‘Five cute yet practical Amazon Christmas gifts for cats that my pets actually use’

If, like me, you consider your pets as much a part of your family as humans, then you'll probably want to get them a gift at Christmas. OK, I know they don't know what day it is and can't open presents, but it's a cute gesture, right?

We've got plenty of great gift ideas for dogs but I'm a cat lady, with two 18-month-old rescue cats that take up more of my waking (and often also sleeping) hours than they probably should, and they'll most definitely be getting something under the tree this Christmas; yes, there'll be a top-up of Dreamies, but there'll also be a few other treats.

I've bought them loads of toys, treats and accessories over the last year (some of which they've turned their noses up at, in typical cat fashion) but here are five things from Amazon that they use and love – and if you're an Amazon Prime member and order before 23 December, they're guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.

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Best Christmas gifts for cats for 2024 Water fountain

£19.99 from Amazon

A great way to keep them hydrated (Image:Amazon)

I bought my cats this water fountain to stop them from drinking out of the kitchen tap, and it worked; they now use this over their traditional water bowl (and the tap). It's small, discreet and quiet, and also available in a blue-green colour. Just remember to wash the components regularly, and change the filters every couple of months (you can also buy a bundle with two filters for £29.99).

Cat feather wand toy

£12.99 from Amazon

Keeps them entertained indoors (Image:Amazon)

This popular pack contains two suction cups that stick onto the floor, then bouncy wands can be inserted with a range of tempting toys to attach; the idea is that the springy sticks move the feathered items around in a supposedly bird- or mouse-like manner.

Admittedly my cats made short work of the base stand, ripping it off the floor in minutes, but they still love playing with the wands 18 months later, with the favourite accessories being the fluffy ball and the feathers.

Radiator bed

£13.99 from Amazon

A cosy option on cold days (Image:Amazon)

I was initially reluctant to buy my cats one of these fleecy beds that hook over the radiator for aesthetic reasons, but I have to admit they really love it, and race to see who gets to it first at night. This one comes in four fabric options, and the cover's washable too; just make sure to check that the hook will fit over your radiator first.

LED light pointer

£9.99 from Amazon

Cats can't resist this (Image:Amazon)

If you're after a cat toy that doesn't take up much room in the house, a laser pointer is a great idea, especially for younger cats; mine go crazy trying to 'eat' the dot of light. This one is rechargeable via USB, and you can switch between different light shapes. I also find it useful when trying to get them to come in from the garden at night.

£36.99 from Amazon (was £38.99)

Contains a motion sensor so only switches on when the cat is near (Image:Amazon)

This last one isn't a recommendation from me but instead from Zara McDermott, who regularly posts about the products she buys to keep her two ragdoll cats, Cedric and Albus, entertained – and I think it's one that I need to buy too.

Posting to her Instagram stories, Zara wrote: "I love keeping automated toys cos it means I can leave some on in different rooms when I go out for the day and I know they're entertained! This toy is good cos it has an inbuilt sensor so if the cat goes near it, it will turn on but if there's no motion it will turn off! So clever!"

If you're looking for other idea, Pets At Home has a huge range of gifts – including this cute gingerbread cat scratcher – and you can order by 20 December to get it in time for Christmas.

Meanwhile this outdoor cat house from Debenhams, now with 34% off, is a brilliant idea for felines that prefer to spend their time outdoors.