You use your devices primarily for activities like listening to music, browsing the internet, or completing work tasks. However, with the right applications, your pets can also engage in fun and entertaining activities. There are various apps designed specifically to keep your cats and dogs entertained, allowing them to interact with animated characters or respond to a range of sounds. Below, we explore five engaging apps that your furry friends will enjoy.
### Activating Guided Access
Before diving into pet-friendly games on your iPhone or iPad, it’s beneficial to enable a setting known as Guided Access. Although initially designed for children, this feature proves to be exceptionally useful for pet interaction as well.
Guided Access restricts your pets from accidentally exiting the app or activating unwanted features during their playtime. In my experience, when my cat first started using an app on my iPad, she inadvertently closed it or switched to a different application, disrupting her fun. Activating Guided Access ensures that your pets can play without interruptions or hitches.
To set up Guided Access, navigate to Accessibility settings, locate “Guided Access,” and toggle it on. When ready to play, triple-click the home or lock button in your chosen app. You can customize the options to disable certain areas of the screen, rendering those sections inactive. Upon starting Guided Access, anything you circle will appear dimmed and unresponsive to taps.
To exit Guided Access, simply triple-click the same button again, enter your passcode, and select “End” in the upper left corner. By implementing this feature, you can maintain smooth gameplay for your pets and capture their delightful moments without worry.
### 1. Cat Fishing 2
Developed by Purina Friskies, Cat Fishing 2 is an engaging app that allows cats to catch virtual fish and other aquatic creatures. Within a pond-like setting, these digital entities wiggle and vanish when touched, providing instant gratification for your cat.
Upon launching Cat Fishing 2, users are prompted to either play as a guest or sign into a Purina account. Creating a free account offers additional customization options for your pet, although you can still change backgrounds and creature colors without registering. However, features like altering creature sizes, speeds, or numbers require an account.
As your cat plays, a score at the bottom tracks their success in catching creatures. Interestingly, if your cat remains inactive for 30 seconds, the game will emit a meowing sound to renew their interest. To exit, simply press and hold the end button for three seconds, a design choice that prevents accidental game terminations.
### 2. Cat Games
If Cat Fishing 2 proves too stimulating, consider Cat Games as a more straightforward alternative. This app features multiple animals for your cat to chase, promoting engagement without overwhelming the senses.
In the free version of Cat Games, users have access to animations like a ladybug that scurries around the screen, providing chase opportunities. You can adjust the speed of the ladybug, and exiting the game is done by holding the home button for several seconds.
For those who opt for a subscription, the app expands to include various animals like mice, fish, butterflies, and more. Subscribers also gain access to training tips and feeding reminders, albeit with limited guidance.
### 3. Dog Teaser
While these apps are primarily for cats, dogs can also get in on the fun. Dog Teaser serves as an interactive tool that provides various sound effects, such as squeaky toys and environmental noises, which can stimulate your dog’s curiosity.
The app features a tracker that monitors how often you play each sound, allowing you to discover which ones pique your dog’s interest. For example, my dog reacts positively to the squeaky toy sounds while remaining indifferent to cat noises. A fun game involves hiding the phone and playing the sounds to encourage your dog to search for it, making for an enjoyable experience with rewards.
The convenience of Dog Teaser lies in having multiple sounds readily available, providing a creative outlet for playtime with your dog without the distractions of ads that come from YouTube.
### 4. Jolly Dog
For those seeking more options, Jolly Dog is another excellent app similar to Dog Teaser. This app features a range of sounds for both dogs and cats, ensuring enjoyment for both pets.
Jolly Dog includes a clicker function that offers various sound options—click, beep, bell, and ding—useful for training purposes. Additionally, the app features a game mode with animated animals that your pet can chase, allowing for customizable settings such as speed and round length.
While some features are available for free, a premium subscription unlocks additional capabilities, including more sounds and training tips.
### Understanding Your Pet’s Preferences
Selecting the right app for your pet often requires some experimentation. Each animal has unique preferences, and what captivates one pet may not interest another. It’s crucial to observe your pet’s reactions and be flexible in trying different applications to gauge their engagement levels.
Introductory apps may lack extensive features, yet they could resonate more with your animal. This adaptability helps keep your pets active and entertained, particularly when traditional play may no longer suffice. By exploring various options, you can find the perfect app to enrich your pet’s playtime experience.
