As I write this, Christmas is just three days away. And if you’ve neglected to get your cat a present, you’re in trouble! There’s no way anything you order online is going to arrive in time. The stores are packed with last minute shoppers. The half empty shelves are already picked clean of the good stuff anyway.
You don’t want your cat to be the only one with no present to open, do you? What can you do, grab a bag of cheap cat treats while you’re picking up the green beans for Christmas dinner? Don’t do that! There are better, more creative last-minute things you can gift your cat for Christmas. Here are my six best suggestions.
- Wrap up an empty box for your cat. This is a classic gift. Cats love boxes, and they love to play in wrapping paper. And at this time of year, you probably have quite a few empty boxes lying around. One is probably the perfect size for your cat.
- Here’s a fun cat toy — take an empty toilet paper tube and cover it with festive wrapping. Throw in some cat treats and fold the edges inwards: instant holiday themed cat treat dispenser!
- Cooked giblets as treats. If you are preparing a turkey, save some of those giblets to cook for your cat. Or when you’re at the market picking up those green beans, stop by the meat section and see if the butcher has any, or has chicken hearts available. These are tasty, healthy treats, given in moderation. (Always remember not to give anything with bones.) If your cat eats raw, you don’t even have to cook them.
- DIY catnip knots. I do have a tutorial on how to make these with fleece, but in a pinch you can cut up an old t-shirt instead.
- Cat bed. Take a box, cut it down to a couple inches high and cover it with cute wrapping paper. Add a folded up cozy and well-loved blanket and you’re done.
- Your time. This is always my favorite, and I’ll never stop reminding you that more than anything else, quality time is the best thing you can give your cat. It’s different for every kitty. Some just want lots of lap time. Others need regular play dates. Some like me need adventures and outings on my leash. You know your cat best, so carve out some time to do their favorite things.
What do you think of my last minute cat gifts? Do you have a favorite, or do you have any of your own to add? Let me know in the comments!
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- DIY Cat Popsicles – a Video With Cat Supervision
- How to Make an Easter Basket for Your Cat
- How to Make the Tuna Catnip Kitty Cookies
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Those are great! The funniest thing was one year Gramps gave Chizzy a gift. None of the family could figure out where he could have gotten the furry shmousy toy from since he had gone blind and didn’t leave the house. Turns out he took one of Chizzy’s old toys and wrapped it. That was Chizzy’s fave gift that year.
Furabuluss last mintt ideass Summer! Wee love THE toilet papurr treet dispenseur tHE best!! What a grate idea! 😉
***nose rubss*** BellaDharma an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum
I hope anyone who hasn’t yet shopped for their kitties
will use some of these great ideas. Thanks for the info.
We think these are all great ideas! #6 is our fave, though. 🙂
You have the best ideas, Summer! We think some of those could even be adapted for pups!!
I love your ideas!! I usually give all the boxes and paper to the cats after we unwrap our gifts too.
Eggsalent suggestions! We have a right-size box TBT wrapped in Christmas paper, but it could stand a re-wrap. The stuff DOES wear out. TBT routinely cuts off a portion of his raw meat to “not spice” and cook just for us. He brought out the tunnel just for Lori last week, and she loves it. He also keeps a small container of toys enclosed with crushed NIP; after a week, THOSE are favrit toys fer a while!
He steeps dried NIP in a little water for an hour, and we sure like ta lap at THAT! And a sprinkle of that on the cat tree platforms is inneresting. We are getting our own tree this year decorated with toy mouses. And the prezzies from our Secret Santa will be unner the tree on Christmas Morning.
Those are great suggestions, Summer! We like every one of them. While our mom has assured us that Santa got our lists in time, maybe we can get her to do a few of these once we get bored with our new stuff!
Absolutely purrfect gift ideas, especially #6!
Purrfect all around sweet Summer, especially the last one!
These are all wonderful ideas. I have made your nip knots many times. XO
Great suggestions Summer! I might have mom try the treats in the toilet paper roll idea for Mosby and Fluffy. They would love that and of course mom hasn’t gotten their gifts yet. She’s a last minute shopper….
Purrs,
Angel CJ
Purrsonally, Summer, ‘I’ want to be a cat bed, and almost every day I manage to coax a kitty or two to falling asleep on me in some fashion. Sweetie sleeps on my chest, Manny on my legs, and CB likes under the blanket, with his head stuck out, while at my side. Little slices of heaven, for me!
Those are good ideas for easy to make gifts.
These are great ideas! Latte prefers to rip bows off wrapped presents. She acts like she’s won the lottery.
I would want any of these!