Your Cat's Holiday Wishlist

Each Christmas, my mom used to get my cat a stocking, and fill it full of little gifts for her to play with and snacks to eat. It was always the least expensive, most simple items that would keep my kitty busy. In a time when our options are limitless, here are some great gift ideas for your furry feline this holiday season.

​Cat Bed
My cat Daphne likes to snooze in a window while snuggled into a comfy cat bed that I got for her years ago. The bed has seen better days, and there are many new styles to consider now. There are rectangular beds, round high-sided beds, covered beds, and deep beds for them to sink into. You can also choose fluffy beds or memory foam beds, or a bed that attaches to a window! (Memory foam in particular is good if your animal has arthritis because it will help relieve pressure from their joints). Whatever style you think is best for you feline friend, we are sure they will love and appreciate it!

Hint: Check the dog aisle! There are several styles for small dogs that would fit your kitty purrfectly.

Food & Water Dishes
Most automatic feeders are reasonably priced, and very handy if portion control is a concern for your indoor cat. You can find some with cameras on them, too, so you’re able to watch kitty dine while you’re away from home. Slow feeders are another good choice if your cat likes to scarf their meals! 

Or, a new set of bowls works just as well, but remember to consider a wide opening because some cats have whisker sensitivity. My mom bought Daphne an adorable crystal bowl years ago, and she loves eating out of it.

Hint: The dog aisle has some larger bowls which are good for free feeding, or multi-cat households.

Snacks & Treats
Speaking of food; options are endless for treats! We see a wide variety of treats from Cat Spa guests. From store-bought brands to gourmet dried minnows, your cat can have a delicious snack without spoiling meal time. Stop by the treat section sometime, and get a variety for them to try. You may be surprised at what your cat really fancies.

Cat Tree
The selection of cat trees ranges from small and simple to super tall, multi levels with hammocks and scratch pads. Online retailers have some great fun styles, and so do several discount stores. We’ve seen some that are hard surface, which makes cleaning a breeze, and some with plush carpeting that gives kitty the ultimate comfort. Remember that not every cat is a fan of cat trees, so consider your cats’ jumping and climbing style, as well as their age and activity levels before purchasing. 

Scratchers
We all know cats love to scratch! A great way to keep them from clawing furniture and flooring, while keeping them happy and healthy, is to treat them to a new scratcher. All cats have different preferences, so watch to see how your cat likes to scratch. Some like to stretch upwards, which means a tall, sisal scratching post would likely be a favorite. Other cats like to stretch forward on the ground, so a flat scratcher would be best. One of our cats is really tricky, and only wants to claw carpet, so a flat, carpeted-base scratcher is her go-to.

Toys
There are so many toy options! You can choose an interactive toy for independent play, or toys that they need your time and attention to use. Battery operated options like spinning feathers, or activity sets are great for energetic and intelligent cats. Most cats have a favorite toy, so try a few first! For example, try a small, inexpensive laser pointer first before investing in a larger laser spinning tower. At the end of the day, the most simple string toys or toy mice can entertain the wildest of cats for longer than you can dream of. (And they will almost always prefer to play with their humans than alone).

Your pets are family too, so getting them a cute stocking stuffer or gift is a fun way of including them in the holiday season. There are a wide range of options and price points to choose from, so sky’s the limit for cat gifting! Happy Holidays to you and your feline friends!

(Today’s photo features our festive friend Luna!)