While Las Vegas isn’t experiencing terribly inclement weather like some parts of the country, the short, dark winter days can make it tough to play with our pets outside. Your pets may be spending more time indoors than during the spring and summer days, and they might even be getting a little cabin fever. We’ve got some ideas and tips for indoor fun to provide activity and stimulation for your furry friend.

#1: Enroll in a training class

Although not many training courses are available for your feline friend, you can adapt canine courses to fit your cat, or check out The Cat School Training Kit, which offers a retractable target stick, quiet clicker, printable quick-start guide, and a fun online training course. For dogs, a variety of training classes are available, no matter what strikes her fancy. Search for classes that teach a new activity, such as rally obedience, herding, lure coursing, tracking, or dock jumping.

#2: Design a canine or feline version of Whack-a-Mole

The entertaining people game, Whack-a-Mole, can be configured to a feline or canine version. Cut holes in a cardboard box large enough to fit your “mole,” and encourage your pet to snatch up the prize. Use a catnip mouse or feather wand for cats, and entice dogs with a toy, hot dog, or chunk of string cheese.

#3: Create an indoor agility course

You may not believe you can teach your cat to hop over a jump, but it is entirely possible. If a goldfish can be trained to swim through a hoop, you can entice your feline friend to complete an agility course—provided you reward appropriately. Create an indoor agility course using furniture, stacks of books, and other items to build jumps and weave poles. Lure your cat through the course with her favorite treat or toy, and she’ll soon be leaping over jumps with ease.

Questions about getting through the rest of these short winter days with your pet? Contact us.