My black cat is absolutely obsessed with Halloween, which is fitting since he makes for an excellent spooky décor.

This Christmas is particularly heartwarming as it’s Snoopy’s first in his forever home. Last December, my little kitten was just two months old, still with his mother and siblings, staying with a family that would soon put him up for adoption. This holiday marks the joyful moment when Snoopy and I came together.

As a pet owner, I put a lot of thought into what I buy for Snoopy, and my findings have shaped my preferences for these products. While I don’t personally have a dog, I’ve picked up a lot of insights about what our furry friends need to be happy and healthy.

If you’re looking to win someone over, one of the best ways is through their pets. This holiday season, consider giving gifts that cater to their pets’ needs.

Providing adequate care for pets can come with a hefty price tag, and supporting someone with these expenses can free up some funds for essential services like spaying, neutering, and dental care, as mentioned by Max Branch, director of community programs for Flatbush Cats, a rescue organization in Brooklyn, New York.

“Many American families struggle to afford a simple vet visit,” Branch pointed out. “A thoughtful gift card can really help with those expenses.”

Gift Suggestions for Trendy Cats

1. Delicious treats

All the cats I know go wild for tuna-flavored tubes! These treats are unique because you can squeeze the tube to let your furry friend lick it out.

These flavorful treats are a hit in cat-loving homes, so gifting some will surely make any cat owner happy, especially as these versify quicker than traditional kibble packs that generally contain more units.

2. Fund a cat’s microchip

When cats go outside, they can be tricky to find because they prefer hiding as a safety instinct. If they do find a hiding spot, a frightened cat might stay quiet when called.

Snoopy proudly sports an orange collar (his Halloween spirit!) with a tag featuring my phone number. It’s crucial that it’s a break-away collar, which is essential for both cats and dogs. These collars are deemed safer since they release if a cat gets tangled while out and about.

Regular collars can lead to serious accidents like broken necks in cats or strangulation in dogs if they get stuck, but break-away collars won’t serve to identify pets stuck after coming undone, like if they’re caught on a tree branch.

“Microchips remain the only permanent form of pet identification,” stated Will Zweigart, executive director of Flatbush Cats.

3. Calming spray

While dogs may enjoy outings, most indoor cats dislike being removed from their familiar surroundings. They often vocalize their discomfort, especially when heading to the vet.

During my research about traveling with cats, I discovered pheromone calming sprays, which Ashlie Saffire, president of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association, describes as a true breakthrough.

Cats feel secure by marking their territory, which is why they rub against objects and people. When confined in a crate in a vehicle or plane, they lack the familiar scents from their pheromones.

Products available in pet stores or online simulate a calming pheromone scent. After I treated Snoopy’s crate with it, I noticed he was calmer and more exploratory inside it.

4. Self-cleaning Litter Box

Snoopy doesn’t have one, and there are times I really wish he did.

Similar to automatic feeders, self-cleaning litter boxes ensure that you never overlook a crucial part of your cat’s daily routine.

When I clean his litter box, Snoopy acts as if I’ve just walked into a tidy home or flopped onto a bed with freshly washed sheets. Self-cleaning litter boxes automate this pleasant experience.

Unlike tube treats or calming sprays, gifting a self-cleaning litter box to a cat owner is certainly a lavish indulgence.

Gifts for Great Dogs

1. Winter Coat

The temperatures have been quite low in New York City, and I’m relieved I don’t have a dog to walk.

However, if I were a dog owner, I would ensure my furry friend spent ample time outside instead of being stuck indoors during these cold and dark days. After all, seasonal depression is genuine, and we shouldn’t let it impact our dogs, as vets have advised.

“It’s crucial to stick to their routine during winter, which is also beneficial for the owner,” shared Dana Varble, Chief Veterinary Officer of the North American Veterinary Community.

For dog owners in colder regions of the U.S., extra warmth and comfort for their pets is essential during the frigid weather. Doggy coats can really help, particularly for short-haired and smaller breeds, which lose body heat much quicker than larger, fluffier dogs.

2. Dental Chews, Treat Puzzles, Snuffle Pads

Chewing releases endorphins in dogs, and dental chew treats can keep them mentally stimulated indoors during harsh winter days. Otherwise, they might start gnawing on furniture.

“They are more likely to show behavioral issues if they don’t have a way to expend energy,” explained Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian at the Wellness Pet Company.

Puzzle toys that hide treats also offer dogs mental stimulation. These toys can keep them busy while their owners attend to other tasks. Plus, puzzle toys make excellent gifts—if a dog already has one, you’re still providing a new and exciting challenge.

For anxious dogs who obsessively lick, dig, or sniff, pad toys can be a hit. These resemble thick little mats and come in various fun designs. Owners hide treats within the fabric, allowing dogs to enjoy a treasure hunt with their noses and snouts.

3. Doggy DNA Test

The variety in dogs’ genetics is incredible. They have been domesticated to such an extent that many popular breeds barely resemble their wild ancestors.

For rescue dogs, particularly when the owner has no background on their life before adoption, DNA tests can provide intriguing insights into their heritage.

This gift can also be on the pricier side, so think about whether any new dog adopters in your circle would appreciate learning about their rescue pup’s genetic background.

4. Doggy Furniture Steps

While many dog owners prefer their pets not to jump on the furniture, others embrace it wholeheartedly.

For dogs suffering from arthritis, jumping on and off the couch or bed can be painful—a condition that might be more common than we realize. Recent studies from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine suggest that up to 40% of pet dogs could have arthritis. Surprisingly, younger dogs may also develop this condition without showing clear signs of pain until it becomes severe, according to veterinary researchers.

Small steps placed in front of a dog’s favorite spots can help prevent joint pain, especially in their elbows, the most frequent site for arthritis in dogs.