Things Your Cat Wants For The Holidays

Are you still working on your holiday shopping? Or are you more inclined to waiting until the last minute, and getting everything in one fell swoop? No matter which camp you fall into, it’s probably safe to say that your feline buddy will be very interested in investigating all of those bags and boxes you bring home. Fluffy may even try to lend a helping paw as you wrap gifts. Of course, your kitty also deserves some things of her own. A local Plano, IL vet lists some good gifts for cats in this article.

Presents For Kittens

Is your feline pal still a kitten? If so, you’re in for an extra adorable holiday season. Little Fluffy is at her cutest at this time of year. They’re also at their most mischievous! You’ll want to keep your tiny ball of fur entertained and happy, so lots of toys are in order. However, it may still be too soon for catnip: most cats don’t become susceptible to it until they’re at least three months old. 

You may see lots of pet furniture on sale, but it’s probably best to avoid kitten-sized things. Your pet will outgrow them very quickly! You can’t go wrong with a fun cat tower that offers lots of toys and nooks and crannies for your playful buddy to scamper up and down and look cute on. (Note: remember to take lots of pictures!) 

Holiday Gifts For Grown-Up Kitties

Once Fluffy is fully grown, she’ll have mastered use of all those claws and teeth. Toys are still great options for adult cats. Playing benefits kitties both physically and mentally. That will become more and more important over time. Older pets can be a bit lazy: most will spend the majority of their time sleeping.

That brings us to our next suggestion: beds. Beds are pretty much a universal cat gift. As far as cats are concerned, you just can’t have too many options when it comes to napping spots. Fluffy will still appreciate pet furniture, such as cat towers, kitty shelves, scratching posts, window seats, and/or catwalks.

By this time, Fluffy will be able to partake in catnip. The classic catnip mouse is fine, of course. You can also offer your fuzzy pal a live catnip plant, catnip bubbles, or catnip spray. 

Catnip isn’t as popular with our feline pals as many people think. Not all kitties are interested in it. In fact, about half of these cute furballs are immune to its effects. If your furball doesn’t care for it, try getting her honeysuckle cat toys. For reasons no one knows, kitties that aren’t affected by catnip often do enjoy honeysuckle. (Just add this to the many, many things we’ll probably never understand about Fluffy.)

Holiday Gifts For Older Cats

By the time Fluffy reaches her senior years, she’ll probably be more interested in snoozing beneath the tree with the rest of the presents than in trying to topple it. Comfort is definitely king when it comes to caring for senior cats. You may also want to look into pet ramps or stairs, or perhaps a litterbox made just for senior kitties. Grooming furniture, such as a piece with a roller brush your pet can rub against, is also a good bet. Your vet may also recommend supplements. 

Hi-Tech Holiday Kitty Gifts

Every year, there are more and more modern gadgets to choose from. Our feline pals have quite a few options here as well! You may want to try offering your kitty a robotic mouse, or perhaps a remote-controlled toy. Fluffy may also want to try her paw at playing video games: you can download ones just for kitties to play on a phone or tablet. (This can be a good way to repurpose a phone or tablet you’re upgrading.)

If you want to go all-out, you can even consider getting Fluffy some programmable paw pads, which ‘speak’ on her behalf. These new products make it easier than ever for cats to boss their humans around!

Low-Tech Holiday Cat Gifts

One of Fluffy’s most amusing traits has to be her box obsession. That adorable quirk can come in pretty handy at this time of year. After everyone has opened their gifts, give your furry friend some of those empty boxes. You can even have the kids make a box castle for your furry overlord! 

There are also some great DIY options for kitty toys. For instance, it’s pretty easy to sew your own catnip mice. Cut two pieces of material into the same shape. (Note: despite popular belief, cats don’t actually care if their toys are mouse-shaped or not.) Then, place them together so that one is on top of the other, with the outsides facing in. Sew them together by making stitches around the edges, leaving just a small hole. You’ll use that hole to pull the fabric through, and then stuff it with catnip. Then, close it up, and tell your cute pet not to play with it. She’ll probably go right for it!

Holiday Gifts For Homeless Cats

At any given time, there are millions of sweet, lovable pets in shelters, hoping that someone will adopt them and provide them with the love, care, treats, catnip, and lap space they want. The best gift for any of these sweet kitties would of course be a forever home. That’s a huge decision, though, and not something you would want to do without thinking carefully. However, there are still ways to help them. Consider donating money or supplies to a local shelter, or perhaps sponsoring an adoptable kitty that needs medical help.

If you want help strays in your neighborhood, consider putting out cat shelters for them. All you need are a few storage totes and some newspapers. Put one inside the other, with a layer of newspaper in between for insulation, Then, cut small kitty door holes in one side, and add a soft blanket. This won’t solve the ongoing problem of pet overpopulation, but it may help keep a kitty warm at night. Ask your Plano, IL vet for more information.

Purrfect Presents For Any Cat

There are a few all-purrpose gifts that are a good choice for any of our feline friends. Beds, of course, are at the top of that list. Store-bought beds are fine, but if you’re creative and crafty, you can also make one. This is a cute way to reuse an old suitcase, hatbox, drawer, or crate.

Subscription boxes are another good bet. Every month, Fluffy will get to play with a box of new toys and goodies! (She’ll also want the box, of course.)

Scratching posts or boards are also safe bets. There are some really cute ones out now!

Tips On Choosing Safe Gifts For Your Cat

When choosing gifts for your feline buddy, always put safety first. Avoid anything with really small parts. Items with strings are lots of fun for your kitty, but shouldn’t be left out between uses, as there’s a risk of entanglement. We’d also advise opting out of things made overseas, as not all countries have strict quality laws for pet products. Ask your Plano, IL animal clinic for more information. 

Our Advice on Things Your Cat Wants For The Holidays in 2024

How can you encourage a sedentary senior cat to play with new toys and stay active?

To encourage a sedentary senior cat to engage with new toys and stay active, start by choosing toys that match their capabilities, such as low-impact, interactive toys that move slowly and can be pawed or nudged without much effort. Introduce toys that stimulate their senses, like those with light or sound, to spark curiosity. Engage in short, gentle play sessions to build interest, gradually increasing the duration as your cat becomes more engaged. Utilizing toys with catnip or honeysuckle might also attract their attention and encourage play. Additionally, placing toys in accessible areas where your cat spends time can prompt spontaneous play.

What’s the best way to introduce a new toy or gift to a cat to maximize their interest and excitement?

To maximize a cat’s interest and excitement when introducing a new toy, start by choosing a time when your cat is alert and attentive. Casually place the toy within your cat’s field of vision to spark curiosity without overwhelming them. Engage the toy’s features, such as squeaking or movement, to attract your cat’s attention. Allow your cat to approach and explore the toy at their own pace, offering gentle encouragement. Incorporating scents like catnip or honeysuckle can enhance appeal if your cat responds to these. Keep initial play sessions short and positive to build a strong association with fun.

Are there any high-tech toys or gadgets that are particularly good for cats who are home alone for long periods?

For cats left alone for long periods, high-tech toys and gadgets can provide stimulation and prevent boredom. Robotic mice and laser toys that operate automatically are excellent as they mimic natural prey movements and engage hunting instincts. Treat-dispensing puzzle toys also encourage activity and problem-solving. Interactive feeders can turn mealtime into a stimulating game. Additionally, apps and games designed for tablets can captivate cats with moving graphics and touch interaction. These gadgets help keep cats entertained, reducing potential anxiety and behavioral issues from prolonged solitude.

What are some eco-friendly or sustainable options for cat gifts and toys?

For eco-friendly or sustainable cat gifts and toys, consider options made from recycled or natural materials. Toys crafted from organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp are both durable and safe for cats. Opt for items like cat beds made from recycled fibers or natural fillings such as buckwheat. Additionally, many cat toys can be made at home using upcycled materials like old socks or felt stuffed with organic catnip. Look for products from brands that prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing processes and materials. These choices not only benefit your cat but also have a lower impact on the environment.

What’s the best way to store and organize cat toys to keep them in good condition and easily accessible?

To keep cat toys in good condition and easily accessible, use a designated storage area like a bin or basket that allows your cat to reach in and choose toys. Opt for a container without a lid or a low-sided basket for easy access. Regularly rotate the toys to keep your cat interested, only keeping a few out at a time. Clean fabric toys as needed according to manufacturer instructions, and wipe down plastic or rubber toys with soap and water. Organizing toys not only keeps them from getting lost or damaged but also entices your cat with variety.

It’s also important to consider your cat’s personality. Shy cats may like comfort items, while a bold, adventurous furball may want an exercise wheel. All of us here at Safford Veterinary Services, your Plano, IL veterinarian, wish you a wonderful holiday season. Contact us anytime!