PETS BRING US comfort and joy the whole year round, so when Christmas comes it seems only fair that we thank them for their services to humanity. 

Make sure you’re barking up the right Christmas tree this festive season with cute gifts that are sure to help your pets enjoy the festive season as much as the rest of your family.

Whether you’ve got a cat that likes to laze abou or a dog that always needs something to play with, we’ve got some suggestions to help you make this Christmas a special one for you and your furry friend. And remember, one of the best ways to make sure your pet is well looked after is to explore pet insurance from Allianz, with cover for illness and injury, as well as benefits including kennel fees and veterinary fees.

Check out our suggestions below to get inspired when gift-shopping for your pets this Christmas.

Reindeer Dog Toy

Shutterstock / robertos0621 Shutterstock / robertos0621 / robertos0621

We’re sure you’ve already spoiled your four-legged bestie with more than enough toys, but in celebration of the season, why not treat your dog to a KONG Holiday Sherps Reindeer Dog Toy, available from petstop.ie for just €10.50.

When Christmas dinner is served, you’ll almost certainly need a distraction for your dog, so that will be the perfect time to introduce it to this ultra-soft Rudolph plushie that comes with a squeakbox and a crinkly texture to encourage your dog to play. There are many other plushies available, including some other Christmas-themed ones (including Christmas puddings, gingerbread men, and a penguin), and they all make for a sensible indoor gift for your dog.

Christmas Cat Tree

Anyone who has a cat knows that keeping them entertained for long enough to stop them whacking important items off of any flat surface they can find is a challenge beyond that of a mere mortal. That’s precisely why this seasonally themed cat tree might be the best bet to keep your feline friend happy this Christmas.

Available from zooplus.ie for €44.49 is the TIAKI Christmas Scratching Post which, standing at 1.05m, is perfect for small cats or kittens. The tree includes three scratching posts and two plush beds, one of which can be placed anywhere with a removable pillow.

Dog fashion

Fortunately for us all, dogs don’t feel embarrassment. This means that we are free to dress them up (as long as they’re comfortable in their little outfits). Indeed, some dogs even seem to get a real kick out of getting dressed up. 

An outfit for your dog can also serve a very important function in the cold winter months. You don’t want them shivering in the cold or trailing their paws on the frosty ground, so be sure to check out zooplus.ie’s range of soft-shell coats, quilted coats, and Norwegian pullovers, with prices ranging from €8.39 to €33.69.

Refillable Catnip Toy

Shutterstock / Maria Moroz Shutterstock / Maria Moroz / Maria Moroz

It’s not a bad life, being a cat. You laze around all day, climb whatever you want and then on Christmas your human gifts you a refillable hedgehog catnip toy. Available from petstop.ie, this plushie toy includes a include a generous amount of KONG’s premium North American catnip in a reclosable vial. The toy is designed with a reclosable pouch to hold fresh catnip securely in place. Available for €5.50, keep your cat happy this Christmas without breaking the bank.

What kind of gifts will you be getting for your pet this Christmas?