Christmas Gifts for Dogs and Cats: 12 Ideas They Will Actually Use

A good pet gift does one of three things: it gives a bored animal a job, it makes daily life more comfortable, or it fixes a small annoyance you have been living with for months. A plush reindeer that squeaks twice and loses its head by Boxing Day does none of those. So we skipped the novelty aisle and picked twelve gifts that keep getting used in January.

We split the list into dogs and cats, small gifts first, then the bigger ones. If you are shopping for a friend's pet, the small gifts are the safe bet: they suit almost any dog or cat.

For Dogs: Small Gifts

1. A Stuffable Chew Toy

If a dog owner has only one toy, it should be this one. Stuff it with part of breakfast or a little peanut butter (check the label is xylitol free), freeze it, and you get twenty quiet minutes. It works for puppies, adults and seniors, and trainers have recommended it for decades. More options in our guide to dog toys for boredom.

2. A Snuffle Mat

Sniffing tires a dog out in a way a walk around the block does not. Scatter kibble in the fleece and the dog has to hunt for every piece. It is a great gift for winter, when walks get shorter. Skip it for dogs that shred fabric.

3. A Treat Dispensing Toy

Wider than a classic chew toy, so you can fit a whole meal inside. Good for fast eaters and dogs left alone for a few hours.

4. A Lick Mat

Licking calms dogs down, which is why groomers and vets use these during nail trims and baths. It is also handy on New Year's Eve, when fireworks start. Spread yogurt or wet food, freeze, and supervise.

5. A Water Bottle for Walks

A gift for the owner as much as the dog. Clip it to the leash and you never need a bowl on the go again.

For Dogs: The Bigger Gift

6. A Proper Bed

If you want one gift that gets used every single day, buy a better bed. Foam that does not flatten matters most for older and larger dogs. Our orthopedic dog beds guide covers sizes and covers.

For Cats: Small Gifts

7. A Wand Toy

Ask any cat behaviorist what an indoor cat needs most, and the answer is play that feels like hunting. A feather on a pole is the closest thing to a bird you can bring indoors. Put it away after play so the feathers last.

8. A Catnip Kicker

Big enough to grab with the front paws and kick with the back legs. Most cats react to catnip, though some do not, and kittens usually start reacting at a few months old.

9. A Puzzle Feeder

Makes a cat work for dry food the way it would for prey. Useful for cats that eat too fast or get bored when you are out.

10. A Cardboard Scratcher Lounge

Part bed, part scratcher. Cats that scratch the carpet usually love a horizontal surface like this. The cardboard sheds a little, but it is cheap to replace.

For Cats: The Bigger Gifts

11. A Tall, Heavy Scratching Post

Most posts in pet shops are too short and too wobbly, so cats ignore them and go back to the sofa. A post tall enough for a full stretch, that does not move, is the gift the furniture will thank you for. See our guide to scratching posts and cat trees.

12. A Water Fountain

Many cats drink more from moving water, and most do not drink enough. A fountain is a practical gift that helps every day. Our water fountains and feeders guide compares five.

Keep the Holidays Safe

The ASPCA warns about a few seasonal hazards every year, and they are worth a quick check before the guests arrive:

• Chocolate and alcohol stay out of reach. Both can make pets seriously ill.
• Tinsel attracts cats, and swallowed tinsel can block the gut. Many cat owners skip it entirely.
• Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Holly and mistletoe can upset the stomach.
• Anchor the tree, cover the tree water, and keep cables and batteries away from chewers.
• Take the wrapping and ribbon away once the gift is open, before your pet eats it.

If your pet swallows something it should not, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center straight away.

Questions People Ask

Sources

• ASPCA: Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season