The Festive season is a time when everyone in the family celebrates the holidays and presents are given and received. And our cats, as part of the household, are not to be left out! So, if you’re trying to decide on the purrfect Christmas present for your cat, or a friend’s cat, and need inspiration, we have compiled a list of 10 gift ideas.

1. Christmas Cards

Why not give your cat a Christmas card? It can even be personalised with your cat’s name or get the kids involved in creating homemade cards for their furry friends. You can also buy cards for cat parents designed to be from their cat. Why not do a festive photo shoot with props and outfits, if your cat will let you, to print on cards to send to your friend and family?

2. Christmas Cat Toys

Christmas-themed cat toys are always popular – from laser wands and teaser sticks to cat tunnels, puzzles and cuddly toys. There are toys that vibrate, light up or dispense treats, which will keep your cat entertained for hours. Always check that they’re cat-safe and suitable for your cat’s age.

Toys that contain cat nip are always a huge hit but beware that your cat will be able to smell it through the wrapping paper. You may want to keep it hidden in a cupboard until it's time to open presents.

Pets may also like the wrapping paper so remove this as soon as you can before your cat eats it. If a cat eats a large amount of wrapping paper or swallows ribbons, there’s a risk of an obstruction in their tummy. This would need urgent attention and require an emergency visit to the vets.

3. Christmas Treats

Chocolate-style, catnip, meaty or fishy, there are lots of different cat Christmas treats to tempt your cat. Make sure the treats are cat-safe and from a trusted and reliable brand. You could also make home-made Christmas treats with your cat’s favourite ingredients (recipes can be found online) to please picky eaters.

But don’t keep these gifts under the Christmas tree as your cat will soon smell them out. You don’t want them rummaging around and potentially opening all the presents before the big day.

You can go large with a hamper box for cats or buy a special luxury Christmas dinner, so your cat won’t feel left out when the rest of the family is tucking into their festive meal. There’s always a risk though that they may not like something new or, worse, it might disagree with them, and no-one wants that on Christmas Day!

4. A Christmas Stocking

You can’t go wrong with a Christmas stocking full of tasty Christmas cat treats to make your cat a very happy kitty. You can make your own with your cat’s favourite treats or buy stockings already filled with treats and small toys for your cat to shred open. Just make sure that you include treats that are specifically made for cats and purchased from a trusted, reliable source.

5. Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are not just for children (and adults) - you can buy one for your cat too! Advent calendars for kitties include small treats or nibbles in every window leading up to Christmas Day, so you can start giving your cat Christmas treats as soon as December is here. You could also make a DIY advent calendar with homemade treats. Chocolate is poisonous to cats, so make sure it's kept well out of your curious kitty.

6. A Christmas Jumper

We all love a Christmas jumper but not all cats will be happy to wear one! If they appear uncomfortable or agitated, don’t force them to wear one. Some may find the fabric irritating or the clothing too restricting, it may even rub in places.

They may also find it too hot to wear, particularly indoors. Take a quick photo and then let them spend the rest of their day free of Christmas clothing.

7. Christmas Collars and Bandanas

A new collar - these can be glittery or have Christmas patterns or lights. The collars should have a safety release buckle so they’re easy to put on and take off. They can also be personalised with your cat’s name. And Some collars have matching harnesses and leads which are ideal for house cats that get walked or taken into the garden.

Festive bandanas and collars with bow ties for cats are also great gifts and make cute accessories for Christmas day photos.

8. A Christmas Cape or Hat

A festive Santa or Elf cape will make sure your cat is joining in with the Christmas celebrations. Don’t tie them on too tightly though and if your cat becomes distressed take it off. Make sure they don’t go outside with them on as they may get it caught on something and be unable to escape.

The cape could be combined with a cat-sized Santa or Elf hat for that cute festive photo (if your cat will wear them long enough). Not for grumpy cats...

9. Christmas Bedding and Bowls

Cat beds and blankets with a cosy Christmas theme or a new cat bowl are other possible and practical gifts. They can also be personalised with your kitty’s name. You can never have too many cat beds, especially when they come in so many different shapes and sizes.

Your furry friend will be grateful for the comfort, warmth and place to hide. Food and water bowls come in a variety of designs too. Automated ones can be useful for keeping food and water fresh.

10. Other Gifts to Give Your Cat

You could buy a new cat tree, scratching post, cave bed, litter tray or litter box cover for that bit of extra privacy, automated water bowl or water fountain. If your cat needs a stylish new collar or bed, treat them at Christmas. These may not be very Christmassy, but your cat will love them.

Another great gift, perfect for cats that are getting on in years, is a heating pad. A radiator bed will also keep them cosy, and they’ll love to snuggle up in them. The warmth will also provide comfort and relief for any aching joints.

And Not Forgetting all the Cat Lovers...

And for cat lovers at Christmas, why not give them a cat-themed Christmas present. Cards, baubles, key rings, cushions, board games, bags, jumpers, and mugs make great gifts. These can all be personalised with their favourite cat’s photo and/or name. Custom pet portraits, either painted or drawn, are a popular gift for pet owners. Artists can be found online, or you can have a go at creating your own.

Always make sure that any Christmas presents are cat-safe and if the fuss and noise is all too much, let your cat chill out where they’re happiest. Some may find the chaos and change in routine overwhelming so try to keep to your cat’s normal routine as much as possible. Watch what they eat to avoid any tummy issues. And don’t force your feline friend to wear any festive clothing that makes them uncomfortable regardless of how adorable they look...

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Felis – https://www.vetlexicon.com/treat/felis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.