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The best gifts for indoor cats
Indoor cats have it pretty good, but their world is small. The best gifts give them more of what they already love: a warm, high spot to watch the outdoors and something new to chase.
We picked three gifts that do exactly that. There are two window perches that work in very different ways and a 24-day toy calendar for the holidays. For each one we explain what the Amazon.ca listing says, who it suits and what to check before you buy.
1. Zakkart Cat Window Perch with Warm Bed
If your cat already spends the afternoon squeezed onto a narrow sill, this perch gives them a proper seat. What sets it apart is that it's held up from below by triangular metal arms, not hanging from cables above, so cats can jump straight in from any side.
The bed is the cozy part. It has padded walls and a sherpa-covered pad, and it's roomy enough for a big cat to stretch out in the sun.
What the listing says
- Frame made of iron and rated to hold up to 18 kg
- Supported from below, so it doesn't wobble when cats jump on and off
- Comes with a padded bed with a sherpa pad that you can machine wash
- Goes together in seconds with no tools
- Also suggested for sunrooms, patio doors and French doors
Best for: large cats, multi-cat homes and anyone who wants the sturdiest-looking option.
Check price on Amazon2. AMOSIJOY Cat Window Sill Perch with Cushion
This one works differently. Instead of sticking to the glass, it hooks over a ledge. Two wide metal hooks sit on top of the sill, wooden supports brace it underneath, and thumb screws let you tighten it to the thickness of your ledge. There's no drilling and no suction cups to fail.
Because it clamps onto a ledge, it isn't only for windows. The listing also suggests mounting it on a bedside, a drawer or a cabinet, which is handy if your cat likes to sleep near you without shedding all over the bed.
What the listing says
- Wood-and-metal frame that the listing says holds up to 40 lbs
- Thumb screws adjust it to your sill's thickness, no wrench needed
- Fluffy plush cushion cover attaches with Velcro and comes off for washing
- No drilling and no suction cups
- Fits windowsills, bedsides, drawers and cabinets
Best for: renters, homes with a deep interior sill and cats who like to nap next to you.
Check price on Amazon3. Cat Advent Calendar with 24 Interactive Toys
An advent calendar for your cat is a fun way to make December feel special at home. Each day you open a door and there's a new small toy to bat around.
The listing names the toys: a bell feather wand, jingle bell ball, colourful mice, crinkle balls, a feather wand, a plush fish and cat bow ties. It's a toy calendar, not treats, so there's nothing to worry about for picky or sensitive tummies.
What the listing says
- 24 days of small toys to count down to Christmas
- Includes wands, jingle and crinkle balls, mice, a plush fish and bow ties
- Designed for batting, kicking and pouncing play
- Toys only, with no food or treats inside
Best for: playful indoor cats, Secret Santa gifts for cat lovers and families who like a daily ritual.
Check price on AmazonHow to choose
Check your window first. A sill perch like the AMOSIJOY needs a ledge it can hook over. The Zakkart is supported from below and suits more window setups, including patio and French doors. If you're unsure, measure your sill's depth and thickness before ordering.
Think about your cat's size. Both perches say they're built for large cats. If you have two cats who like to share, look for the most generous bed.
Location matters. A spot with morning sun or a bird feeder in view will get far more use than a shady window over a wall.
FAQ
Are cat window perches safe?
Safety depends on mounting it exactly as the instructions say and staying within the weight limit. The Zakkart lists 18 kg and the AMOSIJOY lists 40 lbs. Test it with your hand before your cat's first jump, and check it now and then.
Do window perches damage windows?
The AMOSIJOY hooks over the sill with widened metal hooks, and the listing says no drilling or suction cups are needed. If you're renting, a no-drill option is the safer bet.
What's inside the cat advent calendar?
According to the listing, it's 24 small toys, including feather wands, jingle bells, crinkle balls, mice, a plush fish and bow ties. There are no treats.
What's a good gift for a cat who has everything?
Something that changes their routine, like a new lookout spot or a daily surprise in December, usually beats another toy mouse.