Gift Recommendations for Dogs and Cats from the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
Because pets are family, we include them in our holiday celebrations. Each year, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center publishes a holiday gift guide for pets featuring a mix of fun gifts, health and wellness products and a few festive recipes so your pets can join the seasonal cheer. If this list doesn’t have quite the right gift for your pet, explore gift lists from 2021 and 2024 for more ideas.
Cozy Comfort for Winter
For Cats: The Ultimate Hideaway
Cats love a cozy place to hide, making a tunnel bed an ideal gift. Look for one with plush fabric, easy storage and multiple configurations. The Gotgelif Collapsible Plush Cat Tunnel Bed checks all these boxes while providing the perfect retreat for long winter nights.
For Dogs: Portable Comfort
Dogs like to be with their humans, which makes the Pelsbarn Original Calming Bed a standout choice. More coverlet than traditional bed, it can move from the sofa to the bedroom, or even the back seat of your car. The bolster backrest provides an excellent support wherever your dog wants to relax.
The Feline Version of a Holiday Sweater
Just like humans appreciate a new sweater each holiday season, cats always welcome a fresh scratching post. The Multipet Cardboard Scratcher Roller is impregnated with catnip and offers an irresistible combination of scratching satisfaction and entertainment.
Health-Focused Holiday Gifts
For Active Dogs: Tick Prevention
Dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities with their pet should consider the Tick Mitt, which removes loose ticks before they attach to your dog. Use it immediately after outdoor activities to prevent tick-borne illnesses—a gift that keeps giving all year.
For Cats: Slow Feeding Made Fun
Transform mealtime into playtime with the Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around. This feeding toy is disguised as rack of test tubes, encouraging cats to work for their food by tapping the tubes with their paw to dispense kibble. Slower eating promotes satiety and helps manage calorie intake.
Interactive Toys to Promote Brain Health
Mental stimulation is crucial for pet wellness, making interactive toys excellent holiday investments.
For Dogs
The Smartroll Pet Ball bounces and rolls autonomously for four hours after charging, providing extended entertainment and exercise.
For Cats
A window bird feeder offers hours of mental stimulation. Easy to install and maintain, this acrylic feeder provides optimal bird-watching pleasure that satisfies cats’ natural hunting instincts.
DIY Gift Ideas
Handmade Cat Toys
For crafty gift givers, consider making a DIY cat ball toy that can be customized in different holiday colors—red and green for Christmas, blue and white for Hanukkah or red, black and green for Kwanzaa. This family-friendly project can create lasting memories along with the gift.
Holiday Baking for Dogs
Why not include your dog in your holiday baking tradition? This kit from Bone It Up has biscuit cutters, silicone treat molds, recipes and bags for gifting homemade treats to your favorite dog.
Include Your Pet in Holiday Celebrations
The winter holidays are a time for parties, and while your pet should not be consuming party food or adult beverages, consider making them their own veterinarian-approved celebratory cocktails.
The Meowgarita for Cats: A fun mocktail with its kibble crusted rim.
AMC’s signature canine cocktail, the Mut-tini: a blend of watermelon with a rim of biscuit. For a medium-sized dog, blend ¼ cup of seedless watermelon with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened coconut water for a light, hydrating treat. Watermelon is over 90% water and low in calories, making it a great treat for holiday festivities. For extra fun, rim them with crushed dog biscuits using a dab of organic coconut cream and serve them in festive glasses.
A Safe and Joyful Holiday Season for All
As you gather with loved ones this winter, we hope these gift ideas help make your celebrations brighter—and more fun—for the pets who share your home and your heart. Whether you choose a cozy new bed, an enriching toy or a festive “mocktail,” the best gifts are those that support your pet’s health and well-being. As always, remember to keep holiday hazards in mind so your festivities stay safe and stress-free. For tips on preventing seasonal risks, explore our guides to Christmas tree safety and Hanukkah pet safety. From everyone at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center, we wish you and your pets a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season.