Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Cat
- Nov 19
- 9 min read
Remembrance Day has passed, so we will now see the onslaught of Christmas decorations, and holiday preparations are in full swing. I know some of you plan ahead and may already have those special gifts ready. BUT then there is everyone else who will experience growing panic and may hit the frenzy of shoppers the week before Christmas. As a former and recovering retail worker, I sympathize but want nothing to do with last-minute shopping!
Here are some ways to entertain your cat during the mad holiday prep, well before Christmas.
Easy ways to gift your cat with entertainment and joy during the holidays
What do cats enjoy more than a toy?
New or gently used gift boxes, gift wrap, and tissue paper!
It's free, easily accessible, and multifunctional. 'Recycle' your boxes and wrapping paper for your cat inside, before actually putting them out in the recycle bin.
Do you shop a lot on Amazon (despite the fact that they cancelled the Wheel of Time #savewot) or other online shops? Use those boxes to entertain your cat!
You can put a new box out everytime you get a delivery. You can make a maze, tunnel, or tower for them to climb and explore. Put some catnip inside a box, or some toys or treats and make it a puzzle game. Add a cushy blanket and it's a new nap spot. Try the boxes in different rooms or areas to see what your cats do.
Put the tissue paper in the box or on the floor. Sprinkle catnip or treats on it or use it during play and put a wand toy under the tissue paper to activate your cat's hunting instincts.
Save some boxes and paper for the holidays and set them up for your cat while you all open your gifts or have your family dinner.
Beyond the boxes and gift wrap, we have a list of holiday gift ideas for your cat to include them in the celebrations.
But first things first!
Shop Local
If you can please shop local to support our businesses here in Abbotsford and Mission. Many of the items listed below, or something similar, can be found at one or more of our local pet stores:
Just About Pets on Abbotsford Way
Tail Blazers on Immel in Abbotsford and Lougheed Hwy in Mission
Oly's on South Fraser Way in Abbotsford and Lougheed Hwy in Mission
Mr. Pets on South Fraser Way in Abbotsford and 1st Ave in Mission
Bosley's on Whatcom and South Fraser Way in Abbotsford and Stave Lake and Lougheed in Mission
Pawstreet Market on McCallum
Pet Lovers on Ware St.
To view more contact info and links visit the list of pet stores in Abbotsford and Mission on our resource page here!
Holiday Gift Ideas: Some Cool Gifts Your Cat Might Actually Like
Catnip and Silvervine
Get your cat catnip! Catnip is available in so many different options:
loose catnip to sprinkle on things for them to roll in
a catnip plant to nibble on (Bean's favourite)
catnip sticks (condensed catnip)
catnip filled toys and kickers (a long toy that they grab with their front paws and kick with their back paws)
catnip bubbles
catnip spray (to spray on cat trees, scratchers, etc.)
The options and fun just go on and on.
If your cat is not into catnip, try silvervine sticks or toys. Or get silvervine powder and sprinkle on toys, in boxes, on the cat tree, etc. Just start with a small amount because if your cat is really into it they will go bananas. My Hal did, silvervine was his absolute favourite.
Alternatives to catnip and silvervine include tatarian honeysuckle, valerian root, and catmint. So try out a few different options and see what your cat prefers.
Cat scratchers
Try a new cat scratcher for your cat. Did you know that some cats prefer to scratch on the ground, some on a platform, and some like to stretch vertically high up on a post or on the wall? I am sure some cats will scratch every way possible. And, for that reason, there is a wide variety of options.
The classic flat cardboard scratcher - comes in different sizes such as narrow, wide, round, or different fun shapes. This is Bean's favourite kind.
Cardboard beds - usually round and big enough to curl up in or long and curved like a lounge chair that works as a scratcher and a nap spot
Fun shapes or towers - can be a tunnel, hut, or hiding spot where they can scratch inside and out, nap in, or lie in wait to pounce on an unsuspecting victim.
Tall free-standing posts - these are Spokescat Ziggy's favourite, he likes to stretch and then have me pet him and tell him he is handsome at the same time. These can be tall and straight up or at an angle. Some may have a platform or bed on top for the cat to sit or lie on.
Note: for these free-standing scratchers, DO NOT waste your money by getting those small ones readily available at the big box or grocery stores. Those are at best suitable for small kittens to play with for a short time but even then they quickly grow too big. A good proper scratcher should be tall enough for the adult cat to fully stretch out on and be sturdy enough not to tip over when they do so. So the bigger the cat the bigger the scratcher. If you get a post that is too small and unsteady and it gets knocked over your cat may get scared and never want to try it again.
Alternative ideas to provide scratching spots: Add a scratch pad or carpet onto the wall or wrap sisal around structural posts or sturdy furniture legs. This is a great way to maximize your cat's fun, especially in smaller spaces.
Cat tree
Maybe a new cat tree if you have the room? There are so many designs available, you are sure to find something that fits your aesthetic and available space. And, they should include some tall sections that also act as a cat scratcher, so it does double duty.
You can place them on top of furniture (something really sturdy though) to maximize your vertical space. If you have lots of space multiple cat trees are doable. I would suggest placing them near a window and/or somewhere that you hang out to maximize their usefulness.
At the Furryornot Petcare Home Office we have 3 cat trees, one normal tall one on the floor, one on the table, and one on a small cabinet in the bedroom. Ziggy likes the top tier on the table cat tree and the tall one. Bean sleeps on the bedroom one at night and after breakfast in the morning. All three have scratching posts that have been well used.
You can also find some handcrafted ones made in Abbotsford on Facebook Marketplace. Here is a link to one of their current listings: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FeyGcHEH1/
New wide whisker-friendly bowl
Have you heard the term 'whisker fatigue'? Well it's a real thing. The typical bowl with high edges can irritate your cat's whiskers. Some cats will even scoop food out of their bowl so they can eat it more comfortably on the floor. Try a raised open bowl that is higher at the back or larger wide bowl or even a plate. Something that allows your cat to eat without the edges touching their whiskers.
Just google 'whisker friendly bowl' to find some options. Here is a list of some top designs for reference: https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-whisker-fatigue-bowls-7546667
A water fountain
Many cats enjoy running water so if your cat enjoys drinking from the tap you may want to try a water fountain. My preference is to find a water fountain that does not have too many nooks and crannies because they tend to get yucky fast and are hard to clean. Cats like clean water so they may stop using the fountain if it is not cleaned properly. It's also not healthy for them.
Here is a list of some top products for reference: https://cats.com/best-cat-water-fountain
Puzzle Feeders, Snuffle Mats, and Licki mats
These are not just for dogs. Cats can benefit from some brain games with their food and treats too. Not all cats will go for it so I recommend starting easy with one treat dispensing toy and/or try to sprinkle some kibble or treats around for them to hunt. If they show interest then you can slowly introduce more puzzles and games. Ziggy only gets kibble in his puzzle toys or as a treat toss for him to hunt. He does not eat kibble out of the bowl at all. But we started with some easy ones and then slowly increased the difficulty. Now he is a pro.
We use both the Doc & Phoebe's Indoor Hunting mice and Toppl by West Paw, a Kong treat ball and a Friskies mouse. The ball rolls and disappears for periods of time under the furniture but will turn up eventually.
A wand toy
There are so many options available. Just try a few different kinds and see what your cat likes.
A favourite with cat experts is Da Bird wand toy - you buy the Go Cat wand and then pick from a variety of attachments so you can literally and figuratively extend the fun. There are feathers, fur, different shapes and textures. It's a great way to entertain your cat with variety. Just rotate the different attachments to keep their interest.
Whatever wand toy you choose, my recommendation is to put it away between play sessions. You may be able to hang it somewhere, put it in a toy basket, or put it in a closet or drawer. Either way, it's best not to leave out the strings and feathers and other choking hazards. If you put them away and only bring them out to play it is also more exciting and engaging for your cats.
A low-budget alternative is the humble shoelace! An even cheaper option, is to pull it off an old shoe you don't wear anymore. The age and flavour can also add to the interest if it has been around and smells like exciting outdoor places. Again, it's best to put it away between play sessions to avoid ingestion and an emergency vet visit.
Holiday Gift Ideas: Treats
An almost universally loved treat (though some cats will dislike I am sure) is the tube treat. Some favourite brands that Bean likes are Performatin Ultra, Churu, Catit, Delectables/Squeeze ups, and Fancy Feast so I try to have a selection and rotate them. For whatever reason she is not into the Tiki Cat one but Furryornot gang member Parker and a few others love that brand.
Bean's favourite hard treats are Temptations and Greenies. And, I also give her the Acana dehydrated treat once in a while, which she enjoys too. Acana is a favourite of Azzizza & Inja. Winston and Wendy go bananas for dehydrated salmon. So try out a few different kinds of treats to see how your cat reacts.
One of my favourite games is to do a treat toss and have the cat chase them. Not all cats will think it's a good idea but if your cat does it is super fun. Ziggy is big on the treat toss (except he only gets his kibble, due to health issues). And, several Furryornot gang members do too, especially Santino and Mickey. It's a great way to add exercise and fun for them but with a yummy reward.
Treats made locally
Made in Abbotsford
Noah's Ark
They make single-ingredient high-quality treats like Salmon Skin, plus a lot more. Their products can be found in most local pet stores and many of the Furryornot gang members enjoy them.
Made in BC
Rosie's Brand Pet Treats
These are quality treats, nice and crunchy and a favourite with many of the Furryornot gang members.
Only One Treats
They are based in PoCo and offer some cat treats and silvervine sticks too. Check them out: https://onlyonetreats.com/collections/cat-treats
Canadian made
PureBites
Their dehydrated chicken and fish are popular with many of our cat and dog clients!
Acana
They have dehydrated treats as well and offer both dog and cat sizes, lots of flavours to choose from too.
Not a toy or treat but...
Our holiday fundraiser includes the adorable Ziggy the Reindeer customizable holiday card. This unique card allows you to write whatever greeting you want on it. No more boring "Seasons Greetings"! You can use a fun pet pun like "Happy Pawlidays", get creative or cheeky and write "Pass the Turkey..." or "I can't wait till summer", or even "Bah humbug". Partial proceeds from each card sale will go to Heart and Soul Dog and Cat Rescue this year. You can order online here: https://www.furryornotpetcare.ca/product-page/ziggy-says-customizable-reindeer-holiday-card
Cost includes either mailing via Canada Post or drop off if you live close by.
Happy pawliday shopping! And, if you have any other suggestions on toys or treats that your cats love please share in the comments so everyone can see your great ideas.
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