How do you wrap a cat for a Christmas present under the tree?

Answer 1

The truth is, pets are never a good gift at the holidays. It is too stressful for everyone involved, including the pet at that time. Instead, wrap a collar or a cat toy or other token for under the tree and wait until after the holidays to bring the pet home when it will get the proper attention and care. Reputable pet breeders do not even plan for arrival of puppies or kittens around the holidays, they know too well the pitfalls. Others will refuse to let you take them home until after the holiday but will hold them for you until then.

If you are thinking of giving it to someone other than a member of your own household, it should not be a surprise gift and should not be during holiday times. A pet added to a family needs proper consideration and certainly buy-in by the gift recipient.

Please see the related question below for additional information on why a pet as a gift is not a good idea.

Acquire the cat in April or May. I know, you are giving it to someone for a Christmas gift but, this is the best time to be giving a cat/kitten a good home. The best place to get a gift like this is the Humane Society/RSPCA/Animal shelter. Have the cat spayed or neutered and get all its shots to keep it healthy (that is like giving a gift to the animal control people, beside, Bob Barker says so!, you wouldn't want to disappoint ol' Bob now would you?).

Take the cat home and don't forget to stop at the store and pick up all the accessories that go with a cat. A soft fluffy bed, a supply of good food, some toys to keep it occupied and don't forget a collar and litter box. Explain to the cat that you are just it's temporary human servant. That you will try your very best to make it happy but it will not stay with you forever! Take this future Christmas present home and help it get settled in. It might act strange at first and be frightened, not to worry, they come out from under the bed soon enough. Let the cat sit with you while you watch TV. Scritch it behind the ears and run your hand down the fur on it's back. No, it's not broken, that sound is called a purr, It is the sound a cat makes when it desides you will suffice as temporary assistant. When it is time for bed, warn the cat it has its own bed, an it must not climb upon yours. OH! did no-one tell you, cats never obey a command, they can teleport too. One minute you are drifting off to sleep all alone and the next, that ball of fluff is curled up beside you, purring like a mini motor cross bike...you'll get used to it.

Remember, its only temporary!

Over the next few months, take note of all the things a cat does, It comes to see what you brought it when you arrive home from work, it sits quietly and listens to your problems when no-one else seems to care, it doesn't care what you look like even when you look your worst. It keeps your ankles warm when you go into the kitchen and open the fridge. It's never uses its own small bed, but it does let you sleep in the big bed. It sleeps quietly on your lap and it never argues (it knows it is right and does not care about your opinion anyway).

OK, winter is here and it is time to take that cat and give it away. Find a big Christmas bag. Lay the bag on the floor in front of the cat. Tap the bottom of the bag and the cat will run right in, grab the handles and lift...you now have the cat trapped and ready to go ! That little ball of fur sticks it's head out to see what kind of game you have just invented...look into those trusting eyes....Go open a can of food for the cat and go buy a box of chocolates for the person you were going to give a "bag o' cat" to for Christmas. You really didn't like them all that much anyway . :)