Perfect Christmas Gifts for Dogs and Cats (That Vets Actually Recommend)

Choosing the right Christmas gifts for your pet can be just as exciting as shopping for the rest of the family — after all, they deserve a festive treat too! But not all pet presents are created equal. Some toys, treats and gadgets look appealing on the shelf but can be unsafe or unsuitable for your dog or cat.

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, we often get asked, “What should I get my pet for Christmas?” So here’s a guide to vet-approved gift ideas that are fun, safe, and genuinely beneficial — and a few to avoid.

🎁 Best Christmas Gifts for Dogs

✅ 1. Enrichment Toys & Puzzle Feeders

Perfect for keeping your dog’s brain engaged during the winter months. Look for toys you can stuff with healthy treats or kibble — they encourage problem-solving and slow down fast eaters.

✅ 2. Cosy Beds & Blankets

A soft, supportive bed is a brilliant gift for dogs of all ages, especially older ones who feel the cold or suffer from joint pain. Orthopaedic beds are ideal for large breeds or senior dogs.

✅ 3. Tough Chew Toys

Safe, vet-approved chew toys are great for dental health and boredom. Choose high-quality rubber or nylon chews — but avoid anything too hard (like antlers or bones), which can crack teeth.

❌ Avoid: Rawhide chews

These are often poorly digested, can be a choking hazard, and sometimes contain chemicals used in processing. There are much safer alternatives available.

🎁 Best Christmas Gifts for Cats

✅ 1. Climbing Towers or Scratch Posts

Cats love to perch, climb, and scratch. A well-placed scratching post or cat tree makes an excellent gift — and may just save your furniture!

✅ 2. Interactive Toys

Laser toys, feather wands, or motion-activated gadgets are brilliant for indoor cats who need extra stimulation during the darker months.

✅ 3. Heated Beds or Pads

Cats adore warmth. A heated pet bed or microwaveable heat pad tucked into their bedding can be especially appreciated by older or less active cats.

❌ Avoid: Toys with loose string or feathers

If swallowed, string or small parts can cause serious digestive blockages. Always supervise play with anything fragile or dangly.

🐾 Treats: A Bit of What They Fancy (But Not Too Much)

Christmas is full of indulgence — and a few festive treats for your pet are perfectly fine. Choose:

Low-fat, natural treats
Dental chews approved by your vet
Freeze-dried meat or fish (in moderation)

Avoid:

Anything containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
Chocolate or human sweets
Christmas foods like mince pies, stuffing, or pigs in blankets

Remember: treats should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s daily intake — even during the holidays!

🎅 Gifts That Look Nice but Aren’t Very Useful

It’s easy to get caught up in novelty presents, but some pet gifts just don’t offer much value — or can even cause harm.

❌ Pet perfumes or colognes

Strong scents can irritate pets’ skin or overwhelm their sensitive noses. Most dogs and cats prefer to smell like… well, dogs and cats!

❌ Dress-up outfits (unless practical)

While a cosy jumper might help a short-haired dog stay warm, most pets don’t enjoy wearing full outfits. Avoid anything tight, restrictive, or with dangling parts.

✅ The Best Gift? Time and Comfort

Sometimes, the best thing you can give your pet is simply time with you — a long walk, a cosy evening on the sofa, or a quiet spot to nap while the festivities go on. A safe space to retreat from visitors, fireworks, or noisy Christmas chaos is always appreciated.

🎄 Need Help Choosing for Your Pet?

At Highgate Veterinary Clinic, the best vet in Cambridge, we’re happy to advise on safe toys, treats, supplements, and accessories based on your pet’s age, breed and lifestyle. Whether it’s your puppy’s first Christmas or your cat’s tenth, we’ll help you make it a happy — and safe — one.