Budget-friendly enrichment for dogs and cats
Simple, low-cost ways to keep busy minds happy, from an animal behaviour graduate.
Enrichment means giving pets things to do that use their natural instincts: sniffing, hunting, chewing and solving problems. It helps with boredom, anxiety and destructive behaviour, and it doesn’t have to cost much.
Let them sniff
Forget TikTok and Instagram: for dogs, the real gossip is happening at ground level. Every sniff is like reading a new post, catching up on the neighbourhood drama and finding out who’s been where. So next time your dog stops to sniff every blade of grass, let them. It’s their version of doomscrolling, and they deserve a little screen time too.
That’s why Maria’s walks always leave plenty of time to sniff and explore.
For dogs
Puzzle bowls
Great for slowing down fast eaters and adding some fun to mealtimes.
A Kong toy
Durable, ideal for chewing, and helps manage anxiety. Tilly, one of our regulars, swears by a banana and yoghurt stuffed Kong.
A lick mat
Working food out of the grooves keeps the brain engaged, which helps with boredom and destructive behaviour.
A snuffle mat
Encourages sniffing and satisfies the natural urge to hunt for food.
For cats
Hidden treats
Hiding treats around the house stimulates natural hunting behaviour.
Interactive toys
Aim for 30 to 40 minutes of play a day, split into short sessions.
A window perch, or bird TV
A perch by the window to watch wildlife, or a live bird video on the TV (YouTube has plenty).
Scratching posts
For claw maintenance and stress relief.
Let’s meet your pet
Every new client starts with a free, no-obligation meet & greet at your home.