We adore our cats, with their sweet eyes and soft meows. It’s only natural we would want to celebrate and spoil them any chance we get. Our feline friends should have more than just treats as a treat, even though Dreamies™ are of course irresistible. Playtime is very important for cats, which is why getting gifts for cats is not just about seeing their excitement for a new toy, but also about the moment of joy you share together. By getting a gift for your cat, it provides enrichment and stimulation, helps to deepen your bond, and supports their overall well-being.
Why give gifts to your cat?
There are many reasons (and excuses!) to get gifts for your cat, and it offers both emotional and behavioural benefits. Not only can your cat enjoy physical exercise and mental stimulation, they will also feel your love and affection. Whether it’s as your cat’s birthday treat, for Christmas or another special occasion, giving gifts can be a form of enrichment. It can build trust between you and your cat and strengthen your relationship together.
Presents for cats are also important, as your cat is less likely to feel bored or anxious if they are entertained. Otherwise, without enough stimulation, they may engage in negative behaviours, like scratching furniture or meowing excessively. It’s better to uplift their mind, body and spirit and let them engage in positive behaviours, such as using scratch posts, chasing a toy, kneading soft surfaces or solving a food puzzle. This way, they can tap into their natural instincts safely.
Best type of gifts for cats
When it comes to gifts for cats, there are a range of options. The best type of gift will depend on your individual cat and their personality. But here are some generally-safe options for all cats:
Toys that trigger their inner hunter
Cats are born hunters and can really enjoy toys that trigger their natural instincts, such toys that mimic their prey. For instance, wand teasers, wind-up mice, or sound-activated birds, will keep your cat agile and alert as they chase it around - you may even see some cool cat tricks. It will support their physical exercise and mental stimulation, as well as build their confidence. Another gift for cats could be a yummy treat as a reward once they catch the toy.
Comfort and cozy gifts
While active play is a lot of fun, cats also love a soft space to relax. As a birthday present for your cat, you might want to get a plush bed, fluffy blanket, window hammock, radiator bed, or other enclosed hideaways. Not only will they enjoy the comfort and warmth, but it will also help your cat feel safe and secure. It will provide your cat a calm and private area to relax, and will definitely be a gift to remember.
Gifts that taste as good as they feel
Like we said, one of the best presents for cats has to be treats. As long as you use it in moderation and at the right times, your cat can really enjoy a snack. Treats work well as part of positive reinforcement training for desired behaviours, rewards after playing, or just to show affection to your feline friend. Your cat deserves the best, and sometimes the best is just a delicious treat. Find out which treats are right for your cat.
Practical yet thoughtful gifts
Some gifts for cats can be both practical yet thoughtful. For instance, cat furniture such as scratch posts, climbing trees, grooming tools, interactive puzzle feeders and water fountains can blend function with affection. These types of presents for cats meet their needs and support their overall well-being, like keeping their claws healthy and coat glossy. Cat furniture also helps protect your furniture. It shows your cat that you understand what they need.
Cat birthday gift ideas
While your cat doesn’t know when their birthday is, you do - so it’s the perfect excuse to celebrate them! Getting your cat birthday presents is a great way to shower them with extra love and affection on their dedicated day. You could look for themed toys and create special playtime sessions, for example with crinkly tunnels and balls with bells in it. The sensory features would spark their curiosity. After they’ve played, you could help your cat relax in a new cosy bed with a special petting session.
Of course, you might also want to get your cat birthday treats. You could bake a cat-safe birthday cake with feline-friendly ingredients (just make sure not to use any chocolate, toxic foods or any dairy products as cats are lactose intolerant). Or, if not, you could get them a personalised jar filled with their favourite treats. You could even have a cute picture of them on the jar so they know it’s just for them. By offering your cat birthday treats between playtime and cuddles, your cat is sure to feel loved on their day.
Homemade and DIY Cat Gift Ideas
Sometimes, you don’t need to go all out to make your cat feel special. In fact, homemade cat birthday presents are extra special. Not only is it more affordable, but it’s a chance to get creative and make a unique gift that’s tailored to your cat. You know what they like best, and something simple could provide entertainment for hours! For instance, a DIY cardboard play box with holes, crinkly paper or a ball inside could have your cat leaping into action.
You could also easily create sock toys, using something to stuff inside along with some catnip to peak your cat’s interest. They may use it to paw at, wrestle with, or chew on! If you’re feeling extra creative and want a larger project, you could DIY a cat house, bed or tree. For a cat bed, you could use blankets or jumpers - extra points if it already smells like you! You could also use wooden bookshelves and sisal rope to create other cat furniture.
Whatever you decide, your cat is sure to appreciate the time and effort of homemade gifts, and love it just as much as store-bought ones.
Conclusion - Choosing the right gift for your cat
While we’ve listed the best presents for cats, ultimately it depends on your individual cat and their unique personality. The more you observe your cat, the better you’ll understand their habits, needs and preferences. If your cat is active and playful, they’ll probably like toys they can chase, whereas if they’re more relaxed, you could entice them with a soft bed. On the other hand, curious cats may enjoy an interactive puzzle feeder, and anxious cats would appreciate a cosy hideaway.
But one thing’s for sure, love and attention from their human companion is the best gift for any cat. Dreamies™ treats are a close second though! It’s important to offer daily treats to your cat, according to their caloric intake, to show affection and reward desired behaviours.
FAQ - Choosing the right gift for your cat
What to buy a cat who has everything?
If you already feel like your cat has everything, try to find unique fits that offer enrichment, stimulation or bonding opportunities. For example, an interactive puzzle feeder, cat grass, a catnip toy, window perch for bird-watching, or radiator bed for wintertime. If nothing else, your cat will enjoy a simple grooming session.
What toy do all cats love?
There are certain toys all cats would love, especially those that trigger their natural hunting instincts. For example, wand toys with strings and a toy attached perhaps a prey attached, such as a bird or mouse, will have your cat leaping for joy. Any toy with string attached must only be used for supervised play then secured safely away as cats love to roll around on string and this poses a risk of strangulation. Cats also love ping pong balls or a ball with a bell inside, that they can chase around erratically.
What is a better gift than the love of a cat?
The love of a cat has to be the greatest gift, but you can complement it with other gifts to deepen your bond. For instance, cats appreciate cosy beds for snuggles, interactive toys for playtime, and special treats for their taste buds. Your cat enjoys your presence more than anything else, so be sure to give them both affection and attention.
What should you not give to cats?
There are certain things you should never give to cats, including human medicines, houseplants and essential oils. Certain human foods are toxic as well, like alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins. All dairy products are toxic to cats too as they’re lactose intolerant. In terms of toys, you should avoid small objects that can be swallowed, like feathers, rubber bands, string, as well as anything sharp.
