5 Boredom-Busting Mobile Games for Pet Lovers

Bored on your lunch break? Or looking to kill a few minutes while standing in line? Mobile games are one of the best ways to cure boredom — over 55 billion mobile games were downloaded worldwide in 2021. 

Searching for the "ultimutt" pet-themed mobile games? Look no further! Check out these 5 boredom-busting mobile games for pet lovers!

Neko Atsume is one of the most popular pet-themed smartphone games ever, fetching over 5.5 million downloads during its first 2 years alone. While the kitty collecting craze has died down since 2016, Neko Atsume is still as compelling as ever.

The game is simple: place treats and toys down in your garden and wait for kawaii cats to visit. There are over 65 cats to record in your catbook, and you can take adorable pictures of your feline visitors. Neko Atsume is weirdly addictive and is a great way to kill 5 minutes while waiting around. And one of the best things about Neko Atsume? No ads!

Download Neko Atsume for iOS

Download Neko Atsume for Android

If you're feeling nostalgic for your original Tamagotchi and fancy caring for a cutesy 8-bit barking buddy, then download Dogotchi. Part of the Wildagotchi game series, Dogotchi lets you choose from 12 breeds to care for, including Pugs, Old English Sheepdogs, and Huskies!

Manage your canine compadre's hygiene, energy, hunger, and fun to get them to reach maturity. You can also play some simple yet strangely addictive mini-games, which are great for busting boredom. And if you prefer felines, there's Catgotchi instead!

Download Dogotchi for iOS

Download Dogotchi for Android

Animal Restaurant is easily the biggest time-suck on this list. With a similar art style to Neko Atsume, Animal Restaurant involves helping a cat chef run a restaurant for woodland critters. 

Over 200 different customers can visit your restaurant, each with their own quirky personality. You'll start with an empty restaurant before adding dozens of decorations and recipes to make your establishment the best in the biz. Animal Restaurant may be a total tap-fest, but it's incredibly addictive and a fun way to pass the time.

Download Animal Restaurant for iOS

Download Animal Restaurant for Android

My Talking Tom 2 is one of the most downloaded pet simulators for smartphones, with over 500 million installations on the Google Play Store. This cute game lets you go on adventures with your cat and even talk to him through your phone's mic!

My Talking Tom 2 is one clever kitty who can do everything from playing the drums to flying a plane. Talking Tom 2 has some of the best animations of any pet sim game, and it's easy to see why it's popular with kids and adults alike. Just watch out for ads and in-app "purr-chases"!

Download My Talking Tom 2 for iOS

Download My Talking Tom 2 for Android

Old Friends Dog Game might be the most wholesome virtual pet apps out there. This game was made in association with the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, a retirement home for senior dogs in Tennessee.  

All the dogs you care for and play with in the game are representations of real-life elderly pups! You can craft furniture, bake muffins and treats for the dogs, and even give them belly rubs. It's a great boredom-buster and a lovely way of spreading awareness about older dogs in need.

Every month the game makes a profit through in-app purchases, the developer sponsors the care costs for a dog at the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. So if you have a little extra pocket change to spare, consider supporting this "impawtant" mission!

Download Old Friends Dog Game for iOS

Download Old Friends Dog Game for Android

That's a wrap on our guide to the best animal-themed games and virtual pet apps. Looking for some games your doggo can play alongside you? Check out our guide to the best apps and games made especially for dogs!

Did we miss a classic pet-themed mobile game? Share your thoughts in the comments or on Instagram @wag!