Practical and Thoughtful Holiday Gifts for Cat Lovers and Rescuers

Cat lovers are easier to buy for than you might think--we really are. However, if you aren't sure what to get your cat-loving friends this Christmas (or Chanukah), this article should be helpful for you. Here are some practical and thoughtful holiday gifts for cat lovers.

Give them a gift certificate to a pet store.

One of the most thoughtful gifts to give a cat lover (or any pet owner) is a gift certificate to Petsmart or Petco. Gift certificates are easy gifts and are the best kinds of gifts if you aren't sure what the pet owner needs or wants.

Give cat lovers a small box full of felt mice and other toys.

If you give toys, make sure they are safe toys. Avoid pet toys with small parts that could be ingested, pet toys with with string or anything else that could possibly be swallowed by the cat. Cats should never be allowed to play with string unsupervised because if the string is swallowed, it can cause severe, even fatal, intestinal problems.

Give your pet-loving friends paw print throws or pillows.

Retailers such as Foster & Smith sell really nice paw print throws in several colors. These soft, fuzzy throws are useful as furniture covers to protect furniture from pet hair, and as warm blankets to snuggle up in on cold winter nights.

Give your cat loving friend a pet first aid kit.

Pet first aid kits are invaluable. Even if your friend already has a pet first aid kit, it never hurts to have extra first aid supplies on hand. Pet first aid kits can be bought from many places--including Pet Smart and the ASPCA website (see the links to the ASPCA and Pet Smart websites in the resources area next to this article).

If your cat lover is also involved in rescue, bulk first aid supplies would be very welcome.

Practical gifts of food, gift certificates, bedding and veterinary supplies are all very thoughtful gifts to give a person involved in rescue. Some people hesitate giving veterinary supplies or pet store gift certificates as holiday presents--they don't feel the gifts are personal enough. Believe me when I say that those items are some of the best gifts you can give a cat or dog rescuer.

If you are short on cash, a great gift you can give is simply your time. You can offer to transport cats to vet appointments or help with basic care.

Give jewelry if it is appropriate to do so.

Giving jewelry to your cat-loving friend is great if you know the person well, know what they like, and know that they don't already have ten cat necklaces. If you are not sure, forego the jewelry and spend the money on something more practical, like a gift certificate.

Give cat-themed apparel if you know your friend's size and their taste in clothing.

Cat themed apparel may or may not be a great gift. A good rule of thumb is this: if you don't know your friend's clothing size, and aren't absolutely sure that they will adore a cutesy kitten t-shirt, opt for something else. Many cat people like cutesy, but just as many don't.