Christmas gifts for cats: give them something to hunt

Most cat toys get one sniff. The Da Bird feather wand gets chased every night. Then pick your cat: the climber, the chewer, the faucet drinker.

Our pick

GoCat Da Bird Feather Wand Cat Toy

Best for: Indoor cats with energy to burn, and midnight zoomies.

Best forIndoor cats with energy to burn, and midnight zoomies.

Why this one: A 36 in feather wand for an evening play session that tires your cat out before bed.

The catch: You're the motor. 15 to 20 minutes of swinging before bed does it.

The catch
You're the motor. 15 to 20 minutes of swinging before bed does it.
Skip it if
Your cat would rather chew than chase. The silvervine sticks below are for chewers.
Check price at Amazon

Toys for the cat who needs a job

Bored indoor cats invent their own games, usually with your stuff. Give them a better one.

For the cat who could learn a trick

A few minutes a day, a target stick and a treat she loves.

For the climber and the scratcher

If she scratches the couch and naps on the fridge, give her a spot that is hers.

For her routine: a fountain, a feeder, a harness

The faucet drinker, the 3 a.m. alarm clock, the cat who wants outside. Gifts that fit her day.

Gift questions

What do you get a cat for Christmas?

Something to hunt beats something to look at. A feather wand like the Da Bird gets an indoor cat chasing every evening. Climbers want a post, tree or wall shelves; chewers want silvervine sticks.

What cat toys make good Christmas gifts?

Toys she can hunt. The Da Bird and Freddy's feather wands get her chasing in the evening, with you on the wand. Chewers get the Potaroma silvervine sticks, 3 to a pack.

What if my cat ignores catnip?

Try silvervine. The Potaroma sticks are silvervine, and not every cat reacts to it either. If yours would rather chase than chew, a feather wand is the backup.

Is a cat tree or a scratching post the better gift?

A post if she scratches standing up and floor space is tight: the ANWA is 32 in tall. A tree if she climbs and naps up high: the Gardner Pet tree is 41 in tall with perches, and needs assembly.

Are these gifts for the cat or for the cat lover?

For the cat. Gifts for the person who lives with one are in our gifts for cat lovers guide.

Shopping for someone else?

Gifts for kittens: start the good habits while they are small · Cat stocking stuffers she'll use up: feathers, treats and small grooming fixes · Christmas gifts for dogs that last past Christmas morning · All Christmas gifts for dogs and cats

Shopping for the cat person? Gifts for cat lovers