Christmas Gift for a Cat: What Pleases Her More Than the Box

Every Christmas gift for a cat ends the same way: the cat unwraps the parcel, climbs into the box and ignores what was inside. I am Parťák, the cartoon dog from FreshPaw, and I respect cats because they always win. So let us find a Christmas gift for a cat that has at least a chance of second place behind the box.

What cats actually want

Cats have three sure loves: boxes, paper and your attention. The first two cost a few coins. Wrap her gift in a plain box, leave a crumpled paper ball next to it and give her ten minutes when you are not looking at your phone. Everything else is a bonus. I would call it unfair, but cats do not ask.

A cosy place that is only hers

A cat sleeps where it is warm and where she feels safe. That is what the warm cat bed is for. It is semi-enclosed, cave-shaped, and suits cats and small dogs up to 12.5 kg. The outside is chenille, the inside has a plush lining. It is 57 cm wide and 42 cm high, so measure the spot by the radiator or on the sofa before buying.

Honestly: it has no electric heating, no cable and no plug. The insert with aluminium foil reflects the warmth the cat produces herself. So she warms up on her own. And yes, she may well choose the box it arrived in first. That is not your fault.

Time together: pocket and blanket

The best gift for a cat is often a gift for you that lets you spend more time with her. The zip pocket hoodie is a hoodie with a large front pocket for a cat or a small dog up to 8 kg. The hoodie blanket Hnízdo is a blanket shaped like a hoodie, with a pocket for a cat or a small dog. Both are made for the sofa and a film.

Safety before cuteness:

• Not every cat will want to go into the pocket. Do not force her.
• Never leave a pet in the pocket unsupervised, and always keep the opening free.
• The pocket is not for walks, cycling or the car.
• With the heated Hnízdo, the heating is for you only. When the cat is in the pocket, switch it off and unplug the power bank.

For more on getting a cat used to the pocket, and when not to, read Pocket hoodie for a cat or a dog.

A trip to the vet and a visit

A cat in a backpack sounds like a joke, but some cats handle a view of the world better than a carrier. The transparent pet backpack has a clear capsule with a view, ventilation holes at the sides and adjustable shoulder straps. It is for animals up to 7 kg. The outer dimensions are 42 × 34 × 27 cm and the inside is smaller, so with a larger cat consider whether she fits comfortably. Do not leave her in it unsupervised. It is not a gift for every cat, but for a calmer character it can be a pleasant change.

What does not belong under the tree

Christmas is more dangerous for cats than it looks. Paying for a gift is one thing, paying the vet is another.

• Tinsel and ribbons. Cats like to chew them and can swallow them. Remove ribbons right after unwrapping and better skip tinsel altogether.
• Lilies. They are poisonous to cats. Do not put them in a vase the cat can reach.
• Poinsettia. It can irritate a cat, so keep it out of reach.

If your cat has eaten any of these, or you only suspect it, call a vet. Do not wait to see whether it passes.

When you cannot decide

You cannot ask a cat, so let the humans choose. The gift voucher arrives by e-mail right after payment, in values of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 CZK. Print it and put it under the tree, and whoever gets it picks a bed, a hoodie or anything else.

Order by 1 December for the tree. Delivery takes 3 to 20 working days. Gifts ordered by 24 December can be returned until 15 January, and the customer pays return shipping. Whoever misses the deadline still has the voucher.

You will find more gifts for cats and their humans in the Gifts collection. And afterwards, leave the box on the floor. It is the best part of the gift.