With Christmas just a few weeks away, you’ve probably already crossed out most (if not all) of the Christmas gifts off your holiday shopping list.
Parents? Check. Significant other? Check. Siblings, friends, co-workers, the mailman and anyone else in your life? Check.
You might think you’re done, but not so fast—we can’t forget about the cat!
Don’t worry, I’m going to list some of the most practical, yet meaningful Christmas gift ideas for cats who don’t want to be left out this holiday season, so let’s get started!
1. Cat Shelves
Just because indoor cats spend most, if not all of their time inside, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed to explore. Luckily for them, cat shelves exist.
Cat shelves are exactly what they sound like: shelves designed for your cat’s enjoyment. It’s the equivalent of buying a jungle gym for your child but it gives your cat the freedom to explore new areas and find new vantage points to hide from.
Some shelves are nothing more than a block of wood for your cat to sit on, while others are designed for lounging or scratching. And if you have bare walls, then they can double as art pieces—some are even equipped with small, cat-friendly plants to add to the aesthetic.
Your cat might end up spending less time with you on the couch, but they’ll be just as happy climbing their shelves!
2. Smart Collar
Smart collars are the perfect gift for any outdoor cat—especially if you don’t see them for long periods of time. That’s because most smart collars today are equipped with GPS trackers that can tell you where they are at all times, just like the Find My iPhone app on your phone.
But smart collars aren’t just for outdoor cats—indoor cats can benefit from them, too! For example, let’s say your indoor cat accidentally runs outside. As long as they’re wearing the collar, you’ll be able to find them in a hurry before they get into trouble.
You can also use it to make sure they’re not getting into anything hazardous by tracking them inside the home.
Not only that, but some smart collars use high-frequency measurements to record and analyze your cat’s vitals, biometrics and location before using AI to help you better monitor your cat’s health.
3. Electronic Cat Toy
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “My cat already has enough toys.”
That might be the case, but let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as “enough toys” for a cat, especially with the types of new toys that come out every year.
And electronic cat toys are a perfect example of what I’m talking about. Automatic lasers that keep your cat busy when you’re not home—yes, those exist. Concealed motion toys that tease your cat for hours on end—those exist, too.
Even those fabric mouses and tiny balls you have lying around the house can be upgraded to move and roll all by themselves.
Either way, your cat will never be bored again if you upgrade that toy chest of theirs. And if they’re still in play mode when you come home, then you can join in!
4. Cat Bed
An orange cat catches up on some beauty rest in a cat bed. (Photo Credit: Alena Ozerova via Canva)
Next on the list of upgrades is the cat bed—especially if it hasn’t been replaced in a while!
If your cat spends a lot of their time in their bed, then you already have a blueprint for what they’re looking for out of their bed.
My advice: try to find one that’s similar to the one they have now, but better in one way or another—either bigger or more comfortable. If your cat avoids their cat bed at all costs, then you probably haven’t found the right one yet—or you don’t have it in the right location.
You can incentivize your cat to use the bed by placing treats in it, using catnip spray or lining it with a used shirt of yours (to add your scent to it).
It won’t be long before your cat falls asleep in it!
5. Cat Tree
Last but not least, we have what’s probably your cat’s favorite piece of furniture in the house—the cat tree!
My rule is: whenever you replace the cat tree, make sure the new one is better. Give them something they’ve never seen before. Perhaps something new to climb or a new hideout—and don’t be afraid to combine this gift with a few of the cat shelves mentioned above.
And like with anything cat-related, the higher they can go, the better!
One cool idea I’m seeing more of these days is finding a cat tree with an exercise wheel attached. You might not think your cat would use it, but you’d be surprised!
If you’re replacing an existing cat tree, don’t throw the other one out (unless it’s old and beaten up). I’m sure I speak for all cats when I say two cat trees is better than one!
Christmas Gift Ideas for Cat Owners
I’ve given you several ideas for Christmas gifts for cats, but what about Christmas gifts for cat owners?
Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about them!
Plus, buying a gift for a cat lover is easy because anything cat-related is on the table—from shirts with cats on them to tiny cat figurines for the desk.
But if you’re looking to blow your cat-loving friend or family members—or perhaps a cat sitter—away with a gift this year, here are three things that’ll do the trick!
1. Pet Photo Gifts
If you have a photo of your friend or family member’s cat, then you’re in business.
You can put that photo on just about anything and it’ll become their new favorite object.
A shirt, coffee mug, mousepad, pens, a calendar, tote bag, pillow, magnet, car decal, ornament, keychain, coaster, puzzle, clock, blanket—the opportunities are endless.
If you really want to go above and beyond, get several of the items above and put them in a gift basket.
You can also frame the photo, or have it transferred to a canvas so it can be hung on the wall. This allows you to make it as small as an index card or as large as a window.
2. Cat Subscriptions
There’s no shortage of cat subscription options available today, but you might be asking yourself, “What exactly are cat subscriptions?”
Most cat subscription boxes renew on a monthly basis and are filled with goodies for your cat to enjoy, including treats, toys, beds, tunnels, scratchers, and more.
By signing up, you’re ensuring your loved one’s cat never gets bored of their favorite things.
If you’re gifting it to someone, I suggest either buying them a yearly membership or notifying them how many months you’re willing to pay for it—whether that be one, six, or unlimited.
Some companies might offer a gift card, but it won’t be an option for most subscriptions.
Just make sure you know of any dietary restrictions the cat has—especially if the subscription box comes with treats!
3. Gift Card to Local Pet Store
Last but not least, we have the most basic and obvious, yet meaningful gift: the gift card.
This can be a gift card to a local pet store, such as PetSmart and Petco, or a department store, such as Target or Walmart. Either way, cat lovers can use them for food, litter, toys, cat trees, cat bedding, and anything else they need to care for their furry friend—or online!
But don’t forget to pair the gift card with a cat-themed holiday greeting card and some cat Christmas puns.
For example, you can write in the card, “Santa Paws is coming to town!” or, “hope you have a paws-itively pur-fect Christmas!”
With that said, I hope you and your furry friends have a wonderful holiday season!
