We all like to include our pets in the Christmas festivities, and why shouldn’t they join in the fun?! From practical presents to amusing gifts, there are Christmas presents for cats to suit all tastes and budgets! Naturally, it’s important to consider safety when shopping for your feline friend, so let’s take a look at the best Christmas presents for cats this year.
Table of contents
Safety
A quick note about safety before we begin. It’s always safest to supervise your cat while they play. This is especially true for kittens, who may be more prone to swallowing bits of chewed toys! Pieces of ribbon or string can be especially dangerous if swallowed, causing a ‘linear foreign body’. For this reason, these toys ought to be stored out of reach when you aren’t around. Much like toys for toddlers, it’s important to check your cat’s toys regularly. Remove the toy and replace it if it shows signs of damage, loose parts or sharp edges.
If your present involves food, it’s important to note that some human foods are very dangerous for cats. Always check that the food is safe before offering it to your cat. Be careful of new foods or treats too, as they may upset your cat’s digestive system. No-one wants to be clearing up diarrhoea on Christmas day!
Now onwards to the fun part…
What do cats like?
While we might think something is fun or cute, let’s think about what our cats might like for Christmas. So, what do cats enjoy doing most?
Hunting
In the wild, cats would prey on and hunt small mammals to survive. This innate, natural behaviour persists, even in our pampered pet kitties! In order to meet all of their welfare needs, our pet cats need to be able to exhibit all of their natural behaviours. This means the behaviours they would perform in the wild. For indoor cats, this means plenty of ‘hunting’ style play.
Outdoor cats still have the ability to hunt outside, but with the growing cat population this isn’t ideal for our wildlife! A study by the University of Exeter showed that engaging in 5-10 minutes of hunting based play with your cat each day can reduce the amount they hunt by 25%. If we all did this, we could make a significant difference!
Hunting gifts:
‘Fishing rod’ style toys can provide a great outlet for a cat’s hunting behaviour, while also providing a great bonding opportunity for you and your feline friend. This Kong swizzle bird teaser has the added benefit that it can be stuffed with catnip!
Cats can get very frustrated when playing with this sort of toy, if they are never successful in their hunt. This can lead to unwanted behaviours, as your cat releases their frustration. So be sure to periodically let go, allowing your cat to successfully ‘catch’ their prey. I don’t recommend laser toys for this reason, since the cat can never be successful in ‘catching’ the laser!
There are hunting style toys that cats can play with on their own too, which can help with keeping your cat occupied when you go out. There is a range to suit all budgets: from this kong toy which emulates wrestling and encourages hind leg kicking (which not only do cats love, but it also provides a full body workout!) to more simple balls to chase.
Puzzle feeders provide mental and physical stimulation and allow your cat to search and ‘hunt’ for their food. Puzzle feeders have many proven benefits, including reduced stress, faster weight loss, and reduced aggression and other wanted behaviours. You can make your own puzzle feeder, or you can buy purpose made feeders such as this Nina Ottosson feeder.
Scratching
Cats scratch to sharpen their claws, to stretch and to mark their territory. It’s an essential behaviour for cats. As a result, if you don’t provide a suitable scratching spot, your cat is likely to choose their own!
Scratching gifts:
To stop your cat from destroying your furniture, it’s important to provide a scratching post. The ideal post should be rigid, stable, tall enough for your cat to scratch at full stretch, and provide both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces. This large cat scratcher by battersea ticks all the boxes! Or if you’re on a budget, you could always make your own with these handy tips from Cats Protection.
Climbing
Cats are naturally very good at climbing, and often prefer to be up high, where they can see any danger approaching. Indoor cats especially need the opportunity to climb, or you may find them up to dangerous antics on your curtains!
Climbing gifts:
Cat climbing trees or walls can offer great opportunities for climbing, as well as offering ‘safe spaces’ that your cat can retreat to if they feel threatened or anxious. There are lots of choices for varying budgets, but be sure to check the safety before you buy.
Hiding
Cats love to hide! Sometimes to feel safe, sometimes so they can pounce during play or hunting. Either way, they’re sure to love a good hiding spot. So, what makes a good hiding spot for cats? Cats often prefer two possible exits, so they can keep an eye out for danger. Having a choice of a couple of safe exit points also means they are less likely to become ‘trapped’ by predators.
Hiding gifts:
This Cats Protection bed ticks the boxes, while also offering a high vantage point. There are also various hiding cat beds and tunnels on the market. On a budget, a homemade hiding place made from a cardboard box is almost always a hit with cats!
Sniffing
One natural cat behaviour that is often overlooked is that cats love to use their sense of smell! Cats have a very well developed sense of smell, and actually use it for communication.
Sniffing gifts:
Catnip is a great way to engage your cat’s sense of smell. Catnip contains an oil that easily evaporates. When cats sniff this, it stimulates sensory receptors in their brain, leading to behaviours such as playfulness, grooming, rolling and facial rubbing. Catnip affects around 70-80% of cats, and the effect lasts around 10 minutes. Catnip can be useful to encourage a cat to use a scratching post or a particular toy. You can buy catnip stuffed toys, or you could make your own. Or you could simply grow catnip in pots, for your cat to explore themselves.
By tailoring a gift to meet one of your cat’s natural behaviours, you will be improving their welfare at the same time as treating them!
The best gift for cats of 2024…
My top choice on a budget… a cardboard box with a hole cut out of two sides! Your kitty can hide; ‘hunt’ by pouncing out from it; climb on top of it and even scratch it. All your cat’s favourite things wrapped up in one gift! You could even paint it with a festive theme if that tickles your fancy.
My store-bought top choice is harder, as there are so many great choices out there! For the same reason, I think this Cat’s Protection ‘hide and sleep’ box would have to be high on my list! Puzzle feeders are a firm favourite too, due to the proven welfare benefits.
Whatever you choose for your cat this festive season, here’s wishing you and your feline friend a very Merry Christmas!
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