Baby Animal Games

Pets undergo physical, emotional and mental development stages during infancy. Baby pets build muscle and bone strength, emotional bonds and mental capability through physical activity. Games are a useful activity that supports the development process. Because each pet has unique personalities and instincts, some games are more suitable to play with cats, for example, than dogs.

  1. Puppies

    • Playing games with your puppy can teach it valuable skills such as obedience, searching and retrieving. Fetch is a common game that puppies instinctively understand. The game also teaches dogs to come to you when commanded. A tug-of-war game allows your dog to release some of its instinctive aggressive behavior, allowing the dog to be more good-natured and obedient. Agility games such as running and jumping through an obstacle course improves a puppy's coordination and burns calories and energy. Puppies also enjoy the challenge and praise of completing a course.

    Kittens

    • A kittens that engages in playtime strengthen its bond with its owner, reduces its aggressive nature and fear, builds confidence and provides mental and physical stimulation. Kittens begin to play at around three weeks of age. Because of its carnivorous nature, many of the instinctive games a kitty play center on hunting. Mouse is a game that kittens play with an immobile object. The kitten will stalk an object from a distance and then suddenly pounce on it. A game of bird can be played with a dangling, suspended object. Kittens will leap through the air and swat at objects. This game improves a kitten's leg strength and helps them become able to leap five times their height. Kittens also play socially with each other, engaging in play fighting often.

    Bunnies

    • Although bunnies are typically calm and stoic creatures, several games will promote active play as well as strengthen the bond between bunny and owner. A obstacle course game can be played by placing the bunny's favorite treat in between several objects of different heights and sizes. The bunny will jump and maneuver between the obstacles to receive the treat. Bunnies also enjoy playing fetch just like puppies. Using toys that they can grip with its teeth, a bunny will chase after a thrown toy and either toss it back to you with a flick of the head or carry it back to you.

    Rodents

    • Rodents also enjoy playing games with their owners. These games improve the physical health of rodents that would otherwise be mostly stationary inside a cage. Rodents enjoy a game of chase, where they will race after a small object such as a ribbon, string or pencil as its dragged along the ground. Baby rodents such as hamsters and gerbils will also enjoy playing in an exercise wheel. To keep your baby rodent active daily, set up an obstacle course in the cage that it will have to complete to access its food.