Holiday Gifts for Our Feline Family Members

by Carolyn McFann    November 11, 2007

The holiday season has unofficially begun, so it’s time to shop for those you love, including your cat. Like humans, animals like gifts, especially ones that can be eaten, played with or slept on. Here are some handy ideas for buying your favorite cat a gift that they’ll actually enjoy and use.

Cat Furniture  

One of the best things to buy a cat is something that he or she can dig her claws into. It could be as simple as a corrugated cardboard, catnip-imbibed cat scratcher (found in pet stores everywhere) or as elaborate as a large cat tree (otherwise known as a kitty condo). Whatever sized scratcher you get, sprinkle catnip on it so kitty will be attracted. One Christmas I bought my parents and my cats large cat condos, and when comparing notes, it turned out that our cats all knew the condos were theirs, from the minute we opened our boxes. My parents’ cat got in the middle of the assembly of his tree, and two years later, still sleeps on it in a variety of cute poses. My cats, too, think their cat condo is a good lookout point to watch birds. It is positioned next to a window, so they can look out on the world from their carpeted castle above. 

The gift of play  

All cat lovers know that if provoked, even the most laid back, couch potato cat can be coaxed to play. Toys come in all sizes and shapes. If your cat isn’t the type to play with toys on his own, try dragging a small toy tied to a string, and see if he can resist swatting at it. Even a Q-tip (cotton swab) or milk bottle ring tied to a string can inspire cat frenzy. When done playing, put the stringed toy out of sight, or kitty may just seek it out on his own. You don’t want him getting the string into his mouth!

Catnip toys are always a hit. Be prepared for kitty to bite, kick, throw, and drool all over it. A great catnip product called a “Boogie Mat” (catnip filled mat), really made my cats’ last holiday. One wasn’t enough, because they got in fights over the original one. So, I ran out and bought two more, so everyone could have their own. Catnip of any kind is always a good choice, you can’t go wrong. Take time to play with your kitty, part of the fun for him is your attention.

Cat beds 

If your cat likes cozy spots to sleep around your home, try giving him a plush and soft cat bed. Usually made of fleece or other soft materials, some are made of foam with a covering, and others are like mini bean-bag chairs. When I bought them the bean-bag chair type, the cats took turns diving into it. It was larger than I thought it would be, but they didn’t care. It has been a favorite place to hang out ever since. Such are the lives of pampered house cats.

As a cat owner, it’s your right and duty to spoil your pets whenever possible. It’s fun to watch kitty’s eyes light up when he sees something he likes, like the flash of a laser pointer or a catnip toy being thrown for him. Go for it, give him a holiday-and everyday-full of play and happiness. He’ll thank you for it with purrs, head-butts and love.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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