The best of pet parenting is getting back in touch with the child in you. Your pets are always going to look to you for play and stimulation and you get to enjoy the best of letting your inner child loose. Play is an efficient way to mentally stimulate your pets, and to strengthen the bond you have with them. Just like humans, pets need mental exercise to stay happy, healthy, and engaged – be it a dog or a cat you can create simple, affordable DIY toys that will challenge their minds, prevent boredom, and promote positive behavior.
Here are some fun, easy, and budget-friendly DIY toy ideas for pets to keep them mentally stimulated:
1. Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders are an excellent way to mentally challenge your pet while also providing them with treats or dry dog or cat food. These toys are designed to keep your pet curious and to engage their natural instinct to sniff out, hunt, or retrieve.
To make one of these, take a small plastic bottle or empty toilet paper roll. Cut small slits along the sides and fill the roll or bottle with treats or your pet's favorite food. If you use a toilet roll, close both ends tightly. Your pet will need to figure out how to manipulate the toy to get the food out.
2. Interactive Snuffle Mats for Dogs
Snuffle mats are another fantastic mental stimulation tool. These mats allow dogs to “sniff out” dry dog food hidden in the fabric strips, mimicking natural foraging behavior. Making a snuffle mat is simple, and it can keep your dog entertained for hours. This is a game better suited for dogs, but if you have a curious cat that’s willing to play, you can try this and add dry cat food or treats, too!
All you have to do is get a rubber sink mat with holes (available at most home goods stores). Cut fleece fabric into strips and tie them through the holes, creating a dense and fluffy surface. Hide small treats in the folds and let your dog search for them.
3. Cat Laser Maze
Cats are natural hunters, and laser toys are an excellent way to engage their predatory instincts. Laser mazes need your cats to use their instinct to hunt, allowing them to engage all their senses as they chase after a prey that keeps disappearing.
Use cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, or plastic cups to create an intricate maze. Then, place a laser pointer or flashlight at one end and move it through the maze, encouraging your cat to chase the light. You can also hide treats or cat food along the maze for an added challenge.
4. Cardboard Box Maze for Cats
Cats love exploring new spaces. Their curiosity is one of the most endearing things about them. A cardboard box maze can provide hours of entertainment, a way to express their inquisitivity, and stimulates them into exploring their environment.
Use several empty cardboard boxes of different sizes. Cut holes between the boxes to create tunnels and rooms. Add crumpled paper or a few small toys inside for your pet to explore. You can even place treats or dry food at the end of the maze for an extra challenge.
Second to nutrition, mental stimulation is extremely important for your pets. Use these ideas to make cheap and customisable games and puzzles that your pets can enjoy. For the most important aspect of your pet’s health, look no further than Carniwel. We use premium ingredients and fresh meats to ensure that your pet has the best nutritions that can be found in a bag! Visit our store for our range or dog food and cat food options, and get a free toy with every order above 999/-. Give your pets everything they need for a life that feels like a celebration.