Chaos happens when you have pets. Your dog chews up the cushions every time you go out, and your cat keeps knocking all the mugs off the kitchen island.
When pets get destructive, it’s understandable that your first reaction is probably irritation or even anger. What’s actually happening, though, is that they’re feeling stressed or bored. Your pet is trying to tell you in the best way they know how that they need more mental stimulation.
Why Mental Stimulation Is Important for Pets
Exercise and play are both important parts of keeping your pet physically healthy, but pets need mental stimulation as well. Activities that require thinking keep them from getting bored or depressed. In the wild, cats and dogs are natural hunters. But with indoor living and regular feeding schedules, these instincts have fewer outlets for expression.
Dogs get a lot of mental and sensory stimulation during their daily walks, and cats get a lot of entertainment out of watching birds and lizards through the window. But a variety of pastimes is even better. Activities and games that give pets a chance to problem-solve or challenge their senses helps alleviate anxiety, boredom, and stress-related behaviors.
Enriching Your Pet’s Environment
You don’t have to overhaul your home or invest in hundreds of dollars of toys. Anything that adds interest to your pet’s environment can provide entertainment and satisfy their curiosity. They’ll love anything that provides a new sensory experience, a challenging puzzle, or a new opportunity to play.
For instance, cats love that crinkly brown paper that comes in the box when you get pet supplies delivered. (They like the boxes, too.) And dogs can be entertained for quite a while by some frozen peanut butter in a puzzle toy.
How to Keep Your Pets from Getting Bored
It’s impossible to be there 24/7 so your pet always has a playmate, but there are a few quick and easy things you can do to keep your cat or dog tuned in and attentive to their surroundings in a positive way, even when you’re not home.
- Rotate toys in and out so pets always have something “new” to play with.
- If you’re going to be gone for a while, set up food puzzles before leaving the house.
- Install a bird feeder outside your window, and give your cat a perch to watch from.
- Practice basic commands with your dog and reward them with treats.
Spending some time every day intentionally playing and engaging with your pet also makes a measurable difference in their happiness. Just 10 or 15 minutes a day helps keep your pet sharp and give those natural instincts someplace to go, instead of being misdirected toward unwanted behaviors.
How to Curb Destructive Behavior in Dogs and Cats
Did your dog jump the fence while you were at work again? Will your cat not quit knocking over your potted plants? They might be doing it on purpose, but not for the reasons you think.
Your pets’ behavior is actually the clearest way they have to communicate with you. Acts of destruction like chewing, scratching, and knocking things over can be driven by stress, boredom or anxiety. Redirecting that energy with interactive toys gives pets a more constructive way to spend their time.
- Dogs: Make sure they have plenty of chew toys and that they get one on one time with you before you leave them alone. A quick walk and a short game of tug or fetch can help soothe their anxiety and curb destructive behavior.
- Cats: Set up scratching posts and perches so cats can indulge in natural climbing and surveillance behavior. And don’t forget to play with your cat at least twice a day. Interactive play helps satisfy your cat’s urge to hunt and helps them burn off extra energy.
Pet-Centered Veterinary Care in Gilbert
While nearly every cat or dog may have an occasional “bad day,” misbehaving could be a sign that something more serious is wrong. If your pet’s behavior has suddenly changed, making a vet appointment is the best way to get to the root of the problem.
The caring team at East Valley Animal Hospital is ready to welcome your pet and perform a full health assessment to make sure they’re physically well. Our vets can are experts at interpreting pet behavior, and we’ll do our best to figure out what’s going on.
We’re always happy to meet new pets! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Photo by Andy Powell on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 06/15/2026.