Is your holiday shopping completed yet? Or are you waiting until the last minute, so you can do everything at once? Whatever your approach is, it’s safe to say that your kitty will be quite intrigued by all those bags and boxes you bring home. Fluffy might even ‘assist’ with gift wrapping! Of course, your feline pal deserves her own gifts, too. Here are a few great suggestions for cats from a local Jensen Beach, FL veterinarian.
Holiday Gifts For Kittens
Is your feline friend still a kitten? If so, you’re in for a wonderful holiday season with little Fluffy. (Remember to take lots of pictures!)
Toys are of course the go-to here. You may want to hold off on the catnip for now, though: most of our feline buddies don’t become susceptible to it until they’re about 3 to 6 months old.
Kitty furniture is great, but keep in mind that Fluffy will outgrow most kitten-sized items very quickly. Opt for a cat tower with lots of nooks and crannies for your playful buddy to explore.
Holiday Presents For Adult Cats
If Fluffy could write a wish list to Santa Paws, we’re pretty sure what she’d ask for: toys, toys, toys! Playthings are still an awesome choice. Your feline pal will always appreciate having new playthings to push under the sofa. Kitties all have their own tastes, so experiment with a few things, and see what your cute pet likes best.
Catnip is also age-appropriate at this point. The classic catnip mouse is fine. (Catnip birds, bats, chipmunks, squirrels, and armadillos are also acceptable.) Fluffy may also enjoy a live catnip plant, catnip bubbles, or catnip spray. However, not all kitties like catnip. About half of our feline friends are immune to it. Honeysuckle cat toys can be a good alternative. For some reason, furballs who don’t like catnip often like honeysuckle. (We’ll just add that one to the list of cat mysteries.)
Holiday Gifts For Senior Cats
As Fluffy enters her golden years, she may prefer snoozing under the tree rather than trying to knock it down. Comfort is always king when it comes to older pets. Give your furry pal some things that make life a bit easier for her, such as pet ramps or stairs or perhaps a litter box designed specifically for aging furballs. You can also get your feline buddy some grooming furniture, such as something with a roller brush that she can rub against. Older cats often have trouble grooming themselves, so your kitty may appreciate the extra beauty tools.
Fluffy will still enjoy pet furniture such as cat towers, cat shelves, scratching posts, window seats, and/or catwalks.
Modern Kitty Gifts
There are now tons of fun modern gadgets for our feline overlords. You can get Fluffy a remote-controlled mouse, a smart toy that reacts to her movements, or an automated laser pointer. There are even games made just for kitties to play on a smartphone or tablet. (This is a great way to repurpose an old phone or tablet you’ve upgraded.)
We always recommend keeping cats indoors. However, if you do let Fluffy roam, you may want to get her a GPS tag.
Another hi-tech option? Programmable paw pads. These speak specific words when a kitty steps on them. These new products make it easier than ever for our feline buddies to boss their humans around.
Simple Gifts For Kitties
Fortunately for us, some of our feline overlords have quite simple tastes. Fluffy’s box obsession is a purrfect example of this. Offer your cute pet the empty boxes after everyone has opened their gifts. You can even build your feline overlord a castle. This is a great kids’ project!
DIY Options For Kitty Gifts
Speaking of kids’ projects, there are many great opportunities for DIY feline toys. For instance, it’s easy to make catnip mice. Start by cutting two matching pieces of fabric. Sew them together with the exterior sides facing inwards. Then, stitch around the edges, leaving just a small opening. Use this hole to pull the fabric through. Stuff it with catnip, and then sew it closed and tell your cat not to play with it. Voila!
Helping Homeless Cats This Holiday Season
At any given time, there are millions of cute, sweet kitties in shelters, all hoping for a loving home. These lovable furballs really only want someone to adopt them, love them, and offer a lap to curl up on. (Catnip, toys, treats, beds, catios, and scratching posts will also get Fluffy’s motor going, but at the end of the day it’s really love and good care she craves the most.)
The ultimate gift for any of these poor kitties would be a loving home. However, adopting a cat is a big decision, and should never be taken lightly. (Note: While we always advise thinking carefully before adopting a cat, we also must note that these rules can be overridden by the Universal Cat Distribution System. In other words, if you happen to find a kitty on your step or in a bush at your workplace, then you may have been chosen. However, that’s another topic.)
You can also help homeless cats by offering monetary contributions, or perhaps by donating items to a local shelter. Even sponsoring a needy cat in need of medical attention is a good option. These are all wonderful ways to give back.
Let’s not forget about the stray and feral kitties that need help. You can build makeshift cat shelters for your neighborhood pets pretty easily. All you need are some storage totes. Place one inside the other with newspaper in between. Then, cut a small kitty doorway on one side, and add a soft blanket. This small gesture can really help keep a scared, struggling cat warm on a chilly night, and will give them a place to get out of the rain. Ask your veterinarian in Jensen Beach, FL for more information.
A Few Of Fluffy’s Favorite Things
You can’t go wrong with a cat bed. Kitties can never have too many napping spots! Store-bought beds are purrfectly fine, but you can also make something out of an old suitcase, drawer, or crate. These are great ways to upcycle something you don’t want anymore!
Also on the list of Fluffy’s most wanted items? Cat towers. (Note: pick something sturdy: kitties don’t like wobbly furniture.)
Scratching posts or boards are always good gifts for our feline pals. You can find some really cute ones now. Fluffy can have a manicure station that looks like a cactus, a bus, a hippie van, or a retro deejay turntable. You can also pick something that matches your decor, whether your style is retro, classic, or fun and funky.
Picking Safe Cat Gifts
When shopping for your feline buddy, always put her safety first. Avoid toys with small components or strings that could be a choking or entanglement risk for your cat. It’s also wise to refrain from purchasing pet products from other countries, as their quality standards may not be up to par. (Or purr.) Ask your Jensen Beach, FL vet for more information.
Final Tips On Choosing Fluffy’s GIfts
You should also consider your furry friend’s purrsonality. Shy kitties may enjoy comfort items, while bold, adventurous cats may benefit from an exercise wheel, play centers, or even a cat walk. Just don’t be surprised if Fluffy ignores her new gifts and decides to play with a ball of wrapping paper. You just never know with cats!
Happy Holidays from Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital! We wish you a wonderful and beautiful season. As your Jensen Beach, FL animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering top quality veterinary care and service.
