By the Nini's Choice Team · Updated November 2026
Looking for Christmas gifts for cats that a cat will actually use, and that a cat lover will be happy to unwrap? This guide covers cute, useful ideas for play, comfort, cleanup and Christmas photos, plus honest notes on fit, safety and when to order.
If you're shopping for both species, start here for the cats and see our Christmas Gifts for Dogs 2026 guide for the dogs. Select pet gifts are also in our Holiday Sale (15% off through December 1). The Christmas apparel below is not in that sale.
Quick picks: Christmas gifts for cats and cat lovers
- For the playful cat: a feather-wand and mice variety pack, or a suction-cup teaser wand
- For the Christmas photo: a navy knit turtleneck, an "ugly" holiday sweater, buffalo-plaid pajamas or an elf outfit shirt
- For the stocking: a pet Christmas stocking (it ships empty) plus a few of your cat's usual treats
- For the cat parent: a honeycomb litter mat or reusable laundry hair catchers
How to choose a Christmas gift your cat will use
Cats are particular, so the best gifts match how your cat already plays and rests:
- Play style. Many cats prefer short bursts of chase and pounce with a wand, then a small toy they can bat on their own. VCA Animal Hospitals notes that food-dispensing and foraging toys can also give indoor cats a hunting-style outlet, as long as you pick a size they can't swallow and supervise at first.
- Fit, if you're buying clothes. Our Christmas sweaters, pajamas and the elf shirt are made for cats and small dogs. Measure your cat's neck and the length of their back, then use the size chart on the product page. If a garment is tight around the neck, restricts walking or breathing, or makes your cat try to wriggle out of it, take it off.
- Who it's really for. Some of the most appreciated "cat gifts" are really for the person who scoops the box and does the laundry: a litter mat or a hair catcher used every week.
Best play gifts for curious cats
A little structured play goes a long way, especially on short winter days when indoor cats have fewer things to hunt.
- Cat Toys Variety Pack: A kit with a feather wand, mice and balls, so you can see which style your cat actually chases. It's included in the Holiday Sale.
- Suction Cup Cat Wand: A door- or wall-hanging teaser that stays in place with a suction cup, handy when you want a hands-free play session. Also in the Holiday Sale.
Keep wand play interactive and put string toys away when you leave the room, so the cord doesn't become a chewing hazard. Browse more brain-and-play toys in Enrich & Play.
Christmas outfits for cats (and small dogs)
Holiday outfits are for short, supervised photos, not all-day wear. Reward your cat with a familiar treat, keep the session short, and take the garment off if they freeze, hide or try to back out of it.
- Cat Christmas Sweater – Navy Knit Turtleneck: A classic navy knit turtleneck in sizes from XXS to L (the L size is priced higher than XXS–M). A simple, dressy look for a Christmas card.
- Ugly Christmas Sweater for Cats: A navy holiday knit jumper in sizes S through XXL, for a louder Christmas-sweater photo.
- Cat Christmas Pajamas – Buffalo Plaid Fleece Onesie: A soft buffalo-plaid fleece onesie in red-and-black or white-and-black, in sizes S through XL.
- Cat Christmas Costume – Elf Outfit Shirt: A festive elf outfit shirt with a printed belt and candy-cane design, in several colors and sizes from XS to L. Check the product page for the current color and size options.
For fit, comfort and how these compare with a winter coat, read Christmas Sweaters for Cats and Dogs. Shop the rest of the seasonal looks in the Holiday collection.
Stocking stuffers and gifts for cat lovers
- Pet Christmas Stocking: A pet-sized holiday stocking for dogs or cats. It ships empty, so you can fill it with your cat's regular treats and a small toy. Choose a style on the product page (puppy and kitten designs are listed there).
- Litter Mat for Cats: A honeycomb tracking-proof mat for the litter box area. A practical gift for anyone tired of litter in the hallway, and it's in the Holiday Sale.
- Pet Laundry Hair Remover: Reusable silicone lint catchers that help pick up pet fur in the wash. Useful in any cat home, and also in the Holiday Sale. See How to Remove Dog Hair from Laundry for washer and dryer tips.
More ideas by occasion and recipient are on our Gift Guides page, and in Cleanup Crew.
Holiday safety notes for cats
- Foods to keep out of reach. Chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (in some sugar-free sweets) and fatty leftovers can be dangerous for pets. Use the ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid as a reference, and call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline if you think your cat has eaten something harmful.
- Decorations. Tinsel, ribbon, ornament hooks and loose string are especially tempting to cats. The AKC guidance on dog-friendly holiday decorating is written for dogs, but the same idea applies: keep small, dangling and breakable decorations out of reach, and don't leave a dressed-up pet unsupervised.
- New toys and clothes. Supervise first uses. If your cat chews off pieces, take the item away.
When to order
Our products ship from overseas fulfillment partners, so delivery usually takes longer than domestic shipping, and items in one order may arrive separately. We don't promise specific delivery dates. If a gift needs to arrive by a certain date, email us at hello@ninischoice.com before you order and we'll tell you honestly what we know. Shipping options and costs are shown at checkout; see our FAQ.
FAQ: Christmas gifts for cats
What is a good Christmas gift for a cat that already has toys?
A new play style often works better than another mouse of the same kind. A wand they haven't seen, or a hanging teaser, gives you a way to play together. A litter mat or laundry hair catcher is a thoughtful gift for the person who lives with the cat.
Are Christmas sweaters safe for cats?
Short, supervised wear is fine for many cats if the garment fits comfortably and doesn't restrict movement, vision or breathing. Take it off for the rest of the day, and skip clothes altogether if your cat hates being handled.
Can small dogs wear these cat outfits?
Yes, the sweater, pajamas, ugly sweater and elf shirt are listed for cats and small dogs. Use the size chart on each product page and measure before you order.
Are the cat outfits included in the Holiday Sale?
No. The 15% off Holiday Sale (through December 1) applies to a selected set of gifts, including the cat toy pack, suction-cup wand, litter mat and laundry hair remover. The Christmas apparel is sold at its regular price. See the Holiday Sale for what's included.
What if a gift arrives damaged or is the wrong item?
Contact us within 30 days of delivery and we'll send a refund or a replacement. You don't need to return the item. Details are in the FAQ.
This article is for general information and isn't veterinary advice. If you think your pet has eaten something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline right away. Questions about an order? Email us at hello@ninischoice.com or see our FAQ.