Think pets don’t care about the holidays? Au contraire. Mr. Puss and Ms. Mutt know exactly what’s going on, and what all that gift wrap means. Simply put, a bag of treats is not going to cut it. But rest assured, we’re here to help. We’ve assembled a list of things dogs and cats are dreaming about when their feet twitch in their sleep. Oh, and a few ideas for their people, too.
For Cats
FroliCat BOLT
The ultimate high-tech toy, this is a laser pointer for cats. Hold it in your hand or set it on a flat surface, turn it on, and watch your cat (or dog) pounce, jump and chase the exciting laser patterns all around the house. You can switch between auto or manual settings. (19.95; available at large and small pet stores)
Feather Toys
Maybe it’s the hunter’s instinct, but feathers are intriguing to cats, especially when the feathers are tied to something you can swing around. Cat feather toys abound in pet stores and are a natural toy alternative. Petlinks System makes some nice ones, as part of its line of cat products designed to satisfy a cat’s need to hunt, scratch, hide, rest and more. ($3 and up; available at major pet retailers)
Kong Wubba
Kongs aren’t just for canines anymore. The company famous for indestructible rubber toys has a new line of Kong cat toys, called Cat Wubbas. They resemble an octopus, with a round head and fabric legs that dangle and crinkle when touched, complete with North American catnip inside for the discriminating feline. ($5 and up; available in pet stores large and small)
For Dogs
Molly Mutt Dog Bed Duvet
Tired of washing your dog’s bed, or simply throwing it out? (Your pet probably hates that!) Simply stuff this duvet with anything-the creator suggests old clothing, pillows, stuffed toys, blankets, etc. This goes inside a zippered mesh sack, which goes inside the dog duvet. The finished product looks like any other rectangular fabric bed, but is cleaner and greener! The 100 percent cotton duvet comes in lots of trendy patterns, colors and sizes. ($20-$40; available at pet boutiques including Happy Husky Bakery in Evanston)
Planet Dog Chew Toys
The Orbee-Tuff line of chew toys by Planet Dog are durable, colorful, safe, and cool. They’re made in the U.S. of super-durable, non-toxic, recyclable material and can be purchased in five different levels of chewiness. Holiday shapes include Christmas bulbs, peppermints, and snowballs. ($10.95; available at pet retailers)
Dublin Dog No-Stink Collar
A dog’s mouth may be clean but its collar is not. That’s why Dublin Dog Co. invented this collar, which is made of advanced polymers that don’t harbor odor-releasing bacteria. It rinses clean in seconds and comes in dozens of colors, styles and fun designs. ($20-$30; available at many pet boutiques)
For a Dog or Cat Person
“Stuff on My Mutt” the Book and 2010 Calendar
You knew this was coming. This book is the next logical step after the hugely popular Stuff on My Cat line (see right column). The 350 pooches pictured in this book-accompanied by all manner of stuff from pancakes to hamsters-was culled from the thousands of photos submitted to stuffonmymutt.com. It will make anyone howl with laughter. ($12.95; available at bookstores, card stores, and gift stores)
“Stuff on My Cat” the Book and Calendars
You may have heard of the Web site, stuffonmycat.com, where ordinary people submit clever and often hilarious photos of their cats sporting everything from an orange peel helmet to a baby doll dress. Now it’s a line of products showcasing the “best of” photos. ($12.95; available at bookstores, card stores, and gift stores)
Dog Lover’s Daily Companion book
Offering 365 Days of Tips, Tricks & Techniques for Living a Rich Life with Your Dog
this book keeps on giving all year long with helpful topics doled out in bite-sized pieces. ($19.99; available at most bookstores)
Cat Lover’s Daily Companion
Offering 365 Days of Insight and Guidance for Living a Joyful Life With Your Cat.
Topics include cats in history and literature, bonding and relationship-building, and how to make a cat-friendly home. ($19.99; available at most bookstores)
