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Playing games is terrific fun!

Our pets like to play for all they're worth, and not just when they're young – many dogs, cats, rodents and birds still enjoy playing when they're older. This is something pet owners should absolutely encourage, because play is more than just great fun: it keeps them fit, youthful and supple, exercises our four-legged friends to the full and trains their physical and mental abilities.

Boredom breeds lethargy, and some animals can become ill from this. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other small mammals which are always caged up with no motivation from outside will literally waste way. They are not born for a life without variety. In the wild, they would find their own food while at the same protecting themselves from their enemies. Because this isn't necessary with pets, one should at least offer them adequate play and activity options. And not just by letting them run around – spoil your wee darlings with toys in the cage too. A treadmill, tunnel and climbing facilities or an edible ball – just try things out to find out what appeals to your little friends.

Birds, too, like variety in their cage. Here you have a big choice of toys with which to design some excitement into the four walls of your feathered friends. That way, they'll never get bored! Parakeets, for instance, love knick-knacks with bells or lattice balls. Climbing frames keep them fit and flexible.

For cats and dogs, play is without doubt very important. Both are already scuffling with their siblings just a few weeks into their life. Through this, they develop and perfect their physical skills. Pretty soon they also start taking an interest in playthings - this should be encouraged. Cats learn to play the hunter by catching balls – sneaking up, then with a courageous leap, the snatch! – just like mouse hunting in the wild. A dog’s inborn drive for hunting prey is also satisfied in this way. The dog's owner, for instance, can steer the hunting instinct onto the right tracks using dummy training, even with older dogs. Young dogs have to “attack” in the truest sense of the word and grab with their jaws. Always provide Fido with enough chew toys – that way your favourite shoes and the table legs will be spared the sharp-toothed little biter.

By the way, playing isn't only about exercise and fitness, but also intelligence. Studies show that animals which have been playing from infancy are, in the majority of cases, sharper than the four-legged adults in a low-stimulus environment.

In any case, you should spend time regularly playing with your pet regardless of whether you're a dog, cat, small mammal or bird owner. It’s not only terrific fun; it also has a great side effect: it strengthens the bond enormously between you and your pet!