Australia Day, Animals, And .......

We Heart Australia but can't it be a firework free day?!

Australia Day means different things to different people.  I am sure you will

agree that as this blog is all about animals, it isn't a a fair place to discuss the politics of this day. 

But, to me, Australia Day is about recognising that we live in the luckiest country in the world, and appreciate the fragility of our society, and landscape.   For others, it is about letting off fireworks, or achieving Citizenship, or, just a day off work to relax with family.

For our animals, it could be a day of family fun, or being absolutely petrified when the fireworks go off.

So, I am going to focus on family and fun. 

What are some fun activities with your pets?   I will go through a few ideas, and you can feel free to add yours also, if you want to share.   The best games for any animal, are those which mimic the behaviours that are already hard wired into their brain, but which, usually, in a domestic or caged situation, they don't get the opportunity to exercise in an acceptab 

And for most animals, it all revolves access to, and hunting for, food.  And this is where you can get involved to make it fun for them, as well as spending quality time with your pet.

Find the food game:

• Rabbits: You can hide pieces of food in your pockets and hands, and encourage your rabbit to sniff your body to find the food.  This has the added bonus of increasing handibility of rabbits, as they will often bite and scratch when handled, as really, they know they are "prey" to bigger animals, so will act defensively if they feel threatened.

• Rats/Mice:  Similarly, you can hide food in your pockets and encourage your rat or mouse to play.  Or you can hide food in and around their pen or your room.

• Dogs:  Many domesticated dogs were initially "village dogs", and scavenged food from the leftovers of the villagers.  Other domesticated dogs still retain the "search for food" of their ancestors, and so, hiding food or treats in around the backyard, is a great, mentally stimulating, boredom busting, activity.

Cats:  Most domesticated cats still retaining the hunting behaviours, which for many of us bird and nature lovers, can be difficult to cope with.  But this behaviour is hardwired - it has nothing to do with whether they are hungry or not, and everything to do with normal actions, like breathing.  So why not work with it?   You can create fun toys at home, such as tying cat balls together with braided string, and using lots of catnip spray. 

 

Obstacle Course:

Rabbits:  Yes, you can make little jumps, and mazes for rabbits - use food to make it worth their while also!

Rats/Mice:  Well, you know about the tunnels and wheels for these guys, but how about ladders and little hidey holes for them?   Give them lots of things that they can shred, as well as use as bedding... they will love you for it.

Dogs:  You don't have to go to dog agility classes, you can set up an obstacle course at home for your dog.  Little jumps, long tunnels, hanging ropes off trees, make it all fun for them.  Dogs also love to dig, so even make a sand pit for them, and encourage them to use that, and not the spot around your clothes line!

Cats:  Cats love heights and exploring.... you know the saying about Curiosity and cats.  Give them an opportunity to go up high.  A fun, easy to make obstacle course  is a shallow cardboard box, cut little shapes out of the base, big enough for a cat paw to go in.  And in the box, put in a couple of balls with bells in them.  The cats love to stick their paws in, to try to grab the ball that makes a fun sound.

Now, go out, on Australia Day, and every other day, and play with your pet.   That is what having family is all about..... being with them!



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