! Move it across the floor and walls and watch as your pet tries to catch it. DO NOT shine the laser pointer into your pet's eyes, as it can damage their vision.
Games with Cats
Step 1. Cats Love Strings!
Cats love strings! Cut a bit of yarn or something similar and drag it along the floor or bed, watching as your cat chases after it! Success is guaranteed, as all cats love strings!
Step 2. Cats Love Boxes!
Cats love boxes! Haven't you heard of the cat Maru? [1] Cats adore boxes and will likely jump inside as soon as they see one, considering it a fun activity! A box becomes especially enticing when there's a treat inside... Note that this game also applies to paper and plastic bags!
Step 3. Hand Under the Blanket.
Hand under the blanket. This game may leave scratches! Hide your hand under a blanket, move your fingers to make the blanket move. The cat won’t understand it’s you and will go crazy trying to catch the little "mouse" under the blanket!
Games with Birds
Step 1. Birds Love Paper.
Birds love paper. They enjoy chewing it and can play for hours with a single piece of paper, tearing it into thousands of tiny pieces! Just use plain white paper, no inks, as they can be harmful to your pet. Also, help the bird by cutting the paper into smaller pieces for easier handling.
Step 2. Birds Love Feathers.
Birds love feathers. This is a funny feature. For play, you can collect the feathers your pet has shed (don’t pull them out intentionally), and when you have enough, tie them with a cotton string and hang them from the top of the cage. Watch as your pet has fun with its new "friend"!
Games with Rats and Mice
Step 1. Let Your Pet Climb into Your Pocket!
Let your pet climb into your pocket! Don’t button up the pocket; this works best if your clothing isn’t too tight (that’s why this game is best suited for sweater pockets). Your pet will climb in and out of your pocket and run around you! Be careful to ensure your pet doesn’t fall!
Step 2. Create an Obstacle Course.
Create an obstacle course. To guide your mouse/rat through the obstacle course, you can use treats. Place treats about 5-7 cm apart.
Step 3. Play Under Cover!
Play under cover! Cover your pet with a cloth or something similar and watch how they try to find their way out. Don’t use heavy, thick fabrics for this game, and pay attention to signs that your pet is not enjoying the game or is struggling to find their way out. Stop the game before your pet gets upset or stressed out.
Games with Rabbits
Step 1. Scatter Random Items on the Floor.
Scatter random items on the floor. These include small tunnels your rabbit can crawl through, newspapers to chew on, balls to play with, and treats. Of course, your rabbit will be most interested in the treats, but you’ll soon find out they enjoy playing too.
Step 2. Peek-a-Boo.
Peek-a-boo. Take a piece of fabric, stretch it over your rabbit, then remove it while saying "peek-a-boo" and watch the reaction. Some rabbits go crazy for this game, while others find it strange.
