Cats don't care about wrapping paper. They want things that let them play, scratch, climb, hide and nap. The best gifts for a cat are a long wand toy for real chase sessions, a scratcher they can stretch and sleep on, a cat tree, a cozy hideout and a few catnip kickers.
By George, a cat dad in New Jersey and the maker of MyCatScratcher.
Heads up: MyCatScratcher is my own small New Jersey shop, so I am very biased about the Sunny Day Scratcher. Everything else here is stuff I use or that pet editors recommend. I don't make it and I don't earn anything if you buy it (no affiliate links).
Quick picks
What our cats would ask for
Our shop
1. The Sunny Day Scratcher, for floor scratching and napping
MyCatScratcher Sunny Day Scratcher
$89.95 as of Nov 2026
For a ground scratcher, the Sunny Day Scratcher is the best and cutest in the game. It's us, but it's true! Our cats scratch on it and then fall asleep on it. It's corrugated cardboard in a wipe-clean frame, and when the pad wears out you swap in new replacement pads instead of buying a whole new scratcher. We can custom-paint it from a photo to match the cat.
Painted from one photo: the tuxedo on this Sunny Day Scratcher, with the real cat behind it.
2. A long wooden wand with a string and a fish
Earthtone Solutions Felted Wool Squid Wand
$13.99 as of Oct 2026
This is my #1 cat toy rule: go long, go wooden, put a fish on the end. A longer wand makes it a 10x better play session, because your cat gets real room to stalk, chase and pounce. I tossed the cheap green plastic ones. This one has a thick solid wood rod, a wool cord that adjusts up to 4 feet and a felted wool squid on the end. Not technically a fish, but it's the best long wooden wand we found in stock right now.
3. The Yaheetech cat tree
Yaheetech 63" Cat Tree
$53.98 as of Oct 2026
I have two cat towers at home, and this Yaheetech one is the best bang for your buck. Cats want to be up high, and this gives them climbing, lounging and a lookout spot without a fancy-furniture price.
Pepper, our calico, in her matching scratcher at the foot of one of our cat towers.
4. An L-shaped scratcher for big stretches
FUKUMARU 26.8" L-Shaped Cat Scratcher
$19.79 as of Oct 2026
L-shaped scratchers are great for cat spines. The upright part lets them reach up and do that full-body stretch while they scratch. This FUKUMARU one is the L-shape we use.
5. A strong nylon string
Niko and Oscar's The Original Blue String
$8.49 as of Oct 2026
Sometimes the best toy is the simplest: a strong nylon string. It outlasts flimsy yarn and gets even lazy cats moving. This one's a ready-made option if you don't want to DIY.
6. The Cat Dancer Charmer
Cat Dancer Charmer
$7.42 as of Oct 2026
A ribbon wand that's especially great for kittens. People picks it as the best toy for kittens, and The Spruce Pets includes the Cat Dancer line in its wand-toy picks.
7. The Potaroma Flopping Fish
Potaroma Flopping Fish
$9.98 as of Oct 2026
A wiggling catnip fish they can wrestle, kick and bunny-kick. It's a Wirecutter pick.
8. The Yeowww! Catnip Banana
Yeowww! Catnip Banana
$8.49 as of Oct 2026
Organic catnip in a banana shape that's perfect for kicking. People calls it the best kicker toy.
9. A heated mat for the sunbeam chaser
K&H Thermo-Kitty Heated Mat
$34.99 as of Oct 2026
A gentle, low-wattage warm spot. Wirecutter recommends it.
10. A wool cave to hide in
Meowfia Wool Cat Cave
$39.99 as of Oct 2026
Cats love feeling tucked in, and this felted-wool cave gives them a cozy hideout.
11. A treat maze puzzle
Cat Amazing Treat Maze Puzzle
$15.95 as of Oct 2026
A puzzle that makes them work a little for snacks, which is good for bored indoor cats. It's on Consumer Reports's gift list.
Safety note: string, ribbon and feather toys are for supervised play only. Put them away after every session. The Cornell Feline Health Center warns that string and other strand-like parts can be swallowed.
The best gift is still your time: a daily wand session together beats any toy left on the floor. Shopping for the human too? See the best gifts for cat lovers in 2026.
Questions
What do cats want for Christmas?
Things that let them act like cats: a wand toy to chase, a scratcher to stretch and sleep on, a high perch, a cozy hiding spot, catnip toys and a few treats.
Do cats like getting gifts?
Cats don't understand presents, but they love new things to explore. Many like the box as much as the gift! New toys and play sessions with you are what they really enjoy.
Are wand toys good for cats?
Yes. Wand toys let cats stalk, chase and pounce like they would hunting, which is great exercise and enrichment for indoor cats. A longer wand gives a better play session.
Are string and feather toys safe for cats?
Only with supervision. String and feathers can be swallowed and cause serious problems, so play together and put those toys away afterward.
Why do cats need a scratcher?
Scratching sheds old claw layers, stretches their body and marks territory. A good scratcher gives them a place to do it that isn't your couch.