Find the perfect item for every feline on your holiday list.
This holiday season, don’t forget your No. 1 furry friend—your cat! From the extravagant to the economical, there’s a present for every cat owner’s budget and a gift for every cat no matter how young or old. Check out these gift ideas for cats, then remind your cat to be nice (or not so naughty).
Frisky Kittens
Photo: dentharg/iStock
A kitten’s life seems to center around one clear goal: playtime. Kitten owners can foster their pets’ love for play with a range of toys, exercisers, cat trees and more.
Stocking Stuffer: Most kittens are just as happy with a wad of paper or pen cap as they are with a fancy toy, but not many cats—no matter their age—can resist simple stuffed catnip toys. Other good stocking stuffers include small balls, stuffed mice and other toys that can be batted or carried around. Look for toys without small parts a kitten could easily chew off and swallow.
Personal Package: Interactive toys allow you to join in on the fun with your young pet. Look for wand toys, laser pointers (made specifically for animals) and remote control toys that allow you to control the action.
Big-ticket Item: Consider giving your kitten an item that will entertain and amuse her throughout her life. One idea is a cat tree with multiple levels and structures. A piece of cat furniture will also give your kitten a place to sleep, scratch and relax.
Active Adults
While not quite as playful as their kitten counterparts, adult cats enjoy many of the same activities. All the gift ideas for cats above make ideal presents for adult cats, too, as well as these fun items:
Stocking Stuffer: A stylish collar with a personalized tag makes a great stocking stuffer for cats of all ages. Even if your pet does not enjoy the great outdoors, the identification will help reunite you with your cat on the off chance she sneaks outside.
Personal Package: Enjoy some one-on-one time with your feline friend with new grooming tools. Ideas include grooming gloves, rubber grooming massagers, slicker brushes and more.
Big-ticket Item: Do you wish you could take your cat on road trips with you? This holiday season, invest in a travel carrier. Manufacturers offer a range of styles and sizes, from soft-sided bags and backpacks to sturdy molded plastic designs. For the truly pampered pet, consider a pet stroller.
Stately Seniors
When a cat reaches his senior years (10 and older), he has earned the right to lay back and relax. Help him enjoy his golden years with gifts meant for a life of leisure.
Stocking Stuffer: Slip a bag of tasty treats into your senior cat’s stocking. Pet stores typically carry small bags of treats, allowing you to purchase a variety of flavors and types at economical prices. Many include supplements to help with stiff joints or other age-related ailments. If your cat has a definite treat preference, surprise her with her favorite.
Personal Package: Does your senior cat prefer to curl up in the same spot every day for an extended nap? Wrap up a soft bed to place in his napping spot. Today’s cat beds come in a range of styles, sizes, colors, fabrics and price points.
Big-ticket Item: If your cat shows signs of arthritis or other ailments related to age, consider investing in accommodations to make getting around the house easier for your pet. Manufacturers offer a range of products, such as ramps, steps and carriers to allow older pets to access their favorite napping and bird-watching spots easily.
About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.
