Quick answer: The best Christmas gift for a cat matches how it plays. For most adult cats that react to catnip, a catnip kicker toy they can hug and bunny kick is the top pick. Add a stocking stuffer like silvervine sticks or a crinkle toy, and for the cat lover in your life, a custom pillow printed with their cat's photo.
Shopping for a cat is easy to get wrong. A toy that looks cute on the shelf can end up under the couch by December 26. The gifts cats actually use have one thing in common: they fit the way that cat already likes to play. Here are our favorite Christmas gifts for cats, sorted by play style, plus a few gifts for the people who love them.
Gifts for cats who wrestle and bunny kick
If your cat grabs your arm with its front paws and kicks with its back legs, it is telling you exactly what it wants: a kicker toy.
- Classic 15" Kicker Set (2 pack). Long enough for a grown cat to wrap up and kick, filled with 100% organic catnip. Two in a pack means one to play with and one to rotate in later.
- 11" Original Kickers (2 pack). A smaller kicker for kittens, small cats and quick play sessions.
- Ultimate Combo. A 15" and an 11" together, a good pick for a home with more than one cat or when you are not sure which size to get.
Not sure which size? Our 11 vs 15 inch size guide breaks it down.
Stocking stuffers for cats
Small, inexpensive and easy to tuck into a stocking:
- Silvervine sticks. A natural chew stick and a great option for cats that ignore catnip.
- Fish Crinkle Kicker. Catnip, a bell and a crinkle sound in one fish shaped toy.
- Chirping Fluffy Catnip Balls. For chasers that like to bat a toy across the floor.
- Kitty Cuddlers. Small plush toys in a few fun styles.
- Fresh catnip. A bag of loose catnip to sprinkle on scratchers, beds and older toys.
Gifts for cats who love to nap
Some cats would rather curl up than chase. A soft Cozy Cat Blanket gives them a warm spot of their own, and it pairs well with a kicker: play hard, then nap. More on that rhythm in do catnip toys make cats sleepy.
Gifts for the cat lover in your life
For the friend who shows you cat photos before you even ask, the Custom Cat Pillow turns their favorite photo of their cat into a cat shaped pillow, printed on both sides, in sizes from Small to X-Large. It is made to order and ships separately within 7 to 10 days, so order it first.
A kicker also makes a great gift for a cat owner: it is the toy they will see their cat use every day.
Gifts for kittens
For a new kitten, start with the 11" kicker. Many kittens don't react to catnip until somewhere between 3 and 6 months, but they still love having something their size to wrestle. Our guide to kicker toys for kittens covers what to look for.
Holiday gift tips
- Hide the catnip toys until Christmas. A wrapped catnip toy under the tree is easy for a curious nose to find. Keep it in a closed cupboard or a sealed bag until the big day.
- Skip ribbon and tinsel on cat gifts. Cats love to chew string, ribbon and tinsel, and they can be dangerous if swallowed. Wrap cat gifts in plain paper or a bag and put the ribbons away after unwrapping.
- Order early. In-stock Kitty Kick Stix orders ship within 24 to 48 hours, but USPS gets busy in December. Give custom pillows extra time.
- Rotate, don't overload. Give one or two new toys at a time and save the rest for January. Toys stay exciting longer that way.
- Plan a refresh. Catnip fades over time. A spritz of catnip spray keeps a kicker interesting well past the holidays. See how long catnip lasts in toys.
Getting ready for guests and decorations too? Read preparing your cat for the holidays.
Christmas gifts for cats FAQ
What do cats want for Christmas?
Something that fits how they play. Wrestlers want a kicker, chasers want small toys to bat around, and nappers want a soft spot to sleep. Most cats that react to catnip will happily take a catnip kicker.
Is a catnip toy a good gift for a cat?
Yes, for most adult cats. Catnip usually sparks a few minutes of play, and a kicker gives them something to grab and kick while it does. If the cat doesn't react to catnip, silvervine sticks are a good swap.
What is a good stocking stuffer for a cat?
Silvervine sticks, a crinkle toy, chirping catnip balls or a small bag of fresh catnip all fit in a stocking.
What can I get a cat lover for Christmas?
A custom pillow printed with their own cat's photo is hard to beat, and a toy for their cat is always welcome.
Browse every gift in one place in our Holiday Gifts for Cats collection.
