How to Choose Pet Toys to Help Boost Mental Health

November 14, 2025

If your dog is bouncing off the walls with energy or your cat is bored with the same routine, there are some simple ways you can make life more enjoyable for them. Whether your pet is a curious kitten, a playful pup, or an elderly companion, the toys you choose can transform their well-being, confidence, and daily happiness.

The right dog toys and cat toys aren’t just fun, they’re powerful tools for looking after both your pets’ physical and mental health. In this post, we have explored how the right toys can prevent boredom, ease anxiety and provide joy, all while meeting your furry friend’s unique personality and needs. Here’s how playtime can become the highlight of your pets’ day.

Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

Just as people do, pets need regular mental stimulation. When dogs and cats are left unstimulated, they can become bored, anxious, or destructive, which is especially challenging for pets who spend more time indoors or alone while their owners are out.

For dogs, puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games can turn regular mealtimes into opportunities for problem-solving. Interactive dog toys that hide treats or need pets to solve puzzles keep their minds sharp, encouraging curiosity and rewarding effort. Also, chew toys for dogs, especially those designed for mental stimulation, can keep them occupied for hours.

Cats also crave cognitive challenges. Cat toys like interactive tracks and dispensers that hide kibble spark their natural hunting instincts and relieve boredom. Catnip toys for cats are not just about having fun; they encourage movement and mental engagement, making them ideal for both outdoor and indoor cats.

Anxiety Relief and Comfort

Toys designed for comfort are very important, especially for pets with separation anxiety, experiencing stress, or recovering from changes in routine. For dogs, comfort toys like plush toys or soft chew toys offer a sense of security. Snuffle mats and lick mats are excellent anxiety reducers too: they mimic natural behaviour and keep dogs calm and focused.

Cats can benefit from soft toys and tunnels that provide tactile and scent-filled comfort. They can support cats who are sensitive or prone to anxiety. For all pets, it’s essential to offer a variety of toys to play with. Rotating toys each week can spark curiosity and prevent boredom, helping to improve the time they spend alone.

Physical Activity and Emotional Health

Mentally stimulating toys aren’t just for rainy days; they support pets’ bodies and moods all year-round. Toys that encourage movement, such as balls for dogs or feather wands for cats, combine physical and mental exercise. They can prevent restlessness in the evening, for example, while helping pets maintain a healthy weight.

Chew toys for dogs can satisfy their natural gnawing instinct and promote good dental health. They offer hours of safe chewing and can help keep them occupied at home. Mice toys are designed to stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instincts. They are perfect for batting, chasing, and pouncing, and will keep them on the move.

Interactive play also promotes endorphin release, strengthening bonds between you and your pets. Use interactive toys and come up with some games you can play together to support both mental health and build a trusting relationship.

Matching Toy Types to Pet Needs

The best toy for your pet depends on factors such as their role in the household, temperament, energy level, and age.

For energetic dogs, look for durable chew toys and interactive fetch or tug toys to channel their enthusiasm into positive play.
For puppies, soft chew toys are essential for teething, and simple puzzles can support learning in the early months.
For senior dogs, softer and lightweight toys are easier on ageing teeth and joints, while puzzle feeders keep their minds active without requiring strenuous activity.
For indoor or less active cats, opt for toys that simulate hunting or stalking, like laser pointers or track toys. They can encourage play and improve mood.
For multi-pet households, ensure toys are safe for group play and have no small parts that could be swallowed.

It’s beneficial to keep a close eye on your pet’s response to new toys. Signs of needing more enrichment include increased vocalisation, destructive chewing in dogs, overgrooming in cats, or lethargy. Purchase toys that align with their preferences, swapping out unused toys for new products until you find the perfect fit.

Safe Toy Selection Tips

To ensure your pets enjoy safe, enriching play while minimising health risks, here are some tips for toy selection:

Choose toys made from tough, non-toxic materials like natural rubber or organic cotton to reduce the risk of ingestion.
Select toys that are appropriately sized for your pet’s breed; toys that are too small can be a choking hazard, while oversized toys won’t be engaging or safe.
Avoid toys with small detachable parts, sewn-on buttons, or decorations that could easily be chewed off and swallowed.
Always supervise your pet during initial play sessions with new toys, and regularly inspect toys for damage; throw any away if they show signs of wear and tear.
For plush toys, it’s best to choose stitched features and embroidery rather than glued components or loose plastic parts.
Wash toys frequently to prevent bacteria or mould growth, especially if they’re used for chews or food dispensing.
Store string or wire-based cat toys out of reach when they’re not being used to prevent strangulation or entanglement.
Check for signs that your pet has outgrown a toy or is using it incorrectly, as their play needs may change over time.

Support Your Pet’s Well-Being with Favour

All in all, the quality and diversity of toys you have can have a direct impact on your pets’ mental health. Integrating interactive and sensory-stimulating toys into your pets’ routine can be really beneficial, whether it’s puzzle feeders, chew toys or feather wands. You can help prevent boredom, reduce anxiety, and improve your relationship with your four-legged friend.

At Favour, we’re passionate about helping your pet feel their happiest and healthiest. Explore our carefully selected range of cat toys and dog toys, each chosen for enrichment, safety, and hours of fun. You’ll find everything you need for your pet at Favour, and you can order with confidence, knowing we focus on quality, consistency, and care in every product.

If you have any questions about the toys on our website, feel free to get in touch today. Our experienced team will be happy to recommend the best options for your pets.