Rainy days can put a damper on your pet’s usual routine, especially if they rely on outdoor play for exercise and mental stimulation. But just because the weather keeps you indoors doesn’t mean your pet has to miss out on fun, enrichment, or bonding time.
Whether you share your home with an energetic dog or a curious cat, there are plenty of indoor activities that can keep them entertained, mentally engaged, and physically active, even when the rain is pouring outside.
Here’s your guide to the best rainy day activities for dogs and cats, from DIY games to interactive toys, training tips, and enrichment ideas.
Why Rainy Day Enrichment Matters
Just like humans, pets can get bored and restless if their usual routine is disrupted. For dogs and cats, this can lead to:
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Destructive behaviour
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Excessive barking or meowing
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Pacing or restlessness
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Anxiety or attention-seeking
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Overgrooming or chewing
Keeping your pet mentally and physically stimulated indoors helps prevent boredom and promotes better behaviour, mood, and overall wellbeing.
Indoor Activities for Dogs
1. Scent Games and Nose Work
Dogs experience the world primarily through scent, and sniffing-based games are a fantastic form of mental stimulation. Try hiding treats around the house or using a snuffle mat to encourage natural foraging behaviour.
Use old towels, boxes, or egg cartons to create DIY puzzles. Start with easy hiding spots and increase the difficulty as your dog gets the hang of it. Scent-based games are great for all ages and breeds.
2. Interactive Toys and Puzzle Feeders
Treat-dispensing toys, like KONGs, LickiMats, or interactive toys, provide both entertainment and mental exercise. Stuff a KONG with peanut butter, wet food, or yoghurt and freeze it for long-lasting fun. Rotate different toys to keep things fresh. This is Ideal for high-energy dogs who need a challenge.
3. Obedience and Trick Training
Rainy days are the perfect time to reinforce basic training or teach new tricks. Practice commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” or move on to fun behaviours like “spin,” “high five,” or “tidy up.” Use positive reinforcement and reward with treats or praise, and keep sessions short and fun to maintain focus.
4. Indoor Tug or Fetch
If you have space, indoor fetch or tug-of-war can help burn off energy. Use soft toys to avoid knocking over furniture or breaking items. Be sure to choose durable toys like rope toys or soft plush.
5. Set Up a Doggy Obstacle Course
Use household items like chairs, boxes, and blankets to build a mini agility course. Encourage your dog to crawl under, jump over, or weave through obstacles. Use treats to guide them through each step.
Indoor Activities for Cats
1. Hunting and Pounce Games
Cats love to stalk, chase, and pounce, rain or shine. Use wand toys, feather teasers, or laser pointers to trigger your cat’s natural prey instincts. End laser pointer sessions with a physical toy or treat to avoid frustration, and rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom.
2. Food Puzzles and Treat Dispensers
Puzzle feeders encourage your cat to "hunt" for food and keep them occupied. Try treat balls, wobble toys, or slow feeders. Ideal for food-motivated cats or those needing more stimulation at mealtimes.
3. Create Vertical Space
Cats love to climb and observe from high places. If you’re stuck indoors, create a stimulating environment by encouraging vertical exploration. Use cat trees, window perches, or secure shelves. A window with a view can provide hours of entertainment.
4. Cardboard Boxes and DIY Tunnels
It doesn’t take much to entertain a cat, a cardboard box, paper bag, or fabric tunnel can become a world of adventure. Cut entry holes in boxes and connect them with tunnels. Sprinkle catnip or hide toys inside to spark interest.
5. Clicker Training for Cats
Yes, cats can be trained too! Use a clicker and treats to teach your cat simple commands like “sit,” “high five,” or “touch.” Keep sessions short and positive.
6. Cat TV or Tablet Games
There are videos and apps designed specifically for cats, featuring moving fish, birds, or insects that mimic prey. Many cats enjoy watching or pawing at the screen. Only use under supervision, and don’t rely on screens as a substitute for physical play.
Shared Activities and Bonding Time
Rainy days are also the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together. Try activities that both dogs and cats can enjoy:
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Grooming sessions – Brush your pet’s coat, clean ears, or trim nails.
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Massage and calming time – Gentle pet massage or cuddles can reduce anxiety.
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Photo shoot fun – Use the opportunity to snap some cute indoor pet photos.
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Enrichment boxes – Fill a shallow box with paper, kibble, toys, and catnip or treats for pets to dig through.
Rotate Toys and Introduce Novelty
Keep in mind that novelty is key. Just like us, pets can get tired of the same activities every day. Rotate toys, change up your games, and introduce new experiences regularly.
Weatherproofing Your Routine
Rainy day enrichment is more than a one-off fix, it’s a great opportunity to build habits and strengthen your pet’s resilience.
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Keep indoor activities in your weekly routine, rain or shine.
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Use rainy days as rest and recovery time for high-energy pets.
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Develop calm, focused behaviours with positive reinforcement.
Even once the sun comes back out, your pet will benefit from the mental and emotional enrichment you built during wet weather days.
Rainy days don’t have to mean restless pets or chewed-up furniture. With a little creativity and planning, you can turn stormy weather into an opportunity for learning, play, and deeper bonding. Whether it’s treat puzzles, scent games, obstacle courses, or trick training, there’s no shortage of fun to be had indoors. And if you need supplies or ideas, Woonona Petfoods is here to help.
Pop in-store or shop online to explore our wide selection of enrichment toys, puzzles, treats, and boredom busters for pets of all shapes and sizes.
