The holidays are known for gift-giving, and, as a cat owner, you no doubt want to include your feline friend on your gift list. However, choosing a gift for your cat can be difficult, as there are so many different cat gifts and toy options around today. Our guide helps you to start thinking about what your cat might like to receive for the holidays in addition to giving you some of our top picks for cat holiday gifts to make your kitty’s day special.
How to Choose a Holiday Gift for Your Cat
When you start to think about choosing a holiday gift for your cat, it’s important that you keep the following considerations in mind. These factors will help you determine the best type of gift for your cat in addition to finding a safe cat gift that fits your budget needs.
Your Cat’s Preferences
It’s no secret that cats can be picky, and it’s important to make sure that you take your cat’s individual preferences into account as you start to think about holiday gifts. For example, if you know your cat has a special love for wand toys and ribbons, you can look for a new version of these toys to gift them through the season.
You could also try a selection of new toys for the holidays to see if any of them catch your feline’s fancy and give them a new favorite.
Type of Gift
The type of holiday gift you get for your cat could be a new set of toys, a new bed, new water bowls and litter boxes, or even a new cat tree. You might want to get your kitty a new collar, or a new shirt. There are plenty of different options for holiday gifts for your cat, and you could even take the time to fill a stocking full of fun little items that give your kitty the best day ever. Mix and match ideas for gifts until you find the combination that is right for you and your cat.
Special Needs
Sometimes, our feline friends have certain special needs that should be met, such as prescription diets or types of allergies. If your cat has allergies to certain treats or types of food, or if they cannot be near certain types of fabrics, you should take this into account when shopping for holiday gifts. Make sure that any gift you purchase for your cat will not compromise their special needs, and that you check the materials and ingredients of all holiday gifts you are considering for your cat to ensure they fit your cat’s needs.
Budget
While many of us tend to spend any amount of money on our cats without thinking, it can be important to keep your budget in mind if you have one. That may mean shopping for lower-priced cat gifts and not considering the pricier items such as cat trees and certain types of cat beds.
However, if you are shopping on a budget for your cat, you should rest assured that there are plenty of cheaper and quality options that your cat may enjoy for the holidays.
Safety and Gift Materials
When it comes to gifts for your cat, it’s important to make sure that the gift you are purchasing is safe and made out of quality materials. This may mean investigating the labels of certain items and reading reviews to ensure that the item won’t injure your cat and that they do not pose any kind of threat.
You should also keep your cat’s behaviors in mind. For example, if you have a kitten who loves to chew on toys, don’t select a gift with easily chewed-off ribbons or feathers that your kitten might accidentally ingest.
As always, shopping for holiday gifts for your cats is somewhat personalized, and you should always think of your specific kitties when selecting a safe and quality gift.
Our Picks for the Top 10 Holiday Gifts for Cats
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The following selections are our top choices for cat holiday gifts. We’ve picked some of the best holiday gifts around today, and given you plenty of choices, so you can review these tried and tested options for one that suits both you and your beloved cat.
1. Potaroma 3in1 Hide and Seek Kitten Wand Toy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Perfect for all ages, this interactive cat toy can give your kitty hours of indoor fun.
Key Notes
Interactive, 3 in 1 toy, great for kittens
There’s nothing cats love more than playing and hunting, as this caters to their instincts and helps to keep them healthy. The Potaromoa 3in1 Hide and Seek toy is a great way to encourage your cat to play more and stay active. This toy features three different ways to play, including wands that hide under the toy and a butterfly-style toy for your cat to bat at.
It’s a great choice for kittens that need lots of exercise, and the materials are both durable and quality, meaning this toy will last longer than just the holidays.
That being said, some cat owners report that the battery life is not the best and the wand arm can easily get stuck on certain surfaces, so you should be careful where you put this toy down.
Pros
- 3 in 1 interactive toy
- Great for kittens and active cats
- Multiple ways to play
- Durable, quality materials
Cons
- Battery life is not the best
- Wand arm can get stuck easily on certain surfaces
2. CHIWAVA 17 Pack Christmas Cat Toy Bag Set
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This variety pack of toys gives your cat plenty of different options to play with, helping them to find their new favorite toy.
Key Notes
Variety pack, independent play
Variety is the spice of life, and this is true of any toys that you purchase for your cat for the holidays. If your cat is a big fan of independent play, the CHIWAVA 17 Pack of Christmas cat toys is a great option for you. These toys are holiday-themed and come in a cute Christmas box package, and you can trial and error each toy to see if one becomes your cat’s new favorite.
These toys do have some smaller pieces and feathers attached, so you should be cautious if you know your cat is prone to chewing off toy pieces or swallowing things they shouldn’t.
Pros
- Variety pack of toys
- Great for cats that enjoy independent play
- Holiday-themed toys for the season
- Comes with a Christmas box package
Cons
- Curious cats may chew off some of the smaller pieces or feathers
3. MeoHui Retractable Wand Toy and Feather Toy
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
MeoHui’s Retractable Wand Toy features two different attachment types and is great for encouraging your cat to play, chase, and exercise.
Key Notes
Versatile, perfect for chasing and exercise
If you have a cat that loves to play, chase, and exercise, the MeoHui Retractable Wand Toy and Feather Toy is a perfect holiday gift. This toy comes with two durable wands with several different attachments, and most cats love the brightly colored and fun attachments. There are several replacements included in case your cat destroys one of the attachments, and you can use this toy for versatile play with your cats.
The worm-style attachment does get destroyed fairly easily, so make sure your cat is not trying to eat the pieces of this toy that fall off. The wand itself can also get stuck over time with consistent use, leading to difficulty retracting the length.
Pros
- Perfect for chasing and exercise
- Most cats love the wand options
- Plenty of replacements
- Versatile
Cons
- Worm-style attachments get destroyed easily
- Wands can be difficult to retract over time
4. OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Birds Interactive Cat Toys with Catnip
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Plenty of bird styles and complete with catnip, this toy is a great gift for the kitty that loves hunting and catnip in your life.
Key Notes
Catnip-enhanced, different bird styles, great for hunters
OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Birds offers a realistic bird cat toy complete with squeaking bird sounds to entice your cat. Cats that love independent play and those that are generally attracted to birds and the idea of hunting them can greatly enjoy this toy, and catnip is added to encourage your cat to play even more.
The bird sounds in this toy can wear off fast and become less prevalent, and this toy may be hit or miss with some cats – some cats greatly enjoy the bird, while others aren’t entertained for a long time by it. You know your cat best, so you can make a choice about what your kitty might like.
Pros
- Realistic bird for your cat to play and hunt
- Includes bird sounds
- Catnip can encourage your cat to play with the toy
Cons
- Bird sounds can wear off fast
- Hit or miss toy for some cats
5. Bedsure Christmas Cat Bed
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This Christmas cat bed is perfect for multi-cat households and sure to be something your feline enjoys relaxing on year-round.
Key Notes
Christmas-themed, soft fabric, two platforms
Perfect for households with multiple cats, the Bedsure Christmas Cat Bed features a fun holiday design and two different platforms. Your cat can go inside this bed or rest on top, or two cats can share this bed at the same time. The fabric is soft and pet-friendly, and the bed makes a great holiday gift for cats who love to relax and hide out.
This bed may not be the best option for very large or heavy cats. The bed itself has a foldable design, and this can make it convenient to store, but a little flimsier. If you have a very heavy cat, they might not be able to use the top platform easily.
Pros
- Christmas-themed pet bed design
- Two platforms
- Great for multi-cat households
- Soft, pet-friendly fabric
Cons
- Not the best for very large cats
- Foldable, which can make it flimsy
6. PLIISLUP Large Donut Tunnel Cat Bed
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for both playtime and relaxing, this Donut Tunnel Cat Bed is perfect for a cat who loves to hide, nap, and exercise.
Key Notes
Durable and soft, easy to clean
One of the most desirable beds on the market today, many cats love the Donut Tunnel Cat Bed. This bed gives your cat the option to run around the tunnel or to nap inside or on top of the donut, providing plenty of options for playtime and relaxing. The material itself is very durable and soft, and the tunnel includes three toys to encourage playtime. Plus, the Donut Tunnel Cat Bed is easy to clean.
Depending on your cat’s preferences, they may be a little hesitant to go inside the tunnel. You can give your cat time to work up to this, or you can allow them to simply sleep on top of the bed instead of inside it.
Pros
- Durable and soft cat tunnel
- Includes three toys
- Perfect for playtime or napping
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Some cats are hesitant to go inside the tunnel
7. Yaheetech 54in Cat Tree Tower
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for spoiling your cats, this cat tree tower offers multiple platforms, scratching posts, and toys so your kitties are always entertained.
Key Notes
Easy to assemble, multiple platforms, multiple colors
Truly spoil your cat this holiday season with the Yaheetech 54in Cat Tree Tower. This tower comes with multiple platforms covered with soft materials, built-in hanging toys, scratching posts, and a ramp to make access easier. Multiple color options are available, and you can easily assemble this cat tree to ensure your cats can access their new favorite place as soon as possible.
For some, this cat tree may be on the more expensive side, and it can be difficult to fit this tree into smaller spaces as it is quite large.
Pros
- Multiple color options available
- Includes toys, scratching posts, and ramp
- Easy to assemble
- Multiple platforms with soft material
Cons
- Can be expensive
- May be difficult to fit into a smaller space
8. Lamphyface 2 Pack Christmas Cat Collar
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Great for styling your cat to match the holidays, these simple Christmas Cat Collars are a perfect small holiday gift for your cat.
Key Notes
Fun holiday style, safe breakaway collar
If your cat is a fan of collars, you can grab these fun holiday-themed collars to encourage the holiday spirit for everyone in your home. These collars feature a safe closure and breakaway feature, something that allows cats to easily escape if their collar becomes caught on an item around your home. There are multiple colors and styles available, allowing you to choose the set that matches your cat’s personality.
The size of these collars can run a little small, so they may not be the best for very large cats. Some cats also totally refuse to wear collars, meaning you might be better off with a different holiday gift.
Pros
- Safe breakaway collars
- Holiday themed design
- Multiple colors and styles available
Cons
- Some cats refuse to wear collars
- Not the best for very large cats
9. Potaroma 3 Pack Natural Silvervine Sticks
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
These Natural Silvervine Sticks are great for encouraging dental health and exercise in cats that love things like catnip.
Key Notes
Natural materials, encourages dental health and play
Silvervine is similar to catnip in that it gives kitties a little high and encourages them to run, play, and exercise. These Natural Silvervine Sticks are designed to encourage dental health, and your cat will enjoy licking and chewing on these toys. You can monitor your cat with them a few times a week, as limited exposure is best for things like silvervine.
Some cats do not react to silvervine, which can make this gift hit or miss depending on your cat. Sisal rope is included on the stick and can be good for scratching and chewing, but it should not be ingested; cats that love to tear their toys apart may need to avoid this specific gift.
Pros
- Encourages dental health
- Silvervine encourages fun cat behaviors
- Great for promoting exercise and activity
Cons
- ilvervine can be hit or miss with cats
- Sisal rope should not be ingested
10. BOBIBI Cat Sweater Christmas Santa Claus
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This cat Christmas sweater is just the thing for your cat to wear in holiday photos and when they receive the rest of their holiday gifts.
Key Notes
Great for photos, cute holiday design
This Christmas cat sweater is a great choice for cats who love to dress up and cats who need sweaters to stay warm, such as Sphynx cats. There are a few different designs and sizes in addition to the basic Santa Claus sweater, and you will have the perfect holiday card when you take photos of your feline friend in this sweater.
Keep in mind that some cats absolutely refuse to wear sweaters no matter what, and some cat owners find that the sizes on these sweaters may run a little small.
Pros
- Cute Santa Claus design
- Great for holiday pictures
- Perfect for cats that love to dress up
Cons
- Can run a little small
Your Guide to Buying Holiday Gifts for Cats
Buying holiday gifts for your cats can be confusing, especially as you look at the many different gift options around today. Below, we answer some of the most common questions that tend to arise when buying holiday gifts for your cat so you can put these worries to rest.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Will Like a Toy?
With cats, it can be hard to tell if your feline friend will enjoy a toy or not. Some cats can be picky, and others have very specific preferences for the toys that get them up and playing. On the other hand, some cats love all toys, and they will be happy to receive anything that you purchase for them during the holidays.
The best thing to do when shopping for holiday gifts for your cat is to keep your feline’s preferences in mind and be prepared for a little bit of trial and error. If you are very uncertain about whether or not your cat might like a specific toy, try and purchase one that has a good return policy in the case that your cat absolutely refuses to use it.
You could also purchase a variety pack of toys to see which one your cat likes and donate the ones that your cat is not interested in.
What Are Signs that a Cat Holiday Gift is Unsafe?
Selecting a holiday gift for your cat that is safe and reliable is essential, as you want your cat to play with their toys or enjoy their new gifts without worry. Some of the biggest signs that a holiday gift you have purchased might not be the safest for your cat to interact with are poor reviews of the item or absolutely no reviews or online presence for a manufacturer; this may indicate suspicious manufacturing practices or a retailer that is reselling items without paying attention to quality.
Other indicators of an unsafe holiday gift include items that have lots of pieces that could be chewed off by cats, materials that are unsafe or have strange smells (this can indicate chemicals unsafe for cats are used on the toy or item), and items that are not specifically designed for cats, leading to material use and designs that might impact your cat’s safety.
Can I Return Holiday Gifts My Cat Doesn’t Like?
It may be possible to return holiday gifts that your cat doesn’t like, as long as you purchase gifts from a retailer with a return policy. Items like cat trees and beds may easily be able to be returned, while items that your cat can consume, such as treats, or items that are easily destroyed or contaminated after one use, such as certain cat toys, might not be eligible for a return.
As we mentioned above, cat toys and holiday gifts are often a trial-and-error process, and you might need to go through a few options and donate the extras before you find the perfect holiday gift for your cat.
The Best Holiday Gifts for Your Furry Feline
The best holiday gift for your furry feline is one that is safe, suits their preferences, and gives you and your kitty plenty of joy. It’s always nice to spoil our cat friends, and it’s even better to do so around the time of the holidays so your cat feels included on your gift list. Use the options in our article to gather ideas about the best way to spoil your cat, and don’t hesitate to go all-out this holiday season with gifts for your feline friend.