Great Christmas Gifts for Your Favorite Feline Fan

By Tamara L. Waters

Christmas,  Christmas time is here, time for joy and time for cheer. . . chipmunks may sing about what they want for Christmas, but what do cat lovers want? Is there a song for that? Probably not, so instead, here are a few ideas for your favorite feline fancier. Give them something that appeals to their love of cats and you're sure to make them purr (sorry, bad pun).

Cat Pattern Blankets - Buy or make fleecy blankets that have a kitty pattern on them. Your kitty lovin' friend will enjoy a snuggly blanket with pictures of their favorite animal scattered all over it – great for a chilly winter evening!

Coffee Table Books - Pictures of cute kitties are always a hit. How about a collection of pics? Check your local bookstore or an online retailer like Amazon for a coffee table book filled with pictures of cool kitties.

Kitty Calendars - Cats might rule over your household, but they're not the greatest when it comes to keeping track of what day it is. Get your favorite cat lover a kitty calendar to help them stay on track in light of their cat's lack of date keeping.

Stuffed Kitty Cats - How about some whimsy for that kitty collector? Stuffed animals are not just for the kids; grown up cat lovers can enjoy them too. A cute stuffed kitty cat will put a smile on your friend's face and add a touch of fun to their decor.

Jewelry - Because I am an animal lover, my kids know it's always appropriate to give me fun and funky pet jewelry. Take a browse through a novelty jewelry store in your local mall for some cute cat-inspired jewelry. At my local mall, I have found necklaces with kitten charms, earrings, hair accessories, watches and more.

Tree Ornaments - While most of us with cats presiding over the household know that the cat spends time in the Christmas tree, give a Christmas tree ornament for those times when kitty is occupied elsewhere. After all, what is a Christmas tree without a cat? Better yet, if you can snag a picture of your friend's kitty cat, look for a ready-made ornament that will hold their kitty's picture. You can bet your friend will love it!

Christmas Decorations - Deck the halls with cats and clawies. . .okay that's lame but it's a great idea! How about a fun set of cat-themed Christmas decorations?

Framed Art or Statues - Does your friend like art? Look around for cat statues for the home or garden, or framed artwork featuring cats.

White Elephant Gifts - This is probably my favorite cat loving gift idea. Browse through your local thrift stores for anything cat-related and fill a box or a gift bag full of gently used items. Small knick knacks, decorations, pillows, clothing and more can be a fun and unique Christmas gift for your friend.

Kitty Socks - This is a perfect gift for me or any sock-loving friend who also loves cats. Funky socks with cats are a must have for any cat lover. My favorite cat socks have a puffy kitty face on the top of the foot and they're adorable – they keep the tootsies warm and they're cute too.

Take a look at what is available in local stores and browse through some websites for fun cat gifts. Check out websites like cat-lovers-gifts-guide.com or great-gifts-for-cat-lovers.com for more great ideas.

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Stocking Stuffers for Pets

By Suzanne Alicie

The holidays are fast approaching, and you may be wondering how to make sure your pet is involved in the gift giving that your family will enjoy. A pet stocking stuffed with some of the things your pet needs or enjoys through the year is a great way to include your furry friends.

A few years ago I found a pre-filled dog stocking that was made for larger breed dogs. It included some chew toys, a good thick collar with a secure buckle, some treats, a dog brush and other grooming supplies. When I realized that all of the items were available individually for a much lower price, I decided to do my own pet stockings, but I got some great ideas from that one.

Puppy Stockings

Puppies always need things. They grow rapidly and will need larger collars, increasingly larger toys, lots of CANIDAE Snap-Bit™ treats for training, and personalized tags for their collar. Clothing and other accessories such as puppy booties can be fun for everyone. I’ve found that many of the items for a puppy belong under the tree rather than in a stocking – a doggie bed or a new crate just aren’t stocking sized.


Doggie Stockings

Dogs are just grown up puppies; of course they will appreciate getting some CANIDAE treats and fun toys in their stocking too! A good smelling dog shampoo, flea and tick treatment, a sharp new pair of nail clippers and other grooming supplies will help you keep your dog clean and healthy throughout the year. Collars and leashes and maybe a warm coat will have your dog looking sharp on your winter walks through the neighborhood.

Kitty Cat Stockings

Cats love to play. You may find that your cat would rather bat and swing from his stocking than see what is inside. When you take the stocking down and show your cat a pile of fun toys that roll, jingle, swing and hang you will see just how excited the aloof sophisticate can become. While it may be tempting, avoid giving your cat string to play with – string is very dangerous for cats, and this includes gift ribbon and tinsel from the tree. Be sure to include some yummy cat treats and maybe a new flea collar, and of course a little catnip, and you’ll have a happy kitty cat.

Pets are a part of the family. They will enjoy playing with the paper and boxes that the holidays bring, and they always enjoy spending time with their people. Take a few minutes this holiday season to fill a stocking for your pet. Essentially, these items are things you will need for your pet anyway. However, it’s fun to include your pets in the excitement of opening gifts, so why not put a few small gifts in a stocking and let your pet check them all out!

Be sure to heed all warnings before presenting your pet with a new toy. It is important to choose size appropriate toys to avoid choking and other problems. The same advice pertains to products for your pet’s grooming needs. Don’t get so excited about the holiday season that you forget to pay attention to labeling and guidelines.

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10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers

By Tamara L. Waters

If you have a friend who adores their canine pals, consider getting them a gift that caters to this special love. You can rest assured your friend will appreciate a present that remembers their favorite four-legged pal. Check out these ideas for perfect Christmas gifts for your favorite dog lover.

Dog Calendars

The Pink Ribbon Puppies calendar features adorable yellow lab puppies, and all proceeds go toward breast cancer research. Local book stores and online retailers offer a multitude of dog themed calendars too. Choose a wall calendar, a desk calendar, a planner or all three that feature dog photos. Whether your friend has a special dog breed that’s their favorite or they squeal over cute puppy pictures, they can stay on schedule with their favorite pet breeds. Some specialty stores even offer pet calendars that include special sections for veterinary records. This is a great option for your favorite responsible pet owner.


Fleece Blanket

Keep your favorite dog lover warm and cozy this winter with a decorated fleece blanket. Don't settle for just any fleece blanket though; many retailers offer blankets featuring dog photos, dog drawings and even paw prints and bones. If you are a little crafty, check your local craft store for fleece blanket kits. At my craft store there are blanket kits dedicated to almost any hobby or interest. These blankets have fringe that is used to tie two pieces of fleece together to form the blanket. It's a fun and easy craft project (especially if you have kids wanting to help out) and a useful gift.

Holiday Decorations

Does your favorite dog lover decorate a Christmas tree? If so, search for some adorable doggy tree ornaments to give them. Many stores offer holiday decorations in a variety of themes, and dog and cat themed decorations are really easy to find.

Gift Certificates or Gift Cards

If you can't figure out exactly what to get for your dog loving friend or they could use a practical gift, get them a gift certificate for their favorite pet boarder, groomer, obedience school, trainer or pet store. Non-pet stores can also provide great gift card and gift certificate ideas (book stores, farm supply stores etc.).

Dog Food and Treats Gift Basket

Find out your friend's preferred formula of CANIDAE dog food and put together a “care package” along with Snap-Bits™ or Snap Biscuit® dog treats.

Decorative Clothing

Check around local stores for clothing items that feature “man's best friend.” A sweatshirt and a pair of socks featuring a cute dog would be a hit.

Stuffed Animals

If your favorite dog lover doesn't currently have a pet for one reason or another (perhaps they live in a home or facility that doesn't allow dogs), give them a stuffed toy dog! If you have kids, let them pick out the stuffed dog to make it more meaningful.

Magazine Subscription

Purchase a gift subscription to a favorite dog-related magazine for your friend. Check at your local pet store or book stores for titles.

Coffee Mug

Does your favorite dog lover enjoy coffee or hot chocolate? Pick out a coffee mug that features a dog photo (or some other type of dog theme) and create a gift basket that includes specialty coffee or hot chocolate mix, and a dog magazine for some great reading material!

Cookie Cutters

Dog-themed cookie cutters make a fun gift for a dog lover who also likes to bake. Along with dog bones and paw prints, there are cookie cutters featuring Poodles, Labs, Schnauzers, Collies, Corgis, Boxers and many other dog breeds.

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Homemade Christmas Gifts for Pets

By Tamara L. Waters

Ho ho ho, it's almost Christmas! When you are decking your halls and getting your presents ready for the family, don't forget your four-legged family members. If your budget is tight or you just prefer to create cool gifts with your very own hands, making gifts for your pets can be a fun project for you and the kids. Make a few of these easy gifts to put under the tree for your pet.

Pet Pillows and Blankets

Whether you have a cat or a dog, you can bet they like to lay around on occasion. Why not make them their own pillow or blanket for snoozing and relaxing on? Fleece is a great fabric to use for either a pillow or a blanket for your pet. To make a quick, no-sew pillow, use an appropriately-sized throw pillow and cut two pieces in the same shape as the pillow but much larger (allow a six-inch border all around). Tie the corners of the fleece pieces together and you've got a quick and easy pet pillow.

To make a simple fleece blanket, sew two square pieces together or cut two-inch fringe the whole way around each piece, then use the fringe to tie the two pieces together. These pillows or blankets can be made in any size that would be best suited for your pet.

Simple Pet Toys

Making toys for your dog or cat is a fun way to cut your expenses and keep your favorite four-legged friend happy and entertained. Easy pet toys can be made using regular items found around your home, or inexpensive items you can pick up anywhere. Responsible Pet Ownership blog editor Julia Williams has a great article about how to make your own homemade cat toys,  and Ruthie Bently shares about making your own homemade dog toys.

Decorate Pet Accessories

Buy plain pet collars, leashes and food bowls, then decorate them for a not-quite-homemade but still-personalized pet gift. Use fabric paint to decorate a collar and leash with your pet's name and other little designs.

Many craft stores sell pet charms in the bead section that can be added to any collar to jazz it up. While your pet won't exactly love the collar (truthfully, they won't really care), you will enjoy seeing it on them.

A flat rug can be painted with your pet's name and other decorations for use as a food bowl mat. Decorate food bowls with your pet's name and other creative effects (paw prints, fish and mouse shapes, dog bones etc.).

Christmas Ornaments

Okay, so a Christmas tree ornament isn't exactly a gift FOR your pet, but you will certainly enjoy it. Create a homemade ornament using a picture of your pet. Cut out a holiday-themed shape (Christmas tree, snowflake, stocking or something similar) from construction paper, felt or cardboard. Be sure to cut two identical shapes. Cut an opening in one of the shapes for the photo, then glue the pieces together with the photo in between the two shapes.

Add a hanger, maybe a little glitter glue or some other type of decoration and there you go! Be sure to write the year somewhere on the ornament, and you've got a cute little keepsake of your favorite pet's Christmas.

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Animal Movies for the Holiday Season

By Suzanne Alicie

The holidays are a time when even the most diehard Scrooges are often overcome with a warm fuzzy feeling. There are classic holiday movies that have been favorites for generations, then there are newer holiday movies that are well on their way to joining the established ranks. But when it comes to animal lovers, there are some holiday movies featuring various fuzzy creatures that will always top the list. After all, there’s nothing that will warm your heart like a great family movie featuring your favorite animal. Keep in mind that this list is based upon my personal opinion and includes holiday animal movies that we love to watch at my house.

The #1 Holiday Movie with Animals

Okay, so maybe there aren’t real reindeer with shiny red noses, or even any real reindeer at all in this movie; but Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a wonderful classic that will tug at your heartstrings as you gather to watch poor Rudolph save Christmas.

The #2 Holiday Movie with Animals

This is a new one we are looking forward to. The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation is a sequel to last year’s favorite, The Dog Who Saved Christmas. The new installment debuts on ABC on Sunday, November 28th and features Paris Hilton as the voice of Bella the French poodle, and Mario Lopez as Zeus. We enjoyed the first movie in this series tremendously and are excited to see how the new one stacks up. If you miss the TV showing, the DVD will be released on Amazon in early December.

The #3 Holiday Movie with Animals

Alvin and the Chipmunks may be about a lot of different things – singing chipmunks, the music biz, and a hapless human who hears talking animals – but it also has Christmas. With songs like The 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Don’t Be Late, you and your kids can sing along as you enjoy the adventures of Alvin, Simon and Theodore.

The #4 Holiday Movie with Animals

101 Dalmatians has always been a favorite – who could resist that many adorable puppies? Apparently Cruella DeVille can. Whether you watch the Disney animated version or the newer version featuring real doggies and Glenn Close, you can be sure the family will enjoy the antics of the Dalmatians and their humans.

The # 5 Holiday Movie with Animals

This one is my personal favorite. A Dog Named Christmas tells the story of a child who convinces his parents to foster a dog over the Christmas holiday. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll find yourself hoping that Todd gets to keep Christmas, even though the agreement with his Dad is that the dog goes back to the shelter on the day after Christmas.

There are several movies I enjoy watching around the holidays featuring animals, that aren’t exactly considered holiday movies. When you watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (which does have a dog, and I suppose the Grinch is some sort of animal) and get in a Dr. Seuss mood you can always watch The Cat in the Hat. Home Alone is a holiday favorite for many, and I’m pretty sure there is a pet tarantula, a bird and possibly a dog in that movie as well.

Heck, it’s your holiday season, you can pick whatever movies make you feel warm and cozy inside. If you feel that the Garfield movies put you in a holiday mood, go for it. Add the fat orange cat and his pal Odie to your holiday must-view list. If you aren’t in a holiday mood, be sure to check out our great lists of movies for dog lovers and cat lovers.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Pets Provide a Feeling of Thanksgiving Every Day

By Suzanne Alicie

One of my favorite traditions of Thanksgiving is the practice of choosing something each day from November 1 through the holiday to be thankful for. This allows me to devote a few minutes each day to be appreciative of all the blessings in my life. Pet owners often get this little nudge of feeling how blessed we are all throughout the year as we interact and enjoy the pets that are part of our families. When you look back at the year, you will find that many of your most precious memories include your pets.

While you may not think of your pets when you sit down at the holiday table with family and friends, there are definitely many reasons to be thankful for your pets. Now, I am a cat lover and can think of several wonderful ways that cats make life better each and every day of the year. But I am also a dog owner, so my list of reasons to be thankful relates more to our canine friends. There are also other types of pets that enrich our lives – and whether we enjoy watching the fish swim in and out of their little castle or giggle at the hamster spinning in his little wheel, all pets provide a pleasing presence to their owners’ lives.

This Thanksgiving, why not take a few moments to think about why you are thankful for your pet, not just on this day but all year round.

I am thankful for the comforting sight of my dog curled up in a big fluffy ball beside me while I work. I am thankful for cold noses and warm fur. I am thankful for unconditional love and warm brown eyes. I am thankful for the laughter and fun that our dog brings to our family. I am thankful for the protective and loving presence of my dog that lets me know every time someone walks down “her” street, no matter how annoying it is at 6 in the morning. I am thankful for the feeling that when the world has stomped me underfoot, there is one creature that is happy to see me no matter what. I am thankful for our dog that has helped me teach my children compassion and respect for animals.

While we only have one dog in our home now, I have to also be thankful for the years we had with our beautiful and wonderful Chaos who we lost to cancer this year. The personality and presence of our beloved dog sticks with our family and continues to affect us all even though she’s been gone for a few months. It warms my heart to know that my children remember her as fondly as we do, and that they miss her as well. The tears that spring to my eyes when I think of her will always remind me to cherish every moment with those I love because at any time I could lose them.

So when you are taking the time to list all the things you are thankful for this Thanksgiving season, be sure to include your pets. They make such a huge difference in the quality of your life and will be your faithful and loving companions as long as they are able.  If you feel like sharing why you are thankful for your pet, leave a comment below – we would love to know how your life is made better by having a pet.

From all of us at the CANIDAE RPO blog, we wish you and your pets a Happy Thanksgiving!

Photo: Bear and Bryan

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