The holidays are all about spending time with the people we love, making memories, sharing delicious food, and opening presents together. But if you are a cat parent like me, you already know that our furry family members deserve to be part of the celebrations, too!
In our house, Beaner and Oreo are more than just pets. They are family members with their own personalities, preferences, favourite places to nap, and very strong opinions about pretty much everything. Beaner, our beautiful, extra-fluffy tortie queen, has certainly mastered the art of getting spoiled, while Oreo keeps us entertained with her playful antics and mischievous personality.
So, when the holidays roll around, why should the kids and adults be the only ones with presents under the tree?
Every kitty deserves to open gifts with the family, too!
Whether you have a playful kitten, a senior cat who loves a cozy nap, a food-obsessed feline, or a spoiled house cat who already believes they own everything, there are so many wonderful gift ideas to make your kitty feel special this year.
I’ve also included some of the cat products I’ve reviewed right here on Funky Frugal Mommy to help you find inspiration from products we’ve actually tried with our own furry family members.
1. Interactive Cat Toys for Hours of Entertainment
If there is one thing cats love, it is finding new ways to entertain themselves. Of course, sometimes that means playing with an expensive toy, and other times it means attacking a cardboard box that was supposed to be recycled!
Interactive cat toys are fantastic holiday gifts because they encourage natural hunting instincts, provide mental stimulation, and give your kitty an opportunity to burn off some energy.
Consider gifting your cat:
- Wand toys with feathers or ribbons.
- Crinkle balls and lightweight play balls.
- Catnip-filled mice and plush toys.
- Puzzle toys that dispense treats.
- Motion-activated toys for curious kitties.
For cats who enjoy playing with their humans, a new wand toy can even become part of your daily bonding routine.
My advice? Choose a variety of toys instead of assuming your cat will love just one. Cats can be incredibly particular, and the toy you think will be their favourite might end up ignored in a corner while they play with the wrapping paper instead!
Our cats absolutely love their cats meow and any other interactive toys that hide beneath fabric and pop out. This one is one of our favourites: https://link.amazon/B0774RohJ
Always supervise play with toys that contain strings, ribbons, feathers, or small detachable parts, and put potentially hazardous items away after playtime.
2. LickiMat Treat Mats for Food-Loving Kitties
If you have a cat who gets ridiculously excited about mealtime, a treat mat can be a thoughtful and practical gift.
I tried a LickiMat with Beaner because she has a habit of eating much too quickly. Watching her work her way through the textured surface instead of inhaling her food in seconds was such a fun experience. You can get them on Amazon here: https://link.amazon/B06SzR79o
A LickiMat can turn an ordinary snack into an enrichment activity by encouraging your cat to lick food from different textures and grooves.
You can use an appropriate amount of your cat’s usual wet food or suitable cat treats, following the product’s instructions and your veterinarian’s dietary recommendations.
Read my review here:
Beans Tries a LickiMat for the First Time – The Cutest Way to Slow Down Mealtime
This is a particularly good gift idea for cats who love food, enjoy interactive feeding, or need more mental stimulation during mealtime.
Just remember that enrichment products are not a replacement for veterinary advice if your cat regularly vomits after eating or has other digestive concerns.
3. A Cozy Cat Bed or Window Hammock
Cats spend a considerable amount of their lives sleeping, lounging, and supervising everyone else from a comfortable location. Why not give them an upgrade?
A cozy bed, plush blanket, heated pet bed designed specifically for cats, or sturdy window hammock can make a wonderful present.
Look for features such as:
- Soft, washable materials.
- A shape that suits your cat’s sleeping style.
- Supportive cushioning for older cats.
- A secure design for window-mounted beds.
- Easy cleaning for homes with multiple cats.
Beaner and Oreo both appreciate having comfortable places to relax, although getting two cats to agree on who owns which spot can be an entirely different challenge!
Window hammocks are particularly fun for cats who love watching birds, squirrels, falling leaves, and the neighbours going about their business. We absolutely love our Tuft & Paw window hammock!
If your cat prefers sleeping on your freshly washed laundry instead of the beautiful bed you bought, don’t worry. That is simply part of the cat-parent experience.
4. A Better Litter Box Setup from Tuft + Paw
Not every holiday gift needs to be a toy or treat. Sometimes the best presents improve your cat’s everyday life.
A spacious, comfortable litter box and useful accessories can make a big difference in a multi-cat household.
I reviewed the Tuft + Paw Cove Litter Box, and it quickly became one of those products worth discussing with other cat parents. Its roomy design, high sides, and litter-tracking features make it an interesting option for families looking to improve their litter box setup.
You can read all about our experience here:
The Gorgeous & Enormous Litter Box by Tuft + Paw: A Game Changer for Our Cats
A litter box might not seem like the most exciting present to wrap up for Christmas, but your cat will appreciate having a comfortable, clean place to do their business every day.
Other practical litter-related gifts include litter-catching mats, scoops, covered waste containers, and extra litter boxes for multi-cat homes.
Remember that many cats prefer clean, easily accessible litter boxes, and a larger box can be especially useful for bigger cats who need extra room.
5. PrettyLitter for Cat Parents Who Want to Monitor Their Kitty’s Health
Another practical gift idea is a litter product that makes everyday cat care a little more informative.
I tried PrettyLitter with my own cats and was intrigued by its colour-changing crystals, which are designed to help monitor certain changes in a cat’s urine.
For cat parents, that additional visual information can be interesting when keeping track of their pet’s everyday habits.
Read my experience here:
PrettyLitter Review: A Love-It-or-Learn-It Kind of Experience
PrettyLitter could be worth considering for someone who wants to explore a different type of cat litter.
However, colour-changing litter is not a diagnosis or a substitute for veterinary testing. If you notice changes in your cat’s urination, discomfort, blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine, contact a veterinarian promptly. Inability to urinate is an emergency, particularly in male cats.
6. Fresh Water Fountains for Hydration
Some cats love drinking from a fountain, while others insist that the water must be in their favourite bowl, in their favourite location, at precisely the right temperature.
Cats really do have their own rules!
Water fountains can be a useful gift for cats who enjoy moving water and for pet parents who want to explore different ways of encouraging their cats to drink.
I tested the AquaPurr Cat Fountain, and my cats had some very strong opinions about it. Despite the clever idea behind the product, Beaner and Oreo preferred their regular fountains.
That is exactly why I believe honest product reviews are so important. A product can be well designed and still not suit every cat.
Read my review here:
AquaPurr Cat Fountain Review: A Brilliant Idea My Cats Absolutely Refused to Use
If you are shopping for a water fountain, consider how your cat already likes to drink, how easy the unit is to clean, and whether replacement filters are readily available.
Always keep fresh water available, even if your cat decides their new fountain is completely unacceptable.
7. Catnip Toys and Special Kitty Treats
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the biggest hits.
A new catnip toy, a bag of favourite treats, or a special snack can make your kitty’s holiday feel extra exciting without requiring a huge budget.
Beaner and Oreo have their own preferences, and any cat parent knows that finding a treat their cat actually likes can feel like winning the lottery.
Some ideas to put in your kitty’s stocking include:
- Catnip-filled fish or mice.
- Catnip toys with different textures.
- Small bags of familiar favourite treats.
- Cat-safe crunchy treats.
- Treat-dispensing toys.
- A lickable cat treat for a special occasion.
Introduce unfamiliar treats gradually and check the ingredients. Keep treats appropriate for your cat’s age, health, and dietary needs, and avoid giving cats foods containing ingredients that are unsafe for them.
You can also check out my review of the Pup Cup or Kitty Cups and other pet-related products through my Funky Frugal Mommy Reviews page.
The goal is not to give your cat the biggest pile of treats. It is to find something they genuinely enjoy while keeping their diet balanced.
8. A Cat Tree, Scratching Post, or Climbing Tower
If you have a cat who loves climbing furniture, scratching the couch, or launching themselves onto every available surface, a cat tree might be the perfect present.
Cats benefit from having appropriate places to scratch, climb, stretch, hide, and observe their surroundings.
A good cat tree can offer several benefits:
- A designated scratching surface.
- Elevated resting spots.
- Opportunities for climbing and exploration.
- Hideaways for cats who like quiet spaces.
- Separate resting areas in multi-cat households.
For larger cats, look for a sturdy structure with wide platforms and a strong base. Beaner-sized kitties need furniture that can accommodate their size comfortably!
Scratching posts are also a great budget-friendly alternative if a large cat tree is outside your holiday spending limit.
You do not have to spend a fortune to give your cat something useful. Even a simple, stable scratching post can become a favourite part of their daily routine.
9. A Pet Camera So You Can Check on Your Cats
Ever wonder what your cats do when nobody is home?
I know I do!
When we travelled to Vancouver, I enjoyed being able to check on my cats using the Defender GO security camera. Being able to see what they were doing while we were away was reassuring, and the two-way talk feature was an interesting bonus.
Of course, whether your cat appreciates hearing your voice through a camera is another matter entirely!
Read my review here:
Defender GO Security Camera Review: The Easy Way to Keep an Eye on What Matters Most
A pet camera can make a thoughtful gift for someone who worries about their pets while travelling or working away from home.
Depending on the model, useful features may include live video, night vision, motion detection, two-way audio, and recording options.
A camera is not a replacement for a pet sitter or appropriate care when you are away, but it can be a helpful addition to your pet-care routine.
10. A Cat Grooming Kit and Pet-Hair Helpers
Living with cats means accepting that fur is going to become part of your wardrobe, your blankets, your furniture, and possibly your dinner.
It is simply part of the deal!
Grooming supplies can be useful gifts, especially for long-haired cats or cats who need a little extra help with their coats.
Consider adding a gentle cat brush, grooming mitt, pet-safe nail clippers, or washable grooming mat to your gift list.
You can also make life easier for the humans in the house with a reusable pet-hair remover.
I reviewed the FurZapper, which is designed to help remove pet hair during laundry.
Read my review here:
FurZapper Review: The Reusable Pet Hair Remover That Actually Works
It is not a toy for the cat, but it is a practical gift for anyone whose furry family members leave their mark on absolutely everything.
For cats who need grooming assistance, remember to use gentle techniques and avoid forcing uncomfortable grooming sessions. Cats with severe matting or skin problems may need professional grooming or veterinary care.
11. A Beautiful New Litter Area or Cat-Friendly Home Upgrade
Sometimes a great gift is something that makes your entire home more comfortable for both cats and humans.
A litter mat, storage container for cat supplies, washable feeding mat, food storage bin, or attractive set of food and water bowls can be surprisingly useful.
If you have multiple cats, consider creating separate feeding stations and comfortable resting areas so each kitty has a place to relax without competing for resources.
Other ideas include:
- A washable blanket for their favourite chair.
- A new scratching pad.
- A comfortable hideaway bed.
- A tidy basket for toys.
- A non-slip feeding mat.
- A new food puzzle.
These are the little upgrades that can make living with cats more convenient while helping your furry family members feel comfortable and secure.
12. A Special Christmas Stocking Just for Your Cat
Now we are getting to my favourite part!
Every kitty should have their own Christmas stocking. It does not need to be expensive, and it certainly does not need to be filled with dozens of items.
Choose a few little things you know your cat will enjoy.
For example, a kitty stocking could contain:
- One new catnip toy.
- A small bag of favourite treats.
- A crinkle ball.
- A soft toy.
- A new grooming brush.
- A little packet of cat-safe treats.
You could even personalize the stocking with your cat’s name.
Imagine having the kids’ stockings hanging up and a little one for each cat, too. It is such a sweet way to make them feel included in the family’s holiday traditions.
Just make sure the stocking itself, its decorations, and any ribbons or small parts are kept away from curious cats when they could pose a hazard.
And if your kitty would rather play with the empty stocking than the presents inside it, well, that is perfectly on brand.
13. Let Your Kitty Open Presents With the Family!
This is the part I really want every cat parent to remember.
Every kitty deserves to open gifts with the family, too!
Our cats are part of our households. They bring comfort, companionship, laughter, and so much personality into our lives. They are there for quiet mornings, lazy afternoons, and all the ordinary moments that make a house feel like home.
They might not understand Christmas in the same way we do, but they can absolutely enjoy the attention, enrichment, and excitement of receiving something special.
I love the idea of setting aside a few presents for your cats and letting them join the family during gift opening.
You can wrap a new toy in cat-safe packaging, place a treat beside their stocking, or give them a new bed to investigate while everyone opens presents.
Here are a few ways to make the experience fun and safe:
Choose safe wrapping materials. Avoid ribbons, string, tinsel, staples, and small decorations that cats might swallow. Keep plastic packaging and gift wrap out of reach.
Let them investigate at their own pace. Some cats will dive straight into a present, while others will observe from a safe distance and judge everyone silently.
Give them their own space. Holiday gatherings can be loud and overwhelming. Make sure your cat has somewhere quiet to retreat if they need a break.
Make it about the experience, not the price. Your cat does not need an expensive designer bed or a mountain of toys. A favourite treat, a cardboard box, a new scratching pad, or some one-on-one playtime can be just as meaningful.
Take pictures! These are the memories you will want to look back on. Get a few pictures of your kitty with their stocking, sniffing their presents, or sitting among the wrapping paper.
And please remember that some cats prefer watching the festivities from the comfort of their favourite chair. Let them participate in whatever way makes them comfortable.
14. Budget-Friendly Gifts for Cats Who Already Have Everything
Not everyone has the budget to spend a fortune on holiday gifts, and that is perfectly okay.
Being a good cat parent is not about how much money you spend. It is about giving your pet a safe, comfortable, loving home.
If you are shopping on a budget this year, here are some inexpensive ways to spoil your kitty:
- Make a simple cardboard-box hideaway, removing staples and tape.
- Rotate your cat’s existing toys to make them feel new again.
- Spend extra time playing together.
- Create a comfortable sleeping spot with a washable blanket.
- Make a DIY treat puzzle using a safe, sturdy cardboard container, under supervision.
- Give your cat a small portion of their favourite treats.
- Set up a cozy spot beside a window for bird watching.
Always supervise homemade toys and discard anything that breaks apart or develops sharp edges.
Sometimes the best present is simply spending time with the animal who greets you at the door, curls up beside you, or makes you laugh when you need it most.
More Cat Product Reviews on Funky Frugal Mommy
If you are looking for more ideas for your own kitties or shopping for another cat lover, check out these reviews and pet-related articles on my blog:
- Beans Tries a LickiMat for the First Time
- The Tuft + Paw Cove Litter Box Review
- PrettyLitter Review
- AquaPurr Cat Fountain Review
- Defender GO Security Camera Review
- FurZapper Pet-Hair Remover Review
- Explore More Reviews on Funky Frugal Mommy
You can also follow along with our cats’ adventures and see more of our furry family on What The Funk Up on Instagram.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Kitty Part of the Holiday Magic
At the end of the day, the best gifts for cats are the ones that suit their individual personalities and needs.
Some cats want to chase toys all day. Others want a comfortable bed, a sunny window, and a few tasty treats. Some want every present in the room to belong to them, while others are perfectly happy supervising the festivities from a distance.
Beaner and Oreo have taught me that cats are wonderfully unpredictable. You can spend money on the fanciest new product and still find your cat sleeping in the box it arrived in!
That is part of the fun of being a cat parent.
This year, I hope you will consider setting aside a little something special for your furry family members. It does not have to cost much, and it does not have to be elaborate.
Give them a toy, a treat, a cozy place to sleep, or simply some extra love and attention.
And when everyone gathers around the tree to open presents, let your kitties join the fun, too.
Every kitty deserves a little Christmas magic, a few presents of their own, and a place in the family celebrations.
Happy holidays from our furry family to yours!
Love,
Amanda, Beaner, and Oreo
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through qualifying links, at no additional cost to you. Some products mentioned have been featured in my previous reviews. My experiences and opinions reflect our household and our cats, and individual cats may respond differently to the same products.