The Joy of Playing With Pets

A "Jack in the Box" attack by Posey.

Source: Courtesy of Sarah Hoggan DVM

Every box, and most paper bags, that enter my home, eventfully become a toy; a passive but necessary element in a game.

The game is simple and varies slightly by the species participating. The cats like both bags, and boxes, and predictably play “hide and seek”—with a part of them usually sticking out of the bag.

The box is used for a slightly devious version of “Jack in the Box,” where they hide in the box, pounce out at you, and playfully maul your feet as you walk past.

Dogs

The dogs, by comparison, have no use for bags, and zero elements of stealth. They play a type of tag where they jump in, and out, of the box repeatedly, run a large circle from the box, to the kitchen, to the box again, and eventfully fall asleep in an exhausted pile that fills the box, and spills out onto an adjacent blanket.

I participate in these shenanigans because the games are ridiculous but always entertaining. I absolutely pick out specific boxes at Costco to bring home, just to see what mayhem will ensue.

Popping out of a bag or box unexpectedly, half startling someone you love is fun. Trying to be “king of the mountain” and then falling asleep in a heap of happy exhaustion with someone you love, is fun. My animals prove to me every single day that I work too much, too hard, too seriously, and more play is necessary.

Study on Adult Play

Winnie, with treasures, after she won the box.

Source: Courtesy of Sarah Hoggan DVM

A 2013 study in the European Journal of Humor Research noted that adult play and “playfulness” had a positive association with a feeling of life satisfaction, and playful adults tended to have a more active lifestyle filled with enjoyable activities.

One of the best parts of playing with our pets is that it can be as active, or passive, as needed.

Examples of “active play,” something that requires motion and engagement from us are games of fetch, swimming in the pool together, chasing the laser pointer, wresting, taking them for a walk, or any form of chasing game. This type of play is excellent for young animals with lots of energy, or for pets who were alone a good portion of the day and were mostly sleeping or bored.

This type of play engages their mind, and bodies, and allows them to spend pent-up energy on a positive activity, instead of a negative one; like destroying the house.

Passive play doesn’t require as much direct engagement with your pets. It can involve getting them a new toy or box to play with, arranging a play date with another pet, or even brushing or petting them. The idea of “play” is that it is something that is relaxing and fulfilling to both of you. Watching your pet play with their new toy or new friend, is fun, and you can chat or drink a coffee while they are engaged.

The amount of time spent playing to have a positive impact on your pets is surprisingly little. Most cats will benefit from 30 minutes of play per day. This can be a single session of engagement or two or three shorter sessions. It depends upon your cat’s attention span and stamina.

Dogs, depending on their size, breed, and age, typically need 30-90 minutes of play per day. A very high-intensity, high-energy breed, like a border collie, will likely need more time and stimulation. An older, less driven breed, like a Shih Tzu, will be more motivated to play for 30 minutes and call that good. What matters more than the specific amount of time spent, is a consistent routine of play so you both have something to look forward to each day.

Older Pets

If your pets are older, have limited mobility, or don’t particularly like to engage in rambunctious behavior, there are still ways to play with them that enhance both your lives. First, recognize that “play” for adults with special needs pets, can be accomplished in a wide variety of ways.

Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, did research and identified eight “play personalities” people tend to have. These are basically categories of activity that adults engage in, which meet the definition of play: a recreational activity that brings you joy and excitement.

1. The Collector: You enjoy building collections, such as collecting stamps or vintage cars.
2. The Competitor: You enjoy playing (and winning) games with specific rules, like playing for a neighborhood soccer league.
3. The Creator or Artist: You find joy in making things, or making things work. You might enjoy doodling, woodworking, decorating, fixing machinery, or sewing.
4. The Director: You enjoy planning and directing, like hosting themed birthday parties.
5. The Explorer: You play by discovering something new, either physically (a new place) or mentally. You might play by going on a vacation to a new place or discovering a new type of music.
6. The Joker: You enjoy being silly and foolish. You might enjoy improv theatre or simply making your friends laugh.
7. The Kinesthete: You enjoy moving your body as play. You might practice yoga or take a dance class for fun.
8. The Storyteller: You play by listening to or creating stories. You might enjoy going to the theater or writing in a journal.

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With these categories, it is easy to imagine ways to incorporate your pet’s company: Take them with you to the park when you play chess, if they are small enough, carry them in a backpack pet carrier, on a hike, take them in a pet stroller to a flea market or antique fair, or have them nearby when you are writing painting or sewing. Hearing a contented sigh from your dog, or a soothing purr from your cat, is a contagious form of relaxation.

Remember, how you play isn’t particularly critical. The fact that you are building regular playtime with your pets to connect, relax, and feel joy, is what matters. Spending that amount of time is an investment for both of you.