- November 15, 2024
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The box is the best part of the present for my cat, Samantha. Photo Jacque Estes
True and Kaos cuddle up for a cute guest shot. Courtesy photo
According to Amazon.com, the top pet gifts this year are; kitty convict collars, shock collars for dogs, crates for dogs and cats, oatmeal shampoo, a grooming comb and other items that I can't see my cat or dog putting on their Christmas list. I still can't believe a shock collar was on their list.
Cats and dogs aren't like kids. They don't need the most expensive and newest toy. They don't care if Duke next door got a Frisbee, or if Matilda the cat got a new scratching pad.
What your pet wants most for Christmas is ----- you! How easy is that?
Take them for a walk, brush them (if they enjoy that), curl up on the couch and watch an old movie. Don't answer the phone or the door. Sit, stay and enjoy. Repeat as often as necessary.
Of course we will all put things under the tree for our pets. Here are a couple of favorites from the Estes household.
Samantha the cat likes boxes, all sizes and shapes. I've never understood how hard it could be to catch a cat. In our house as soon as a box is empty, it is full of cat.
Then there's the priceless paper balls. Wad up paper, toss it, and Samantha is happy for hours --- well a lot of minutes. Flip on a narrow-beam flash light or laser pointer, and watch the oldest of cats become kittens again as they pounce.
Kodi isn't all so difficult to buy for either. He likes; treats, walks, treats, belly rubs, treats. Keep the treats healthy and simple. Many store-bought chews have a lot of salt.
Sweet potatoes are an easy to prepare treat. Peel, wash and slice a sweet potato. Bake at 350 degrees until it's dried out, cool and voila! A healthy treat. There are more complex doggie cookies you can make, but why?
The holidays are stressful enough, spend time with your pet; it will be good for you and great for them.
