New Year, New Enrichment Ideas: Keeping Pets Mentally Stimulated at Home

A dog holding a blue toy in its mouth, looking playfully at the camera.

As we settle into the New Year, many of us are spending more time indoors - and so are our pets. Colder weather, darker evenings, and wet winter days often mean shorter dog walks and less outdoor time for cats, especially those who usually roam.

While this seasonal slowdown is completely normal, it’s important to remember that mental stimulation is just as vital for pets as physical exercise. Without it, boredom can quickly turn into frustration, and that’s often when behavioural issues start to appear.

The good news? Keeping your pet mentally enriched at home doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen your bond while supporting their overall wellbeing.

Why Mental Enrichment Matters

Mental enrichment helps pets:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Prevent boredom-related behaviours (such as chewing, barking, scratching, or over-grooming)
Build confidence and problem-solving skills
Feel more settled and content at home

For dogs and cats alike, enrichment gives them an outlet for their natural instincts - sniffing, hunting, exploring, and learning.

Dogs: Simple Enrichment Ideas for Indoors

When long walks aren’t always possible, try adding these into your dog’s daily routine:

🐕 Make Mealtimes More Interesting

Instead of feeding from a bowl:

Use puzzle feeders or treat balls
Scatter food around one room for a “sniff and search” game
Hide small portions in cardboard boxes or under cups

Sniffing is mentally tiring for dogs - even a short session can help them relax.

🧠 Short Training Sessions

Five to ten minutes of training can be incredibly enriching:

Practise basic cues like sit, stay, or recall
Teach a new trick (spin, paw, roll over)
Try scent games by hiding treats and encouraging your dog to find them

Keep sessions positive and fun - this is about engagement, not perfection.

🧸 Rotate Toys

Rather than leaving all toys out:

Put some away and rotate them every few days
Introduce a “special” toy during quiet times

Novelty keeps toys exciting and engaging.

Cats: Enrichment for Indoor Days

If your cat is spending more time inside during winter, enrichment becomes especially important.

🐈 Encourage Natural Hunting Behaviour

Use wand toys to mimic prey movements
Play little and often, even 5-minute sessions matter
Let your cat “catch” the toy at the end to avoid frustration

🪟 Create Viewing Spots

Cats love watching the world go by:

Set up a perch near a window
Consider a bird feeder outside (safely positioned)

Mental stimulation doesn’t always require active play.

🧩 Food Puzzles for Cats

Many cats enjoy puzzle feeders or treat mazes:

These slow down eating
Encourage problem-solving
Add variety to routine

Preventing Behavioural Issues Before They Start

Boredom is one of the most common underlying causes of behaviour changes we see as vets. Excessive barking, destructive chewing, scratching furniture, or changes in toileting habits can all be signs that a pet needs more mental engagement.

Introducing enrichment early, especially during quieter winter months, can help prevent these issues from developing and support a happier, more relaxed pet.

Enrichment as a Bonding Opportunity

One of the most overlooked benefits of enrichment is connection.

Whether it’s playing a game, teaching a new skill, or simply sitting together during a calm activity, these moments:

Build trust
Strengthen your relationship
Help pets feel secure and understood

Your time and attention are often the most valuable enrichment of all.

A New Year Focus on Wellbeing

At Tribe Mobile Vets, we know that wellbeing isn’t just about physical health - it’s about emotional and mental balance too. Small changes at home can make a big difference to your pet’s happiness, especially during the colder months.

If you’re concerned about your pet’s behaviour, energy levels, or overall wellbeing, our mobile vet team is always happy to help, in the comfort of your own home.

New year, new enrichment - and a happier, healthier pet to match.