Cat Wisdom 101 Gift Guide for Cat Lovers

We test products for cats and cat lovers all year round. Many don’t make our review list let alone our annual gift guide for cat lovers. We’re delighted to share our 2015 gift guide which is NOT sponsored. These are our personal favorites for reasons outlined. You can be certain to find something for any budget. The last one is our true favorite. Cat books are not included but recommend these six books. Look for our annual top ten cat book list coming soon.

There was a time when invited to someone’s home for dinner or a party we brought a bottle of wine, dessert and/or a hostess gift. If you’re like me, you have friends with pets. A few years ago, it occurred to me that if pets are family, shouldn’t they receive a gift too? So, I began to bring treats or some other gift for their pet too.

The holidays aren’t a holiday without TREATS

Friskies® Pull ‘n Play Cat Treat Play Pack is our paws down favorite hostess gift for it’s variety. Contrary to some reviews about it promoting cat play with string, it doesn’t. The “strings” are more like doughy ropes. It’s true that cats should never play with string, yarn or thin ribbon to avoid possible intestinal obstruction. My only beef is that the “ropes” were labeled “strings” which proved misleading.

The Play Pack is three gifts in one and includes “Wobbert” a fun interactive wobble toy, edible string treats and to get the party started, Friskies Party Mix treats! To see celebrity cat Waffles with Pull ‘n Play in action or visit Friskies® Pull ‘n Play.

Our Odin isn’t as polite as Waffles and demolished the “snakie” in two shakes of wild cat’s tail. You can pull the “strings” one at a time or makes thicker ropes for more hunter-gatherer fun.

A bag of $2.00 treats can be worth their weight in purrs and smiles for your thoughtfulness. We just tried a few flavors (but haven’t reviewed yet) the NEW IRRESISTIBLES^™ TREATS from Meow Mix in crunchy and soft versions. They offer great value and taste with real meat and fish and no artificial flavors. Our Odin likes the crunchy tuna but favorite tip for fussy eaters? The soft treats crumble easily to add on top of a meal. It jump starts Merlin’s flagging appetite.

Canvas Pop

We were thrilled with the quality and quick service from CanvasPop. They transformed a photo of Merlin into a life-sized keepsake to treasure forever. There are many sizes and styles available and they kindly offered our readers a big discount, but it expires on 11:59 pm ET Nov. 29 so hurry to CanvasPop and create forever memories of your cat from @$20.00.

FTC disclaimer. We love them so much we just signed up as a CanvasPop affiliate which did influence our views.

 

For the ultimate in purrrsonalization, nothing beat a one-of-a-kind pet portrait. Original art captures a unique soul of a pet, which a camera does not. Thomas Dalgaard Clausen is a young talented artist who still charges low rates. His work is an excellent investment for a future family heirloom. Mention us and he’ll give you a special price at Custom Pet Portraits by Thomas Clausen

We love the watercolor he did for us of Merlin.

 

 

 

 

 

Catnip is the #1 gift of choice of kitties everywhere and our #1 choice for potent ‘nip with explosive cuteness is combo of catnip, toy, charm and stocking is Santa’s Rocking Stocking Catnip Joints from StarkRavingcat.com They are famous for their catnip “joints” but if thats too risque, they have catnip candy canes and other holiday and hostess gifts. The products are handmade in Texas and they ship fast worldwide. The scent is irresistible (our Odin went a bit berserk) so store the nip products in a safe place when not in use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catnip and wool is the naturally purrfect combo for many cats. I know our boys love the natural/dye-free catnip toys from PurrfectPlay which seem to get better with age. PurrfectPlay has a large variety of toys ethically sourced and made with with love in the U.S. Find something purrfect for your cat or dog at PurrfectPlay

Our favorite carrier remains the round Sleepypod which is three products in one: an everyday pet bed (without the domed lid, a stylish carrier, and a safe car seat.

Everything Sleepypod makes id top notch quality so we were eager to try the NEW CLoudPuff Blankie faux shearling blankets in two sizes which arrived just in time for cool weather. Merlin is 21, skinny and always seeking heat and loving the endless possibilities. Cover a window ledge or shelf to create an insta-bed, place inside a cat carrier for a cozier ride to the vet. Spills or accidents are no problem. Unlike real suede, they are ultrasoft polyester shearling on one side, microfiber suede on the other side and machine washable. Visit Sleepypodto see their full range of products designed beautifully for safety, durability and comfort.

 

You can’t go wrong with the classic Cat lady or Cat Man T’s From RC Tees. I’ve worn and washed one tee for several years and it’s as good as new.

 

 

 

But the T-shirts I wear the most (I’m actually wearing one right now) are from Motek. The Israeli designer Hadas on Etsy designs all kinds items that are super comfy, good quality soft cotton, reasonably priced and she ships worldwide free and fast.

I wear lots of scarves but the scarf I get compliments every time I wear it is this one. Stylish without screaming crazy cat lady and only $23.00

 

 

 

 

 

Give the gift that keeps giving six times a year. If you’re old school like me, and love flipping through a real magazine, give a subscription to Catster (formerly Cat Fancy). The glossy issues filled with fun and factual photo-filled articles about cats will brighten any mailbox for only $19.95.

For the cat lover who has everything and wants the ultimate experiential cat culture experience with their own kind. Join me on Cat Film Fest at Sea, the first cat arts and culture Caribbean cruise sailing Oct. 29, 2016. The first 2 people to email me [email protected] to book a cabin for two will receive a $100 discount per person and a private lunch on board with me and very famous celebrity cat. For more info call Lisa, our travel partner at (317) 412-2542.

May we suggest the most valuable gift that costs nothing? Volunteer at your local shelter or rescue group.