50 Times Pets Made Christmas Better For Everyone (But Sometimes Their Owners Would Disagree)

We’re one day away from one of the most awaited holidays of the year. With Christmas lights shining and pumpkin pie baking, with your urchin munchkin, I mean your pet, messing around the house, it’s one kind of idyll we live for. And speaking of pets, they’re having as much fun (if not more!) as you. “Christmas gifts are an expression of love, so extending that to our furry family is wonderful!,” Molly DeVoss, a certified feline training and behavior consultant, told Bored Panda in an interview.

We asked Molly about what all fellow cat owners should know (sorry, dog parents, next post is for you!) about getting into the Christmas spirit with their furry friends. “As we rejoice in the season, our cats share that exuberance with us. Because cats are very sensitive creatures, they also notice when we are feeling down, so try to keep your chin up during this challenging year—if not for yourself, then for your cat,” Molly said.

“Sharing the joy with your cat is great, but don’t share your food with them—no matter how tempting. Many foods are toxic to cats. Onion and garlic powders, shallots, scallions, ham and other pork products can be toxic for your cat. Instead, find freeze-dried meat treats and offer those up to your cat as a treat. You could also add some special flavor to your cat’s wet food with pet bone broth, which is rich in protein.”

Another thing you should be aware of if you share a home with your cat is the particular things that are toxic for them. “We all want to decorate festively at holiday times, but poinsettias, lilies, holly berries, mistletoe, and amaryllis are all toxic to your cat and should be avoided. Instead, display silk versions of these holiday plants, or consider a Christmas cactus, which is not toxic to dogs or cats,” Molly said.

The certified feline behaviorist also shared some great gift ideas in case you want to treat your cat this Christmas. “Catnip and catnip-filled toys make great Christmas gifts for cats since it is often instant gratification; the cat goes bonkers over the fresh nip and the parents feel joy watching their feline so engaged with the gift,” Molly said and added that some cats don’t respond to catnip, and for those, look for a blend of catnip, silvervine, and valerian root. Molly sells a custom blend of that mix on her website called Meowza, so check it out for a last-minute gift!

“Food puzzles also make great gifts for cats because they are a great source of enrichment, mimicking the natural hunting instincts of cats. Another great idea is to make a donation to a local cat rescue in honor of your pet. While this doesn’t give the cat a new gift, it will help other homeless felines in need during the holiday season.”

Molly also said that if you gift your cat, or someone else’s cat, with a scratching post this season, make sure it is tall enough. “The cat should be able to fully stretch out, which means the post should be at least 36” tall for adult cats—the taller the better,” she concluded.