When it comes to Christmas, everyone expects a present or two. Some people like the gifting of presents more than actually getting one! Many of us will even be considering purchasing a present for our pets. Are you one of them? Why might humans do this? Is it a good idea?
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Why Do We Buy Presents for Our Pets?
This question will have different answers for different people – although many people never think to ask it! However, it’s always best to make sure we know WHY we’re doing something, to help us do it properly… We will discuss some of the most common reasons now.
Anthropomorphism
Anthropomorphism means applying human-like traits to animals or objects, making them seem more human. Books, TV, video games and real-life often have examples of anthropomorphism. Some well-known ones are The Cat in the Hat, Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and the creatures in Animal Farm by George Orwell. All these animals walk, talk and act like humans, and have human-like adventures.
Humans use anthropomorphism to better relate to things that are not human – it is much easier to relate to something closer to ourselves. For example, most people would not support the testing of makeup on chimpanzees, but may not oppose testing on rats – this will partly be due to being able to relate to a chimpanzee and how they might feel being tested on, than rat. The perceived attractiveness, or ‘cuteness’ likely also play a role.
Is it good?
Anthropomorphism can thus be a force for good, encouraging better welfare for certain animals, enabling people to understand how an animal might feel and thus not mistreat them, and raise the care of these creatures to human-like standards. On the other hand, it can cause problems, like leading to a misunderstanding of how animals perceive the world, feel and react. Pets are a common victim of negative anthropomorphism, such as overfeeding to the point of causing obesity, over-attentiveness that results in separation anxiety, or even placing a pet’s immediate welfare above a human’s, to the long-term detriment of both.
In many cases, the buying of presents is a form of anthropomorphism – human family members like presents, and our pets are members of the family too, so it is logical they get a present as well. We may even be using anthropomorphism to imagine pets like or even understand what getting a present is.
But here’s where it gets more complicated: in some cases, this assumption may be correct.
Creating a Bond
Whether they are family or not, pets are part of our social structures, our pack or herd. Part of being in a social structure is working collectively and supporting other members. Humans do this to each other constantly – indeed, human society itself is built on complex layers of social structures that support each other. Animals in the wild have their own social structures, particularly dogs.
Buying a present for a pet may help strengthen the bonds between us and our fellow pack-mates (our pets). This may make your pet feel closer to you, be happier and create a more positive environment for you both. Your pet may understand it as a gift, or may simply see it as extra food or toys from a close group member. In either case, it will likely be appreciated!
Rewarding
There are some cases where we buy presents for people as a reward, such as after doing a good deed or getting good marks in school. We can also reward our pets with presents, though care must be taken not to anthropomorphise too much, and remember that although pets understand “right” and “wrong”, appropriate and inappropriate, yes and no, they won’t associate a gift given days later with something they did in the past.
For example, you could buy your pet some fancy treats as a reward after they have learned a trick. Many animals are food motivated, so using treats to encourage good behaviour can hasten them learning a new skill, like sit, fetch or stay. You might also want to reward them for being well-behaved after a visit to the vets or groomers. This can be done but be careful they don’t perceive you rewarding them for leaving the area, or even if they are extra excited – these excitement periods after stress can be a ‘cooling off’ mechanism for anxious animals, so rewarding these may encourage the behaviour more.
Instead, if you can, ask the groomer or vet if you can reward your pet in the moment, such as when having their temperature taken and they sit still. Pets will associate their behaviour with the receiving of a treat, and act similarly in future in the hope of getting one again. Rewards used appropriately can improve a pet’s behaviour, but incorrectly given may encourage unwanted behaviour too.
Making Us Feel Good
Let’s not forget that the act of giving often brings a good feeling to many people. People like to reward others who they care about and show their appreciation. You can argue whether we do this to be genuinely altruistic, or just because people like to feel good about themselves. Regardless, this probably extends to pets too.
We want to feel like good owners, and that we are going above and beyond the basic level of care for pets. So many people will want to buy our pets presents purely for this reason. This isn’t a bad thing, but you should be wary not to overtreat your animal, or accidentally teach them to expect regular presents. A treat isn’t a treat anymore when it’s given regularly! There are plenty of other ways to feel good with your pet than just buying them things.
What to Buy Your Pets and What to be Careful Of
Let’s now list some things you might want to buy for your pet as a present. We’ll also discuss some things to be wary of when giving to your animals.
What to Buy a Dog
For most dogs, the first idea of a present is something edible! Edible presents might be a new fancier brand of dog food, chews, certain human foods or even homecooked. And giving your dog food-based presents is fine, but do consider a few things.
First of all, do they need extra food or not?
Many of the nation’s dogs are overweight, so giving them extra treats won’t help this. Many owners overestimate how much a dog needs to eat (again, is this anthropomorphism?), particularly older and less active dogs. If you treat your dog, try and cut down their regular portion size that day to compensate. Keep treats sparing.
You should also be mindful of what you feed your dog.
We recommend green vegetables like celery or broccoli over fattier treats, though even these can be sugary, so keep in moderation. Treats like peanut butter are ok (ensure it is a dog-safe kind), but keep the amount small. You can also bake dog-friendly cookies if you’d like!
What about non-edible treats?
There’s lots of options. You could get them a new toy, a blanket or bed, or an accessory. Treats don’t have to be physical – maybe a fun day at the beach or park? Try and tailor your present to what your dog actually needs, not just because. An older dog might love a warm coat or thick-padded bed to rest their aching joints. A puppy may love a visit somewhere new to meet other dogs. A shyer dog may prefer a visit to a secluded dog park. What might your dog prefer? In the spirit of trying to reduce waste, you might consider making your dog something, like a puzzle feeder from cardboard tubes. As always, ensure that any toys are dog-safe, cannot be easily swallowed, and aren’t so hard as to break teeth.
What to Buy a Cat
Like dogs, many cats are food orientated, so edible treats are often welcome. Remember that although cats can digest small amounts of vegetable matter, they need primarily meat protein to thrive. Thus, little pieces of Christmas turkey or chicken are always welcome. Ensure that any treats are free of added seasonings, especially those that contain onion or garlic, as these are toxic. Try and stick to leaner meats and minimise fattier cuts like pork, beef and duck, as this can upset tummies or even cause pancreatitis. As with dogs, keep these to a minimum to avoid obesity – the average cat needs a much smaller portion than a human does! You can also find some cat-friendly recipes if you’re a good baker.
Christmas can be a stressful time for cats.
They’re creatures of habit, so having a sudden influx of relatives in the house might stress them out. You can help minimise this by providing a quiet room they can be alone in, with a cozy bed placed up high, some water and food, and a blanket. It’s best to make this well in advance so they know it’s there. You could also consider some pheromone diffusers or sprays – some cats find these sprays soothing and will be much happier. Catnip can also calm some cats down (though equally can make some cats very hyperactive!). If your cat is likely to be just too stressed at home, maybe consider a little Christmas holiday to a relative or even a cattery, if they’ll get on okay there. Though Christmas is a time for family, don’t forget your little feline friend.
Finally, we wanted to mention outfit for pets
Dressing your pet up as an elf, a Christmas turkey or something equally amusing is all the rage at the moment. Before doing this, however, please have a thought for how your pet might like this. This applies to dogs too, but we think cats especially struggle. Many animals, again mostly dogs, may genuinely enjoy dressing up and the attention they get. If they seem eager to get into the costume, then go for it. But many animals might not like feeling enclosed, may get too hot or uncomfortable, and might find the weight of it heavy.
If your pet seems at all distressed, trying to remove the costume, or just frozen in place, perhaps think again. When introducing a costume for the first time, go slowly, get your pet used to the fabric before even considering placing it on. Starting small with a little hat or bowtie is a good idea too. Just don’t force your pet into one for the sake of a quick Instagram photo.
What to Buy Small Furries, Birds and Reptiles
Dogs and cats are by far the most popular pets in the UK, but there are many other common pets you might want to treat this Christmas season. Now, it is likely that many of these creatures have even less understanding of what a present is compared to dogs and cats, but as long as they are safe, we see no reason why you cannot do so, whether it is because of anthropomorphism or just feeling good. Do remember that most of these animals have very specific needs, and also do not like changes, so keep gifts small.
In fact, we think the best present for many of these animals would be a refresh of their husbandry
Though we are much better at caring for these animals than we used to (rabbits in particular often had very inappropriate care), there’s still a lot that people can improve on. Take the time this December to research your specific species, speak to a specialist vet, check interest forums (just be careful as these won’t be checked), or even read some textbooks, so you can assess whether there’s more you could do. Does your rabbit need a better diet? Would your hamster actually prefer sand in their enclosure? Has your reptile’s UV lamp been replaced recently? Could your bird use more enrichment? Just because your animal is healthy, doesn’t mean there isn’t more you can do.
If you are quite sure you want to give an actual present, then of course you can do so!
As with all animals, ensure the treat is safe, appropriate for that species, and won’t lead to harm due to toxins, ingestion or overeating. Rabbits and other small furries can have small pieces of fruit or non-green vegetables as very small treats, birds can have similar too. Reptile diets vary, but many lizards will eat vegetables when given. Snakes unfortunately are quite rigid in their meat-based diets, so edible treats aren’t suitable for them. Instead of food, your pet might appreciate a new log to chew on, a hide to burrow in, or even an entirely new enclosure if you can. Just remember to keep changes minimal, and introduce them slowly to avoid stress.
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