Most of us probably wish we could hang out with our pets 24/7. Wouldn’t life be grand if you could bring your cat or dog to work or out to a restaurant?

Unfortunately, that’s not possible for most people. And unless you’re lucky enough to work from home, you must leave your pets to their own devices for large chunks of time each day.

While that is a reality of modern life, it’s not ideal for your pets who crave companionship and stimulation. And, as you’ve probably learned the hard way, when animals are bored, they tend to make their own fun… in ways that you might not like.

To avoid those potentially damaging and dangerous situations, follow our tips to keep your furry friends engaged even when you’re not there to play.

1.  Adopt a Friend

The very best thing you can do for your solo pet is to adopt a companion for them. Playing with a friend will provide endless hours of fun for both animals. And when you adopt a rescue pet, you’re not only giving your current pet a playmate, but you’re saving one more animal who needs a forever home.

This may not be the right solution for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you’re concerned about your pet being alone too often. Keep in mind that many shelters will allow you to foster a potential new pet to determine if it’s a good fit.

2.  The Tube

Of course, it’s no substitute for you, but the TV can provide some stimulation for your pets. Leave the TV on the Animal Planet network and, at the very least, your pet will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of other animals through the screen. It may sound a bit silly, but it’s better than total silence.

3.  Window Perch

If there’s not much action going on inside your home, make sure your pets have a comfy spot to sit by a window or door that looks out to the street or yard. This way they can watch people and other animals coming and going all day long. If you’ve ever heard the sounds a cat makes while looking at a bird or squirrel outside, you know that this activity provides a great deal of stimulation.

4.  Hide-A-Treat

There are special toys for both cats and dogs that are made to create a fun challenge. There’s a treat hidden inside, and they have to “work” to get it out. For them, the work is play and they get rewarded when they figure it out. Not a bad deal.

5.  Interactive Toys

These days, there are many toys made specifically for stimulating your pet when you’re not home. So, stop at your local pet store or check out Amazon for highly rated toys made specifically for interactive play for either cats or dogs. Not all toys will interest all pets, so you may have to experiment a bit to find one that holds their attention.

Leaving your pet at home alone can be hard on you and your furry friend. There’s no one solution to make things better – the most important thing you can do is try. Be conscious of the fact that being on their own is no fun and explore various options for keeping them busy.