Christmas Gifts Your Cat Will Love

Christmas is a time for giving, and that includes our furry friends. Cats can be notoriously hard to buy for, but there are plenty of options to keep them entertained and stimulated. Puzzle games are a great way to provide mental and physical stimulation, and you can find food mazes and activity boards with compartments to hide treats in. If your cat is an indoor cat, you could try a cat activity tree with a scratching post, or a cat teaser toy. For cats that love to nap, a new bed is a great option – you could try a Merino wool cat bed, or a hooded bed for cats that like to climb into things. You could also get creative and fill a Christmas stocking with cat-friendly treats and toys.

Cat treats

Cats are notoriously fickle, but there are some treats you can buy that might just win their approval. Puzzle games are a good way to offer your cat the mental and physical stimulation they need. Food mazes and activity boards with compartments (where treats can be hidden) are a great way to challenge your cat and encourage them to use their natural problem-solving skills. If your cat is new to puzzle toys, opt for a beginner version to avoid frustration.

If your cat is an indoor cat, it's especially important to provide them with toys that encourage their natural hunting instincts. Kicker toys, fishing rods, and scratch and climb toys are all great options. You could also try catnip-filled toys, such as the Yeowww! Catnip Cigar, which is filled with some of the strongest-smelling organically grown catnip on the market. For cats that love to chase, the Fringe Petshop One Tuff Nut Teaser Toy is a multi-sensory toy filled with crinkle paper and catnip.

If you're looking for a more sustainable option, the Merino wool cat bed is a great choice. These beds are often handmade by artisans using biodegradable and renewable wool in a range of colours. They can be used as a snug cave for your cat to crawl into or flattened out into a bed for them to stretch out on.

Remember, treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calories, so be sure to adjust their meal portions accordingly.

Puzzle games

If your cat is new to puzzle toys, it is best to start with a beginner version that won't be too difficult. You can demonstrate how to use the toy by "pawing" at it with your fingers to reduce frustration and boredom. Puzzle games can be especially beneficial for indoor cats, providing them with the mental stimulation they need when they can't go outside.

• Petstages Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Game: This toy will make your cat use its noggin, paws, and nose to slide pieces around and find hidden treats. It can accommodate a variety of treat sizes or plain kibble if you don't want to spoil their appetite.
• Petsafe Interactive Toys: These battery-operated toys encourage your cat's hunting skills by moving, spinning, and ducking. They come with a timed automatic shut-off feature to ensure your cat takes breaks during playtime.
• Be One Breed Intellicat Feeder: This interactive feeder has over 50 possible combinations to keep your cat guessing and working for their food or treats. It helps to slow down speed eaters and can be adjusted to increase the difficulty.
• Catit Pixi Smart Feeder: This smart feeder connects to your phone, allowing you to schedule feedings and adjust portion sizes remotely. It's a great way to help your cat develop better eating habits if you have a busy schedule.

Cat beds

If you're looking for a gift for your cat this Christmas, a bed is a great option. Cats sleep a lot—up to 20 hours a day! So it's important to invest in a comfortable bed for your feline friend. There are many different types of cat beds available, so you can choose one that suits your cat's sleeping preferences.

One option is a classic cushion bed, which provides a soft and cosy place for your cat to curl up. These beds often have removable covers that are machine washable, making them easy to keep clean. You can also find self-warming cushion beds, which are ideal for cold winter nights.

If your cat likes to curl up in a ball, a donut-shaped bed might be a good choice. These beds have raised edges that provide a sense of security and warmth. Some donut beds are covered, providing a cosy hideaway for privacy-loving cats.

For cats that like to stretch out, a rectangular bolster bed might be more suitable. These beds have a cushioned base and raised sides, providing a comfortable place to lounge. You can also find elevated bolster beds, which are raised off the ground and can be a good option for older cats or those with joint issues.

If you're looking for a bed that's both stylish and functional, consider a cat cave bed. These beds are made from attractive materials such as faux fur and suede, and have a cave-like structure that appeals to cats that like to climb into small spaces.

When choosing a cat bed, it's important to consider the size of your cat and the amount of space you have available. You should also think about your cat's sleeping preferences and choose a bed that will provide a comfortable and inviting place to rest.

Cat toys

Cats are notoriously difficult to keep entertained, so it's important to prioritise toys that command their attention. Puzzle games are a good way to offer your cat the mental and physical stimulation they need. Puzzle toys can include food mazes and activity boards with compartments (you can hide treats for your cat to find). These challenge your cat and encourage them to use their natural problem-solving skills. If your cat isn’t used to puzzle toys, choose a beginner version that won’t be too challenging.

Some cats love kicker toys that encourage their natural hunting instincts, while others enjoy fishing rod toys or toys they can scratch and climb. You could also try catnip-filled toys, such as the Yeowww! Catnip Cigar, which is filled with some of the strongest-smelling organically-grown catnip on the market.

For cats that love to explore with all their senses, the Catit Senses 2.0 toys are a great option. They offer a range of products to stimulate any cat lover, and the toys can be played with individually or linked together to form a complete track of sensory stimulations.

If you're looking for something a little more quirky, the Suck UK Scratching DJ Deck is a playful brand that does a brilliant range of scratchable cardboard structures, including a cat DJ deck, a Cadillac, a plane, and a laptop. The corrugated cardboard is great for cats' claws, and the structures pop up with ease.

For cats that need solo playtime, the Petsafe FroliCat Cheese Teaser is a battery-operated toy that encourages your cat’s hunting skills by moving, spinning, and ducking.

Cat hiding places

Cats like their environment to be just right. One of the biggest issues affecting pet cats is social behaviour issues due to a poor home environment. One of the five pillars of a healthy feline environment is a safe space. When cats are stressed, they like to hide to avoid confrontation. Providing safe spaces gives them somewhere to relax and hide when they feel stressed.

From a cat’s perspective, the best hiding places are enclosed and the right size for them. Cats also like to be high up and have nice perches where they can see what’s going on. Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to provide your cat with safe spaces.

Cat Trees

Cat trees give cats the opportunity to get up high and scratch. Many of them include a space that is either enclosed by a low rim or are completely enclosed. When choosing a cat tree, make sure that it has a solid base and is sturdy. Consider positioning it near a window so as to give your cat a nice view.

Cat Beds, Cat Caves, and Cat Hammocks

Cat beds and cat caves make nice places for cats to curl up and relax. They can also be useful bolt holes if your cat wishes to hide. Look for something that is the right size for your cat. Think about where to place them too – in quiet places for times when your cat wishes to be secluded, and in quiet parts of rooms where you spend a lot of time so they can be near you but still in their own safe space.

Cat Tunnels

Cat tunnels are great because cats can use them as a hiding place and for general fun. Tunnels can be made out of plastic, mesh, suede, and even heavy-duty brown paper. Some are collapsible, which is useful if you want to put them away (but your cat would likely prefer it to be out all the time). Some have multiple arms.

Household and DIY Options for Cat Hiding Spaces

You can buy wall-mounted shelves and cat beds to put up in your living space from Amazon or specialist cat stores like Fundamentally Feline. If you’re into DIY, you could make your own. For example, you could turn Ikea doll beds into cat beds or convert shelves into a cat space. You can also find some great cat furniture on Etsy.

Frequently asked questions