Even furry loved ones like to receive presents!

BY Friday Flyer

Alyssa Landau
Columnist, The Friday Flyer

Happy Holidays! I hope everyone is enjoying this special time with their loved ones and pets.

I’ve had quite a few people ask, “What do I get my pet for this holiday season?” I also have people asking if they need to buy a gift for a family member’s animal. Well, of course you want to get your (or their) pet a present!

Pets need love and presents, too. I know that in my household on Christmas morning, in the chaos and wave of gift wrapping paper, my cats have a great time. We can always find them under the pile of paper, stalking a hand, ready to pounce.

I now find myself wondering the same question “Just what do my animals want?”  Love is always number one, but below I will discuss my own picks that should be considered for your furry loved ones.

Let’s start with the kitties:

• A ball of foil – It’s not only really cheap, but cats love them! It seems my cats always enjoy the most inexpensive toys while their $60 automatic laser pointer collects dust in the corner of the house.
• A box – A simple empty box, large or small, brings such excitement to a cat’s world it is unbelievable. Whenever I buy a pair of shoes, or order something online that comes in a large box, my cats jump inside, play hide and seek with the other cats, and decide that it is now their property and throne.
• A soft dog bed – Yes, I did say “dog” bed. None of my cats (I have three) sleep or touch any of the vast array of cat beds I’ve bought for them. This last week, I bought a soft large dog bed and I can’t keep them off it! Go for the ones that look more like a pillow versus an actual structured bed; they seem to like it more.
• A wand – Not a wand from Harry Potter, mind you, but one that is long and has attached at the tip a mouse or feather. Cats absolutely adore these toys. When flicked, the mouse or feather twirls around in a lively manner. I’ve found that the wands with plastic handles and metallic string are best as the string won’t be bitten off by an overly excited feline.

Now let’s get to the dogs:

• A sprinkler toy – Dogs seem to love attacking water shooting into the air. This gift that isn’t common and will definitely be appreciated by your dog! He will spend probably too long, jumping and hopping around trying to catch the water in their mouth. It is very entertaining to watch.
• Glow-in-the-dark ball – This is a gift for not only your pet but also for your family. With the sun setting so early these days, a glow-in-the-dark ball is a perfect toy. Your family can play with your dog and give it adequate exercise and excitement well into the night. Bonus: It’s less likely to get lost since it glows!
• A freezable toy – These are great! You stick them into the freezer. This allows your dog to stay cool during the hotter days and is very durable. This is a gift that isn’t normally bought, and will give your pet something different to look forward to.
• Homemade cookies – This is a more personal approach to giving a gift to your family pet or friend’s pet. It is very simple to look up a recipe online and bake your own cookies. The dogs love these; they’re fresh and it always feels good to accomplish something with your hands that someone else enjoys.
• Antlers – An incredible chew toy for your dog; durable and long lasting. Unlike other bone chews, these are known for not splintering, decreasing the chance for your pet to choke or get punctured. This toy is costly, but worth the price with safety and resilience.

I hope I have left you all with at least a couple ideas when it comes to presents for your pets, or at least got your imaginations spinning.

Be safe, enjoy the time with your loved ones and have a wonderful holiday.