Choosing Toys That Keep Your Pet Busy Solo

Pets left alone for a few hours often do better with a toy that rewards them for playing, rather than one that just sits there. A treat-dispensing or puzzle-style toy gives a cat or dog a reason to keep interacting with it, which helps with boredom and the destructive habits that come with it.

Matching the toy to your pet's energy

A high-energy dog or a young cat usually needs a toy that moves or resets quickly, while an older or lower-energy pet may prefer a slower puzzle feeder that rewards patience over speed. Watching how your pet responds in the first few sessions tells you which type fits.

Supervising the first few sessions

It's worth watching the first few play sessions with any new toy, especially one with small or moving parts, to see how your specific pet interacts with it before leaving them alone with it for longer periods.