Boredom Busters: A Simple Enrichment Plan for Indoor Pets

Mental exercise is as important as physical walks. Enrichment prevents problem behaviors, boosts confidence, and makes home time happier. Try this easy weekly plan.

Daily Routine (15–20 minutes total)

• Morning (5 min): Slow or puzzle feeder for breakfast. Rotating mazes or snuffle mats encourage natural foraging and slow down gulping.

• Afternoon (5 min): Mini-training—sit, down, stay, target touch. Use a treat pouch for quick rewards; finish with a calm settle on a mat.

• Evening (5–10 min): Active play matched to energy level: fetch/tug, wand-chase, or interactive laser with a soft toy “catch” at the end.

Weekly Rotation Ideas

• Chew day: Rubber or rope chews for jaw work and stress relief.

• Scent day: Hide treats in a room or use a snuffle mat trail.

• Novelty day: Introduce a new toy or swap locations (hallway vs. living room).

• Climb & perch day: Create vertical challenges with safe perches or window seats.

• Calm day: Lick mats or stuffed toys for quiet decompression.

Setup & Safety

• Match toy size and durability to your pet. Supervise early sessions, then remove damaged toys.

• Wash bowls, slow feeders, and fabric toys regularly; rotate clean sets to keep interest high.

• Store toys in a bin or caddy—bring out 2–3 at a time to keep them “new.”

Quick wins

• Ten minutes of snuffle or puzzle time can reduce pacing and barking.

• Short training bursts build polite manners and a stronger bond.

• Consistency beats marathon play—little and often works best.