Practical Holiday Gifts for Cats
Of all the gifts we buy during the holiday season, none are more precious than the ones we buy for our pets. They spend the whole year entertaining us, comforting us, being a faithful companion, and showing us endless love and affection. While no doubt, they’ve had their naughty moments, they remind us how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful best friend in our lives. They deserve a gift or two just like the rest of our family. Vanness Pets has a nice selection of quality products for dogs, cats, and other small animals that would make ideal fun and practical holiday gifts. Here are a few items I got for my cats.
Going to the vet or traveling can be a stressful experience for pets. Not all pet carriers are designed for the comfort or the wellbeing of your pet. As soon as your pet sees the carrier, they know it’s not going to be a good experience and usually run and hide. Standard carriers are confining and really hard to get a pet inside. The Vanness Calm Carrier was designed to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety for both the pets and the owners.
Unlike standard carriers that require effort to get your pet inside, the Calm Carrier has a drawer that pulls out and back in easily. There are ventilation openings on all four sides so pets get an even flow of fresh air. The body is made from durable, high-impact plastic and the door is made from heavy-gauge wire with easy release latches. It’s also easy to clean and store. It does come in pieces, so you’ll have to do some assembling. But, the good news is, you don’t need any tools. All the pieces snap together, other than the four bolts in the corners, but they can be tightened with your fingers.
The Calm Carrier size is 20 x 14 x 13 inches. It’s supposed to be good for cats and small dogs up to 20 pounds (9 kg). To me, it seems a little small. I would feel better if it was about 6 inches (15 cm) larger, or maybe 3 inches longer, wider and taller. My cat weighs just under 9 lbs and she barely fit in. Plus, I always add a soft cozy blanket for my cats so they are warmer and more comfortable – so it would take up some space. The carrier only comes in blue and cream combo colors and can be disassembled when not in use. They retail for $49.99.
Pet dishes have to be well thought out and designed to tolerate different behaviors. Plus, it needs to be made from a safe and non-toxic material. The Ecoware dishes are made from 47% bamboo plant material that is BPA free and void of any other chemicals and heavy metals. They have a silicone skid-free base, so it’s not that easy for cats to tip or push the dish. It’s shallow and wide so it’s perfect for furry little faces to enjoy their meals. Hand washed with dish liquid, rinse and wipe dry. They come in 3 colors, blue, cream and pink. They retail for $4.99 each.
Cats cannot resist playing with anything, especially if it’s attached to a string. The Moth Teaser Cat Toy Wand will entertain cats until they tire or destroy the moth. It’s handcrafted from natural materials and does not contain any glue, plastic, or metal. It really does look like a huge moth. It’s a great source of exercise and mental stimulation. The moth is attached to a wooden wand with a 36-inch cord and swivel clip. Retails for $12.49.
We all know the benefits of cats eating grass, but during winter, our yard is covered in snow. The Garden Kit is made from organic oat grass. I’ve used these kits from Vanness before and they work really well. You just add water and within 2 weeks, you have a fresh crop of organic grass for you cats to nibble on. They only last about 2 weeks and then you have to grow another kit. My cats love the grass and they are available in most stores. They retail for $3.99.
Whether you have cats or dogs in your home, they all love to cuddle up on a soft and cozy mat. The Dri-Fleece Pet Mat has moisture-wicking properties that will keep pets dry and warm. Pet owners will be happy to learn it’s made from materials that are chemical-free, hypoallergenic, and non-irritating. Plus, it has a non-skid backing so it will stay in place while pets get comfortable. It comes is one sheet 29.5″ x 39.4″, but it can be cut to the size you like. We cut ours in half, so we could use it in two locations. It’s a perfect gift for your beloved pet.
Disclaimer: I received complimentary products to facilitate a review. All opinions are my own, yours may differ.