Perfect Gifts for Cats

Are you a cat owner? Do you have someone who is a cat owner on your holiday shopping list? If so, there is an amazing number of products available, thanks to the large number of merchants now catering to the ever growing pet market. You can make the cat or kitten on your list purr with delight for under twenty dollars this year.

One company offering some fun gifts is www.collectionsetc.com or Collections Etc. You can order via phone or online, or request a catalog. I've found the shipping to be very reasonable and fast, and been pleased with the items I've purchased.

If your cat enjoys looking outdoors, you might consider buying the Cat Window Seat for $14.99. Standing 30 inches tall, 21 inches wide, and 13 inches deep, it gives your cat a viewing spot without the need to attach a permanent window seat to the sill. This way, you won't damage the wall or wood trim, and the portable seat can be moved from room to room with no problems. It also has a removable canvas cover that is machine washable.

The Cat Sisal Scratcher, at only $9.99, is a fun variation on the standard scratching post. Measuring almost 16 inches tall, the post has a furry tunnel mounted on top, complete with dangling mouse inside. Kittens especially love this structure.

The Lakeside Collection, www.lakeside.com, has one of the best cat climbing towers I've seen. The Multi-Level Cat Play Station is priced at $17.95 and measures 23 inches by 19 inches by 13 inches. It has two tired platforms with scratching posts and a smal play house with two openings at the base. It is constructed of wood for durability and covered with soft plush material for comfort.

Another company with some great buys is www.mileskimball.com or Miles Kimball. Again, this place has good prices and fun cat gifts, but order early or you might not get your selection in time for the holidays. Their shipping takes a bit longer, and sometimes stock runs out.

Two items my cats love from there are the Cat Tent for $8.99 and the Cat Tunnel for $7.99. The Tent is made of nylon and polyester with a fleece bottom. It measures 17 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 17 inches tall. There is a small white mouse suspended from the ceiling and the whole tent folds up for flat storage.

The Tunnel expands to a length of 15 inches. It is also polyester with an internal wire frame and fleece inside. Two balls are suspended inside for batting around. It has taken a lot of abuse at my house and never had a rip or tear.

The Cat Groomer Toy is a unique idea, priced at $14.99. Cats love to rub, and this toy is perfect for that. Constructed as a large hoop mounted on a base, your cat or kitten can walk right through and brush against the soft, fuzzy material. It stands 16 inches tall and the diameter is 12 inches.

All cats like to find a nice warm, secluded place to nap. The Pet Burrow Blanket, priced at $14.99, is an ideal cozy spot just for that. Made from fleecy polyester, it is sewn in such a way to hold a standard size pillow in a pocket, with room for your cat to crawl in and snuggle up. You can even have it personalized with your kitty's name, one line with 10 letters and spaces, for no additional charge.

If you've ever let your cat watch the water run into the sink and it was fascinated by it, as many cats are, then the Cat Fountain is going to be a hit. At only $14.99, this water dish has a small spout-like fountain that constantly filters and circulates the water, keeping it fresh and fun for your cat. Carbon filter refills are available in a package of 6 for $5.99.

Finally, if your cat has a favorite window that has the best bird or squirrel view around, you might consider installing a solid window seat. The Pet Shelf kit costs $8.99 for a regular size and $11.99 for a large. The regular measures 12 inches by 16 inches with one bracket. The large is 12 inches by 24 inches with two brackets for support. The shelf has metal brackets that slide between the window and sill and the braces underneath are rubber-tipped to prevent scratching the wall or slipping. Both sizes come with a removable cover that is machine washable.

Whatever you decide to get, don't be too surprised if Miss Kitty spends more time playing with the box or packaging it came in at first. Pretty soon he or she will notice the great new thing you've bought and have a ball.