Winter enrichment for dogs & cats: indoor activity ideas when it’s dark early

Winter enrichment for dogs and cats is a little more difficult than at other times of the year. If they love the outdoors and the sunshine, then it can get hard to keep them entertained inside, while the cold weather can lead to a big energy drop off for our pets.

But thankfully, winter doesn’t mean enrichment and entertainment needs to stop. Here, we share winter enrichment tips for dogs and cats and discuss how to entertain your tailmate in the colder months.

Top-quality pet insurance

Award-winning for a reason

Our cover comes from listening to thousands of cat and dog owners like you.

Protect your pet

Why winter enrichment is important for pet happiness and health

While it’s true that pets slow down a little in winter and make efforts to conserve energy, this doesn’t mean they don’t want to play, learn, and experience new things anymore. But the weather does get cold in British winters, so you may need to change up your go-to enrichment plans.

So, just because it’s cooler outside doesn’t mean you need to cool off on your pet’s training, enrichment, and exercise; in fact, they probably need just that to keep them warm, settled, and happy.

Our guides on taking care of your cat and dog in winter can help with some general winter advice, but we’re focusing on how to entertain dogs and cats in the winter.

How to entertain dogs in winter

Keeping dogs enriched and entertained in winter all centres around engaging their prey drive and using scent work.

Fetch

You can still play fetch indoors or outside for a short time, assuming you have the space.

Hide-and-seek

Some dogs love a game of hide-and-seek, either with you or finding treats hidden around the house. Hiding treats counts as “scent work”, which dogs find very stimulating.

Indoor obstacle course

Using household items, like pillows and laundry baskets, to make an indoor obstacle course can keep high-energy dogs occupied. Just make sure you have the space and make sure it’s easy enough.

“Shell” game

You place a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them around and have your dog guess which one has the treat. Think of yourself as a street hustler for dog treats, which we’re sure your pup will find entertaining.

Toys

Puzzle and treat-dispensing dogs are a good choice for indoor entertainment, giving your dog a challenge which helps positively reinforce good behaviours.

Tricks

All dogs can learn new tricks, even if you parent a golden oldie. Our guide on tricks to teach your dog can help here.

How to entertain cats in winter

Cat-specific puzzle feeders

Cats love a good puzzle feeder or something to keep their brain ticking over. Our Christmas shopping list has a few cat toys we recommend, but generally, anything that challenges your cat’s brain.

Cosy time

Sometimes, in winter, a cat just wants a place to chill and unwind, so create some cosy hiding spots around your home for yours.

Hide-and-seek

Playing hide-and-seek with your cat or hiding treats around the home can satisfy their prey drive and keep them engaged.

Making the most of vertical space

If you can afford them and you haven’t tried them yet, cat trees are an excellent way for our kitties to entertain themselves indoors. Cats love vertical space, and a good cat tree can mean they’ll keep themselves entertained while we’re off doing something else. Adorn yours with toys for the perfect play area while the weather’s cold and rainy.

Scents

Toys filled with catnip, or putting some catnip on a scratching post, really helps cats make their own fun and self-regulate enrichment.

Scratching posts

Scratching posts help your cat stop scratching furniture if they’re feeling bored, but it also gives them an outlet to let out any natural instincts.

Toys

Things like feather wands, laser pointers on walls and toys can help cats mimic hunting, which keeps them enriched and engaged. You don’t need long sessions - 10-15 minute play sessions a few times a day work. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.

End each play session with a treat or their meal to positively reinforce good behaviour and make them feel satisfied that their “hunt” was successful.

Window time

Cats adore staring out of the window. We’ve already answered why cats adore it so much before, but in short, it gives them an opportunity to appease their natural hunting instinct, scan for threats, and provide environmental enrichment and stimulation.

So, if it’s cold out and you want to keep your cat indoors, or if they aren’t as engaged as play, make sure they have access to a safe vantage point to watch the world go by - it helps keep their brain engaged.

Of course, make sure the window is safe and that they can get up there without causing too much chaos.

High-quality pet insurance

We're there for every wag and whisker.

Easy claims, high-quality cover and a team that truly loves pets. It's why we're Pet Insurance Provider of the Year (Moneyfacts 2025).

Protect your pet

FAQs

How long should an indoor activity last?

It depends on your pet, but you don’t need to spend too long - 10-15 minutes a few times a day is best.

Is it okay if my pet sleeps more in winter?

Pets can sleep more in winter as less sunlight increases melatonin (the sleep hormone). This is okay if it’s moderate, but too much sleep can be a symptom of something else going on. In rare cases, it can indicate an underlying issue, like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).