Christmas Gifts for Cats 2023: 15 Stocking Stuffers & DIY Cat Gifts

Is your kitty on Santa’s naughty list or his nice list? Let's be honest... you were going to spoil her anyways. Check out our top Christmas gifts for cats to help your cat enjoy this festive season.    

Our cats are family, and sharing the holidays with family is a big part of what Christmas is all about. We love sharing our festive traditions with our pets, and we love to spoil them even more.       

Not that you need an excuse, but we put together some exciting gift ideas and pretty good reasons your cat probably needs them. There are store-bought gift ideas and DIY Christmas gifts for cats.

No matter what kind of toys, treats, or gifts you prefer for your furry friend, you’ll be sure to find the perfect cat Christmas gifts. 

Practical Reasons to Spoil Your Cat

The holidays are fun, and giving gifts to our loved ones makes us feel good, but it turns out that there is a more practical purpose for hanging a kitty stocking up on the fireplace. Of course, just having them participate in our holiday activities is fun, but toys and treats can benefit your cat's health and make the holidays a little less chaotic for them. 

Here are 3 reasons that you should include your cat in your Christmas shopping this year:

Help Manage Cat Stress

Christmas morning can be stressful, especially if you are doing any holiday hosting. The extra activities and traffic in your home can really throw a wrench into your cat’s regular routines.

Prevent anxiety, stress, and destructive behaviours by getting your cat toys, scratchers or even chews to help keep their mind off of all the Christmas commotion.

Holiday Safety for Cats

Decorations, ribbons, and goodies like chocolate and candy canes will be freely circulating your home on Christmas day. Playful cats may be attracted to some of these common holiday hazards.

Offering your kitty appropriate toys, chews, or treats can limit their temptation and opportunity to climb your Christmas tree or chew on the wrapping paper shrapnel from eagerly opened presents.

Keep Your Cat Mentally Stimulated

The winter months tend to be lazier. Shorter days and less sun leave your pets with less energy and motivation. This inactivity could lead to your cat packing on some extra pounds.   

Gifting some interactive cat toys or cat puzzles can help to keep your cat trim and active, even during the most indulgent time of the year. The best cat Christmas gifts are entertaining. 

Play also helps young kittens learn better coordination and physical development. When they grow older, their play changes, but it’s still very important! 

By the time cats are 14 weeks old, play is directed toward objects. They love pouncing, batting, grasping, biting, and stalking. These are all instincts cats have and the skills they need for hunting. Safe play allows your cat to have an outlet for her predatory instincts.

Play can also: 

• • Reduce behaviour problems
  • Relieve cat boredom 
  • Provide exercise to reduce weight gain
  • Prevent future health problems 

If your cat is an indoor cat, play is especially important. We’ll go through some of the best gifts for older and senior cats and all other ones so you can help your kitty stay safe, happy, and healthy this holiday season!

15 Exciting, Interactive, and Adorable Christmas Gifts for Cats

Every pet is different, so finding a Christmas gift fort cat lovers that will be exciting for your cat, or a friend, can be tough. Check out some of our favourites to get some inspiration for your pet's Christmas shopping list.    

Best Cat Gifts for Clever Cats

Some cats are too clever for their own good. Their version of playfulness can quickly become destructive and annoying. Give them something a bit more challenging with a cat puzzle toy. 

Cat toys that require multiple steps, toys that move on their own, or toys that keep your cat guessing will be both physically and mentally stimulating. Take a look at some of our most popular interactive and puzzle cat toys. 

1. Catit Senses 2.0

For cats that love to explore with all of their senses, Catit Senses 2.0 toys make a great gift. They offer a variety of products to stimulate any cat lover. The toys can be played with individually or can be linked together to form a complete track of sensory stimulations.

The wave circuit is our top pick for solo playtime and would be great for keeping a playful cat busy and active during all the Christmas kerfuffle. Its one of our top cat Christmas gift ideas to keep your feline active and intrigued. 

2. Petstages Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Game

For smart cats, the Petstages Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Game is a great way to make them use their noggin, their paws, and their nose to slide the pieces around to discover the hidden treats.

Cats new to puzzles may not get it right away dog skin, but with the right motivation (food), cats of any age can enjoy this toy. It’s as fun for us as it is for them, so make sure you have your camera ready.

This toy can hold a variety of treat sizes or just plain kibble if you are looking for a way to occupy your pet without spoiling their appetite.  This smart cat toy and some tasty kitty treats make great a Christmas gift for a cat. 

3. Petsafe Interactive Toys

If your favourite cat needs some solo playtime, Petsafe Interactive toys, like the Petsafe FroliCat Cheese Teaser, are just what they need. These battery-operated toys encourage your cat’s hunting skills by moving, spinning, and ducking.

Your cat is a natural predator, so let them flex their hunting skills with these fun, fast-moving toys. All toys come with a timed automatic shut-off to encourage your pet to take a break after a vigorous play session.

Best Cat Gifts for Catnip Addicts

If your cat is a nip fiend, these toys are the perfect addition to their Christmas stocking. Choose from some of the freshest, cutest cat-nippiest toys to encourage your cat to play, hunt, or relax.

4. Pawbreakers

Cats who need to attend catnip-anonymous will flip for PawBreakers MegaBonkas Catnip Ball. These catnip balls are fun to bat around, chew, and lick.

The solid ball is great for aggressive cats who need a long-lasting chew toy that will keep their attention. Destructive cats can benefit from this solid ball of nip because it's safe to chew and eat, unlike plush catnip toys.

5. Yeowww! Catnip Cigar

Sometimes, the best gift is a simple one. The Yeowww! Catnip Cigar is filled with some of the strongest-smelling organically grown 'nip on the market. The durable cotton twill fabric helps this cat-favourite stand up to all kinds of play styles.

When shopping for Christmas gifts for your cat, pick ones that are long-lasting, durable and interesting. Unlike cheap catnip toys that lose their appeal quickly, this catnip stogie will last longer and smell better. Just wet your hands and  roll the toy between your palms to bring out that minty catnip smell again.  

6. Fabcat Sushi Rolls

Cat toys just keep getting cuter and cuter, but this one has to be one of the cutest. The Fabcat Sushi Rolls are infused with North American-grown catnip and come with six realistic-looking maki pieces.

These lightweight cat toys are great for batting, tossing, and chasing. They even come in a specialty bento box package to give this cat gift a fully authentic look.

Best Cat Gifts for Lazy Cats

Some cats love to play, some cats love to eat, and some cats love to nap. Yes, cats sleep a lot, but some sleep even more than seems possible. Spending their days catching some Z's in a sunbeam might be all your cat needs to feel content.

There are plenty of cat beds to choose from, and some cats can make a bed out of just about anything, but some specialty cat beds just make that 7th nap of the day a little more special and comfortable.

7. BuD'z Wall Mounted Cat Tree Shelf Bed

If your cat is less of a player and more interested in taking a break from all the holiday happenings, then the BuD'z Wall Mounted Cat Tree Shelf Bed is what you need. This wall-mounted cat bed features a fabric hammock contained in a box-style shelf.

This day bed for cats will let your cat snooze in style and comfort and provide them with a private and secure space where they can get away from kids, other pets, and even you when they need some alone time.    

8. FuzzYard Life Cat Cubby

Cats love a cozy spot to stay warm. They'll find the warmest spot in the house and cuddle up for a nap. The FuzzYard Life Cat Cubby is the perfect winter gift for your little ball of fur. The soft, comfy bed will be your kitty's go-to napping spot.

This cocoon-style cat bed is made of a super soft suede exterior and a faux fur inside lining to create a perfect spot for your cat to burrow and relax. The 100% recycled polyfill stuffing won't clump or shift, so this kitty cave will stay comfy even after it's well used.

Best Cat Gifts for Kibble Junkies

We sometimes refer to cat kibble as kitty crack. Many cats, especially those that are foodies, get addicted to their kibble. Those little crunchies are so tasty and satisfying that your cat can't help but chow down with such speed and endurance that it's almost impressive. 

Eating too fast and too much is a common cause of chunky cats. No cat likes a diet, but there are ways to make dieting more fun. Check out some of our unique cat feeders to help teach your cat better eating habits. 

9. Be One Breed Intellicat Feeder

Encourage healthier eating habits by letting your cat play with their food. The Be One Breed Intellicat Interactive Feeder has over 50 possible combinations to keep your cat guessing.

Fill with food or treats, and your cat will spend hours working the rewards out. Multiple inserts allow you to start with easier combinations and slowly work up to the hardest levels. It’s also a great way to slow down speed eaters.

10. Catit Pixi Smart Feeder

Some cats just don't know when to stop. Overeating can lead to weight gain and many health issues, but it can be hard to juggle a strict feeding schedule with your own busy routine.

The Catit Pixi Smart Feeder connects to your phone and allows you to schedule feedings remotely and adjust portion sizes to help your cat learn better eating habits when you aren't home.

Best Gifts for Cats Christmas That Deserve a Treat

Whether you are training a new kitten, teaching your old cat some new tricks, or just spoiling your beautiful fur baby, a tasty reward is always a good gift for your cat to enjoy on Christmas. Or help them celebrate the whole holiday season with a cat advent calendar.

11. Tiki Cat Stix

It’s Christmas, and everyone deserves a special treat. Spoil your cat with the addictive Tiki Cat Mousse Stix. These finely pureed treat sticks come in two flavours: chicken or tuna.

They can be fed right from the tube, in a bowl, or added to their regular meals to boost flavour and nutrients. The soft texture makes them palatable and nutritious for cats of all ages.

12. Bocce's Bakery Cat Treats

Every kitty deserves a healthy and tasty treat for the holidays. Bocce's Bakery Chikn Pot Pie is an oven-baked soft and chewy treat made from chicken, sweet potato, and carrots.

It's the perfect decadent cat treat to put in your cat's Christmas stocking this year. Looking for a chicken-free alternative? Try Bocce's Fish Wellington crunchy treats.

Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Cats 

Kittens are very curious and are still learning how to play, so make sure you have a variety of enriching and exciting toys to teach your kitten how to play safely, exercise and work off some of that kitten energy. 

While catnip is a popular tool for helping your cat get in a playful mood, some kittens don't react to catnip until they are a little older, so here are some of our top catnip-free cat toys.   

13. Kong Teaser Purrsuit Butterfly

Wand and teaser toys are a great way to encourage high-energy play time and let your cat stretch their predator muscles. The Kong Teaser Purrsuit Butterfly is a cat teaser wand that allows your cat to chase, ounce, and hunt airborne butterflies. 

This battery-powered wand makes the movement of the butterflies more realistic and exciting. The fluttering wings and erratic movement will keep your cat on her toes. Choose from either the automatic or manual setting to take control of your cat's playtime.  

14. Fringe Petshop One Tuff Nut Teaser Toy

Tag your cat's favourite game of tag or chase to the next level with the Fringe Canvas Teaser Toys. This little squirrel friend is a multi-sensory toy offering a durable cotton canvas fabric and multiple textures to keep your cat engaged. Filled with crinkle paper and catnip, this teaser toy is sure to get your cat ready for the chase. 

The long cord makes this toy easy to drag, toss, and wiggle, encouraging your cat to hunt and chase down this fluffy intruder. 

15. Fat Cat Cat Crazies

This may be one of the oddest-looking cat toys, but you'd be surprised by how much cats go crazy for Cat Crazies! These little plastic rings are light, bouncy, and easy to pick up. They are a great toss-and-fetch cat toy, but they are also a fun toy for cats that like to play by themselves.    

These toys are a great stocking suffer because they are cheap and perfect for smaller kittens, but they do come with a statement of caution. Much like a piece of Lego, you don't want to step on one of these little cat caltrops, so look down when you walk!

5 Fun DIY Toys for Cats

Need more ideas? We've got you covered! How about trying out some DIY pet Christmas gifts?

Buying gifts for your cats can get expensive fast, especially if you aren't sure of her tastes yet. If you aren’t sure what she will use and what she will ignore, DIY gifts can be the perfect solution.

If you have the skills, tools, and time for DIY projects, you can make your kitty an adorable gift that she’ll enjoy all year round! Whether you’re trying to save some money or just want to make your special kitty something special, we’ve got you covered.

Here are some great ideas for DIY gifts for cats for when you’re feeling crafty:

Crochet Mouse Toy

Cats will love this DIY stuffed mouse, and it's the perfect option for any gifted crocheter out there! You can get a step-by-step crochet pattern here, and this project is definitely able to be done in just a few short hours.

You can even add a bit of catnip to the mouse's stuffing, and the size of the finished piece makes it absolutely doable in one afternoon. Your cat will love this DIY pet Christmas gift!

Cardboard Cat Scratcher

Have some extra cardboard? 

You can create awesome DIY gifts for cats by rolling up some spare cardboard. You’ll spool it until it’s the perfect size for your cat, and then wrap it in hemp twine or ribbon. Or try making a cardboard scratch box like the one in this handy video:

This lets you create a cat gift that your furry friend will just adore, all while upcycling materials in your home. Environmentally friendly and a DIY pet Christmas gift? Win-win!

Other DIY options, like cat trees or wall furniture for cats, are a little more complicated, but you can throw together some relatively easy options with these IKEA cat hacks.

Catnip Mouse Toy

If you aren’t into crocheting, this toy is pretty similar but super easy. You can get a free sewing pattern for stuffed mice and sew one in under an hour!  Your kitty will just adore these mice stuffed with catnip!

DIY Cat Toy Wand

Does your cat love wand toys but destroy them too quickly? DIY wand toys are the perfect solution for cats that love to play! In just a half-hour, you can create a wand out of upcycled materials and attach ribbons, small toys, balls, and more to it!

Your cat will love the different textures and sensory experiences, making it the perfect toy for those who love trying cool things for cats and playing.

All you need to get started is a wooden dowel, some feathers, and some twine. Add a cat toy, ribbons, bells, or any other materials that will encourage your cat to chase the wand.

DIY Brushing Station/Pet Spa

Do you believe in experiences over products? Or maybe just want to treat your sweet cat to a mini spa experience? Or perhaps you need gifts for older cats?

You can create a homemade brushing station by using unused toilet brushes attached to plywood to create an experience that will delight your cat all throughout the day! 

You can even add a bit of carpet for a soft, cozy place for your cat to relax. They’ll feel like the royalty they are with this DIY gift for cats.

Tips for Holiday Playtime

No matter what kinds of toys you choose to buy or make, your kitty will love playing- especially with you. Make the most of your quality wintertime with your cat with these super simple tips for playtime. 

• • Play for a couple of short sessions each day 
  • Create play opportunities for playing with your cat, as well as allow your cat to play independently 
  • Provide a variety of toys
  • Tidy up anything that might pose a hazard to your cat at the end of each play session, such as toys with a string 
  • Don’t force your kitty to play with you. She could get overwhelmed by being over-stimulated. The best way to keep your cat happy and playful is to follow her lead. Play when she’s in the mood! 
  • Have fun and enjoy time with your cat! 

Cat's Out of the Gift Bag!

Your kitty cat loves to play!  These gifts for cats will help your cat stay active, reduce boredom, and be healthy all through the holiday season!

Whether you want to buy the newest toys or DIY them- or maybe something in between, we’ve got you covered! Find a huge selection of cat toys, cat treats, and more cat accessories in Canada to stuff your cat's stocking this holiday season!

Best Cat Gift Questions

What types of gifts do cats typically enjoy? 

Cats often appreciate toys that tap into their natural instincts, such as interactive puzzle toys, feather wands, catnip-filled toys, and treat-dispensing puzzles.

How can I make Christmas presents for my cat more exciting? 

Cats love variety, so consider offering a mix of toys, treats, and even cozy bedding as presents. Rotate their toys regularly to keep them engaged and interested.

Should I consider my cat's preferences when choosing gifts? 

Absolutely. Pay attention to your cat's preferences for certain types of toys, textures, and scents. This will ensure that the gifts you choose align with their interests.

Can I include my cat in Christmas festivities? 

Yes! Cats can enjoy the holiday season, too. Create a cozy spot for them near the Christmas tree, give them their own stocking filled with treats, and let them join in the joy of the season.

What about DIY gifts for cats? 

DIY gifts can be wonderful and thoughtful. You can create simple toys, like felt mice stuffed with catnip, or craft a cozy blanket or bed for your cat's comfort.

How can I introduce new toys or treats to my cat during the holiday season? 

Introduce new gifts gradually to prevent overwhelming your cat. Offer them in a calm environment and observe their reactions. You can also incorporate them into playtime and bonding sessions.