Do Toys Stop Your Pet From Becoming Bored?

By Derek Rogers
No matter which type of pet you own, there will always be a range of toys suitable for them. Cats and dogs in particular have a large number of toys available to them and they are often seen as an essential for any pet owner. However, can toys really stop your pet from becoming bored and do you really need them?
What you need to know about Pet Toys
Pet toys come in all different shapes and sizes and they are designed to be used either by the pet alone or by the owner with the pet. They do stop boredom, although they cannot always be used instead of affection towards your pet.
Basically, your pet needs love and attention every day and they often get that through their owners playing with them. It enables the two of you to bond together and it is fun playing with your pet. You can also give your pet toys when you need to keep them occupied for a while too. However, toys should not replace love and affection and you can only expect your pet to be distracted with toys for a short period of time.
The Different Toys Available
There are so many types of toys available to purchase and it is a good idea to have a variety of toys available for your pet to play with. That way they will not get bored quickly. All pets need toys, even the smallest or the largest ones. Hamsters, gerbils, rats, rabbits, dogs, cats and even large pets such as horses need some form of entertainment! So how do you know what to purchase?
Generally, dogs love a variety of toys such as balls, teddies, rubber toys, and tug of war ropes. If you need to keep them occupied for a while, then you should try the "Kong" range of toys. These are basically solid rubber toys that have a hole in them that you fill with something tasty. Your dog will spend hours trying to lick the treat out of the Kong toy and it will keep them occupied whilst you go out or if you need to leave the room for any reason. Having a small toy box for your dog is definitely a good idea and they can then get their toys whenever they want to.
Cats love toys that they can chase and catch. Wind up mice and balls attached on a string hanging from scratching posts are very popular. You can also purchase fluffy toys and balls. Cats tend to love things that have different textures so it is not surprising to find toys that feel different such as fluffy toys, soft toys, plastic balls and even foil type toys. They also love toys that make a noise so you should keep that in mind when you are choosing the best ones.
Small animals like things that they can climb on. Pet stores do sell a small range of small animal toys and they include ladders, seesaws, and tubes.
Overall, it is important to own pet toys no matter what type of pet you have. It will prevent boredom, although you will still need to shower your pet with love and affection daily to really keep them happy!Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For information on pet supplies, he recommends Seapets, one of the UK's leading suppliers of Pet Toys