Rainy Day Activities: Keep Your Pets Happy Indoors

by Fallon Rogerson June 6, 2025

Rainy days can be cozy and relaxing for us—but for our pets, being cooped up inside can lead to restlessness, boredom, or even destructive behavior. The good news? With a few creative activities and the right toys, you can turn a gloomy day into an exciting indoor adventure for your dog or cat.

Let’s explore fun, low-stress ways to keep your furry friends active, mentally stimulated, and totally entertained—even when it’s pouring outside.

Indoor Fun for Cats: Climb, Hunt, and Play

Cats are natural climbers, hunters, and explorers. Even if they’re stuck inside, you can still give them outlets to express those instincts in playful, enriching ways.

1. Create an Indoor Obstacle Playground

If your cat’s staring out the window longingly, give them the next best thing: a vertical playground. Our Cat Climbing Frame Tower (53") offers multi-level perches, cozy hideouts, and built-in scratching posts—everything your feline needs to leap, scratch, nap, and survey their kingdom.

Why it’s a rainy day essential:

Keeps your cat physically active in a small space
Encourages healthy scratching and climbing behavior
Provides a comfortable, private retreat for naps or quiet time

Set it near a window so your cat can still enjoy some birdwatching while staying dry.

2. Stimulate Their Hunting Instincts

On rainy days, cats miss out on the thrill of outdoor exploration. That’s where interactive toys like the Pet Food Treasure Hunter come in. This foraging toy turns snack time into a game by letting your cat “hunt” for hidden treats or kibble.

Why it’s great:

Encourages mental stimulation and problem-solving
Slows down eating for better digestion
Keeps your cat engaged and entertained for longer stretches

Pro tip: Use it just before you leave the house so your cat stays occupied and content.

3. Simple, Hands-On Playtime

Sometimes, the simplest toys are the most loved. The Interactive Cat Toy with Built-In LED & Smart Motion Sensor is a must-have for rainy days. It responds to your cat’s movement with lights and motion, mimicking prey and triggering your kitty’s chase instinct.

Bonus benefits:

Keeps indoor cats active and fit
Reduces boredom-related behaviors like scratching furniture
Doubles as a solo toy for independent play

Tired cat = happy cat = peaceful rainy afternoon.

Rainy Day Ideas for Dogs: Games, Puzzles, and Chill Time

Dogs can get stir-crazy fast when they’re stuck indoors. Instead of endless games of fetch down the hallway, try switching things up with a mix of interactive toys and calming setups.

1. Turn Mealtime Into a Puzzle

Rainy days are perfect for food-based enrichment. Hide kibble or treats inside puzzle toys or snuffle mats to get your dog thinking and problem-solving. While we’ve highlighted a similar enrichment toy for cats, dogs can also benefit from the same Pet Food Treasure Hunter—it’s versatile, fun, and easily washable.

Helps with:

Slowing down fast eaters
Reducing separation anxiety
Providing indoor mental exercise

2. Build a Cozy (and Cool!) Chill-Out Zone

When rainy days hit, some pets need more than just play—they need a calm, comfy spot to relax and unwind. Whether your pup is nervous from thunder or just worn out from indoor games, setting up a designated chill space can do wonders for their mood.

Our Pet Cooling Mat for Dogs and Cats is a year-round essential that provides both comfort and temperature regulation. While originally designed for hot days, its pressure-activated gel makes it an ideal lounge surface for indoor downtime, no matter the season.

Why it’s perfect for rainy days:

Self-cooling design soothes nervous, overheated, or high-energy pets
Soft, durable, and easy to wipe clean
Doubles as a relaxation zone in crates, on the couch, or in your favorite nook

Bonus tip: Place the mat in a quiet corner with a few favorite toys and some low-volume white noise or calming music. You’ll be surprised how quickly your pet learns to treat it as their go-to relaxation retreat.