Christmas Gifts for Cats: 10 Toys, Outfits and Stocking Stuffers
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Cats might pretend they don't care about Christmas, but give them a crinkle tunnel or a new catnip toy and that changes fast.
Here are ten gift ideas for cats, from stocking stuffers to bigger gifts like a window perch, plus a few tips for keeping them safe around the tree.
10 Christmas gifts for cats
1A set of Christmas catnip toys
Small catnip toys shaped like mice, candy canes and ornaments are the easiest cat stocking stuffer. Multi-packs mean you can rotate them so they stay interesting.
Not every cat reacts to catnip. If yours doesn't, toys with crinkle material or a bell inside are a good alternative.
2A feather wand toy
A wand toy turns playtime into something you do together. Most cats go wild for a feather or ribbon that moves like prey.
Put it away after play so the string isn't left out where it could be chewed.
3A holiday crinkle tunnel
Collapsible tunnels in red and green give cats a place to hide, pounce and nap. Many have peek holes and a dangling toy.
They fold flat, so they're easy to store when the holidays are over.
4A Christmas tree cat scratcher
A cardboard or sisal scratcher shaped like a little Christmas tree or a wrapped present gives cats something festive to claw that isn't the real tree.
Put it near the tree or the couch, where your cat already likes to scratch.
5A cat window perch
A window seat gives an indoor cat a front-row view of birds and snow all winter. It's a gift they'll use long after the decorations come down.
Check the weight limit and mount it on a clean, smooth window if it uses suction cups.
6A lightweight Christmas sweater
Some cats tolerate a soft, light sweater long enough for a holiday photo. Look for stretchy knit and a size chart that measures chest and neck.
If your cat hates it, take it off. A Santa hat or a festive collar is a gentler option.
7A Santa hat for the holiday card
A small, adjustable Santa or elf hat is made for a quick photo: on, snap, off.
Have treats ready and try it a few times before the big photo day.
8A breakaway Christmas collar
A holiday-print collar with a breakaway buckle adds a festive touch every day of December. Breakaway buckles release under pressure, which is why they're the standard for cats.
You should be able to fit two fingers under the collar.
9A cat Christmas stocking
Fish-shaped or paw-print stockings give your cat a place on the mantel. Many have a spot for a name.
Fill it with toys rather than lots of treats, and hang it where it can't be pulled down.
10A cat advent calendar
Cat advent calendars hide a small treat or toy behind each door through December.
Count any treats as part of your cat's daily food and check the ingredients.
What to look for in a cat Christmas gift
- Play style. Hunters love wands and small toys; nappers love tunnels and perches.
- No small loose parts. Skip toys with bits that could come off and be swallowed.
- Safety buckles. Collars for cats should always be breakaway.
- Comfort. If an outfit makes your cat freeze or hide, it isn't the right gift.
Christmas tree safety with cats
Cats are drawn to trees, tinsel and ribbon. Anchor the tree, use shatterproof ornaments on lower branches, skip tinsel, and keep wrapped ribbon and string out of reach. If you're unsure about a holiday plant or food, check with your vet.
Frequently asked questions
What do cats like for Christmas?
Toys that let them hunt and hide: catnip toys, feather wands, crinkle tunnels and scratchers. A window perch is a great bigger gift for indoor cats.
Are Christmas outfits OK for cats?
Only if your cat is comfortable. Many cats prefer a festive collar or a quick photo in a Santa hat over a full sweater. Never leave a cat unattended in an outfit.
How do I keep a cat away from the Christmas tree?
Give them something better to climb and scratch nearby, like a cat tree or a tree-shaped scratcher, anchor the tree so it can't tip, and keep tinsel, ribbon and breakable ornaments off the lower branches.
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