Colder nights, shorter days, Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey on the radio. Yes, the season of goodwill is upon us, and that means only one thing: Time to shop for presents. You never realise how many nieces, nephews and siblings-in-law you have until you see the bill for what you think is a thrifty selection of gifts. But as animal lovers, this is also an opportunity to spoil your pet rotten. Below are a few ideas for gifts, depending on what kind of furry you hold dear to your heart. Have a peruse and see what you think would put a purr, tail wag or treat induced splendour into your pet. Afterall, they love us unconditionally, and it is Christmas for them too, so be sure to get some pet-friendly wrapping so they can excitedly rip open all of your thoughtful gifts.
Pamper Your Pooch
Man’s best friend, and yours for that matter. Why not spoil your faithful companion with a few presents this festive season; buying a healthy supply of their favourite treat is sure to put some extra wag in their tail. There is also a wide selection of toys to keep them entertained, including some excellent puzzle toys that you can hide their favourite treats in to keep them occupied that little bit longer. Alternatively, if you work from home, or are out of the house a little longer than you expected to be – keep your dog from missing you with some self-entertaining toys. There are all sorts – from tennis ball throwers to moving lasers that are sure to give your pet hours of fun, rather than anxiously waiting by the door for your arrival, or whining at your feet whilst you’re trying to work.The presents don’t have to be exclusively for your dog either; installing a camera is a great way to keep on eye on them if your heading out and they can’t come with you. Some even have a function where you can speak to your dog through a microphone. You could also give them the gift of health. Companies like Advecta carry a range of treatments to stop your best friend bringing some unwanted companions home. Alternatively, you may find your way into your dog’s heart through his or her stomach. All your festive favourites are available in a dog-friendly form, from mince pies to Christmas cake and even chocolate coins.
Care For Your Cat
Let’s face it; your miniature tiger is going to be obsessed with the Christmas tree either way. Perhaps in between picking up and rehanging all the decorations they knocked off, you might find time to buy them a little something. You could go small and get them some catnip (keep it secure, or they’ll have the lot in one go), there are even toys that contain catnip to keep them entertained for even longer. Or maybe you could dream a little bigger and go for a deluxe cat tree. Even if it turns out they’re not interested in your expensive purchase, the box it came in should be big enough to keep them entertained for an afternoon. If however, catnip is the last thing your fanatic feline needs, then consider one of the many plug-in diffuser products available. Simply connect to a wall socket, and your cat will become more docile, allowing your expertly decorated tree to go unscathed for a little bit longer. If you plan to drive long distance over the Christmas period (or drive a lot in general) and can’t bear to leave your little furball behind, perhaps a car hammock could be your go-to option. This way you cat can travel with you in comfort, and without being cooped up in a box.
Bedazzle Your Bunny (Or Hamster)
Most rodent-type pets (Rabbit, Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig etc.) love to do similar activities: Chew on things, and dig/burrow. Why not create their own little paradise this Christmas by catering to their desires. Smaller pets might find a castle ideal for surveying their furry kingdom. Larger versions for rabbits or guinea pigs are available too. Or you could invest in new accommodation for your pet. Chances are that they have grown since you first brought them into your home, so it might be worth sizing up to give them some extra room to scurry or hop around. For gerbils and hamsters, there are also large burrow boxes available that you can attach to their cages with tubing so they can always enjoy their favourite activity of digging. Alternatively, if you have outdoor rabbits or guinea pigs, upgrading the run attached to their accommodation might make for some very happy scurriers. The run needs to have some shade for your little furries for hotter weather and will need to be fully protective against predators. Be sure to keep an eye on their digging though – you don’t want a rabbit reenactment of Shawshank Redemption! For a reference – a fully grown rabbit should be able to hop a minimum of three times in any direction in their accommodation or is it too small – so be sure to check how yours measures up. There’s also plenty of agility sets available for animals of any size. You can train them up for some quality bonding time with your pet, or just let them have a good run around, and give themselves a good work out. If your rabbit looks anything like this, then it might also be wise to buy them some presents to give them a bit of a pamper session. Any form of rodent-friendly treats will go down well, so have a look in your local pet supplies shop to see what they have on offer.
Hopefully, these options have helped you put your thinking hat on and come up with some ideas of your own that you know your pet will love. Whatever you choose to do, it will only add more fond memories for your Christmas day to see your pet excited as they open and enjoy all their presents along with the rest of the family.
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