by Judith Willson

Created on: November 17, 2010

If you want to include your pets (or your child’s pets) in gift giving there is no end of things the animal will love.  One big advantage is that the best gifts for pets usually cost very little.  Your pet doesn’t care if the new toy came from the pet shop, was something you were going to throw out, or was homemade.  

Dogs

Dogs appreciate food treats but too many is not a great idea.  They are also not in the least interested in clothes for dogs, expensive collars, or elaborate food bowls.  If you are aiming for a gift the dog will like, rather than the owner, try toys.  You can buy no end of rubbery, fluffy and squeaky things or make your own.  Worn out soft toys from the thrift shop are great for dogs, who don’t care if their new teddybear is missing an arm.

Cats 

Some cats like toys as well and these are easy to make.  Work on the theme of things that can be chased, such as balls, batted, such as things hanging down, and for two, such as cat fishing lines.  Stuffing a bit of catnip inside a toy usually makes it even more special.  If your cat is more of a sleeper than a player try giving him an old blanket or sweater for his basket. 

Rabbits 

Rabbits play in a completely different way to carnivores like cats and dogs.  Your rabbits will probably most appreciate new things to climb on, in and through, things to chew such as fruit tree twigs, and healthy treats such as fruit or their favourite green leaves.  A new blanket or sweater for their basket or nestbox also makes a nice bunny gift. 

Rats 

Rats are intelligent and need stimulation.  They don’t usually use wheels, probably because they are too smart, but will play with other toys.  Give your ratties a new box, tunnel, or treat hidden in a little box.  They also like rat hammocks to sleep in.

Hamsters, gerbils, and mice 

The best gift you can give a small rodent is a bigger cage.  The cages usually sold for such animals are rather too small, especially if your pet doesn’t get let out much.  Try getting a cage intended for larger animals, such as ferrets, second-hand.  Just make sure the spaces in the mesh are not big enough for your pet to squeeze out through.

Ferrets

Ferrets are the most enjoyable to get gifts for.  They play in the same way as dogs, chasing things, and as rats, climbing, tunnelling and exploring.  In fact ferrets need a constant supply of new toys to keep them busy.  You can make ferret gifts from almost anything, including old jumpers, cardboard boxes, paper, plastic bottles and old worn out children’s toys.

Fish, reptiles, and amphibians

Food treats, more space, or additions to their tanks are great gifts for the scaly members of your family. Fish fed on dried food would love some live food as a treat.  New plants or hideaways are good for all these animals.

There is no reason to leave your pet out of the gift giving.  They mind not understand why but they will appreciate the what.  Finally, if the pet in question belongs to a child consider giving something both the animal and child can play with.  This might be an obstacle course for rats to be trained over, a toy for a dog to learn tricks with, or a cat fishing line.

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