Leaving your dog or cat alone during the day can feel stressful — for both you and your pet. Whether you're heading to work, running errands, or stepping out for a few hours, the thought of your furry friend sitting home alone might fill you with guilt or concern.
But here’s the truth: with the right setup, your pet can be calm, stimulated, and perfectly happy in your absence.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to keep your dog or cat occupied, entertained, and emotionally balanced when you're not around — with a mix of expert tips and Elyvor-approved accessories.
🧠 Why Boredom is a Problem for Pets
When left alone without stimulation, pets can develop:
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Separation anxiety
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Destructive behaviors (scratching, chewing, barking)
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Depression or lethargy
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Overeating or compulsive behaviors
Your pet doesn’t need constant attention, but they do need a purpose and engagement, even when you're gone.
🐶 How to Keep a Dog Busy While You're Away
1. Interactive Treat Toys
Dogs love a challenge. Toys that require them to think and work for a reward are perfect for mental stimulation.
🛒 Try this:
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Treat-dispensing balls
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Rotating puzzle toys like our “Spin & Snack”
2. Lick Mats or Chew Mats
Licking is naturally soothing for dogs. A frozen peanut butter lick mat can keep them calm and busy for up to 30 minutes or more.
🛒 Elyvor pick: “Zen Snack Lick Mat” – ideal for calming dogs during absence.
3. Audio or Video Stimulation
Leave a calming playlist or pet-specific YouTube video playing in the background. It creates the feeling that they’re not completely alone.
🎧 Tip: Look for “dog calming music” or “TV for dogs”.
4. Hide-and-Seek with Treats
Before you leave, hide a few treats or kibble-filled toys around the house. Your dog will spend time sniffing them out — a mentally enriching game that taps into natural instincts.
🐱 How to Keep a Cat Entertained When You’re Not Home
1. Automated Toys
Cats love toys that move, chirp, or spin. Invest in motion-sensor toys that activate sporadically during the day to mimic prey-like behavior.
🛒 Best seller: “Feather Chase Spinner” – moves unpredictably to keep cats intrigued.
2. Window Access
Install a cat hammock or window perch where your cat can lounge and watch birds or street activity. Visual stimulation keeps them occupied for hours.
🛒 Top pick: “SkyView Cat Perch” – strong suction, sunlight-friendly.
3. Scratching Stations + Solo Play Zones
Set up multiple play areas with scratchers, crinkle tunnels, and catnip toys. Rotate toys weekly to keep them “new.”
🛒 Pro tip: Keep a toy rotation box – 3 toys out, 3 hidden and swapped weekly.
4. Food Puzzles
Encourage foraging by using interactive feeders or hide dry food in a snuffle mat to simulate hunting behavior.
🛏️ For Both Cats and Dogs: Comfort and Security
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Make sure they have a dedicated quiet space with a bed or cozy cocoon.
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Use pheromone diffusers (Feliway for cats, Adaptil for dogs) to help reduce stress.
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Try a pet camera with treat dispenser if you want to interact remotely.