Fur-la-la-la-la: These holiday gifts will keep cats and dogs entertained all year long

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They have been nice all year, except perhaps for that little naughty wet spot on the carpet or the odd scratched couch. But, hey, it’s the holiday season, and your dog and cat deserve a little something under the tree.

We know there are tons of options, so we've narrowed it down to some particularly fun, intriguing or tasty treats with which to regale your BFFs, or best furry friends, this time of year. We promise they won’t be returning or regifting these.

Crazy for cats

Cats, thinkers at heart, would appreciate technology that makes their lives easier and more interesting, which means they would like Catit’s new Pixi Smart Line for eating and drinking. Named after the company’s office cat, these smart products allow pet parents to get kitty what he or she needs, even if the humans are nowhere in sight.

The Pixi Smart Feeder dispenses the right amount of food at exactly the right time. WiFi connectivity allows users to schedule daily feeding times and pre-determine meal portions using the free Pixi app on any smart device. A large food reservoir with a desiccant pad helps keep dry food fresher longer.

To take care of kitty’s hydration requirements, the Pixi Smart Fountain also adds smartphone features so pet parents can control the fountain directly from their mobile device and receive regular maintenance alerts using built-in WiFi and a free mobile app. That’s not all, for it also offers whisker-friendly stainless steel, state-of-the-art filtration, superior sterilization to keep water clean and various waterflow options.

The Feeder and Fountain are $129.99 each.

Definitely in the groovy category is Catit’s Groovy Fish toy. Thanks to a motion sensor powered by a rechargeable battery, the toy springs to life when a kitty paw comes anywhere near it. It’s made with high-quality fabric and features a catnip pouch. While aimed at feline, it is also irresistible to small dogs who love the thrill of the hunt but are not destructive with their playthings.

Groovy Fish are $19.99.

Find them all at catit.com.

Forget the fruitcake

For good little — and big — dogs, Lord Jameson offers a custom-made candy cane with the company’s signature organic gingerbread recipe. Each treat, festively rolled in organic, plant-based red and green coconut shreds, is soft and easy to break apart.

Named after the founder’s therapy dog, Lord Jameson has formulated a collection of 100% organic dog treats that use no preservatives, artificial colors and flavors or GMOs.

The cane retails for $9.99 and Lordjameson.com.

Outward hound

For the thinking dog and cat are the interactive toys by Outward Hound.

The Activity Matz feature three fun ways for dogs to play. Owners can hide treats in the snuffle mat, hide the accompanying toys or hide kibble in the treat compartment. After the pup is done playing, the mats fold for storage.

Kitty keeping you up at night with noisy toys and play? Petstages Swat & Play Quiet Mat keeps cats entertained with quiet play. Touch activated, randomly flashing lights, keeps cat engaged with quiet swatting and batting play, then turns off automatically when cats are finished playing. Peace and quiet is cheap at $21.99.

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Smarty cats rise to the challenge of the Rainy Day Puzzle & Play. Cats bat at the pegs and swivel the rain drops to uncover the 14 hidden treat compartments. Adjust the difficulty of the puzzle to make it easier for beginners or more challenging for super smarty cats. Each puzzle comes with a Tips and Tricks info sheet to help you get the most out of your puzzle. Replace your standard bowl and feed your cat from the puzzle to engage its natural hunting and foraging instincts. The game goes for $24.99.

Find these at outwardhound.com.

New leash on life

Dogs adore going out restaurant- and café-hopping, but leashing them to a chair with a standard leash is unwieldy. High5dogs has come up with what may well have the best parking and hands-free leashes for any outdoor adventures.

The company’s CLIC mechanism with its dog parking leash allows the human to loop the leash around any stationary object, locking the handle into the carabiner so the pup is perfectly parked. An extra D ring keeps poop bag holders.

Humans can wear the shoulder leash keeps hands are free, while the human is still in control of the pooch, whether you are picking up poop or enjoying morning coffee.

Both models come in two thicknesses and four colors to cater for any size of dog. Prices begin at $29.95 at High5dogs.com.

Collared

Up Country always shines with colorful and cute accessories for canine friends, and 2021 is no exception. Folks can get their furbabies into the holiday spirit dog with collar, leads and harnesses designs that this year feature a City Christmas, Merry Christmas and, of course, Joy!

Made in the USA, these eye candy creations retail from $13 to $23, available at upcountryinc.com.

Come P.L.A.Y.

P.L.A.Y., aka Pet Lifestyle and You, specializes in high-quality, super-cute toy collections that include the Snack Attack, all the guilty pleasures of junk food without the calories. Your pup’s sugar rush will never end with this set of toys that range from $9.90 to 13.90 and $56.90 for the five-piece set.

The seasonal Merry Woofmas Collection features surprising sounds, detachable components and new Find-n-Seek toys for much tail-wagging come Christmas morn. Individual toys range from $9.90 to $17.90, but, hey, why not go for the whole five-bunch, which costs $57.50.

For dogs who enjoy life on the fast lane, the Canine Commute Collection equals nonstop P.L.A.Y. time, particularly since the toys are made with a protective lining for added durability. There’s a San Pup-cisco cable car, the Lickety Split double-decker bus, a New Yap City taxi, the Barking Bullet Train and a Fetching Ferry. Cost is $10.90 to $12.90 for individual toys or $53.90 for the whole five-piece shebang.

Also from P.L.A.Y. is the Wobble Ball Interactive Treat Toy in a festive poinsettia-colored version for holiday cheer that lasts all year. The toy slowly releases treats, guaranteeing pups big and small will be mystified by this magic that sells for $18.90.

Kitties can P.L.A.Y., too with the Feline Frenzy Holiday Cat Toys. From feathery birds to holiday classics, the felines will love the crinkles, rattles and fun textures of these seasonal USDA organic catnip toys. Prices start at $7.90.

All, and more, are available at petplay.com.

Tuff love

Fluff & Tuff’s 2021 Holiday Charity Toy Snowflake withstands plenty of fetching and shaking, and the heart-melting toy also serves a higher purpose, since 100 percent of profits from its sale will be donated to purchase food for dogs in shelters and rescue groups. A former Holiday Charity Toy, for example, fed more than 64,000 meals to homeless dogs.

The Snowflake retails for $16 at fluffandtuff.com, where you also find goodies such as the XL Cheetah Bone, a plus bone made with premium fabric. Your dog loves it and it will look great at home. After a day of playing tug and shake, it makes a perfect pillow.

Retails for $26.50.

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Treat yourself

After all the thoughtful shopping for your four-legged buds, it is time to treat yourself with pet-themed shopping at Dog is Good (dogisgood.com) and Happy Bond (happybond.com).

Dog is Good carries quite the selection of cute t-shirts, hoodies and similar paraphernalia that should be under the tree for you and your dog-loving friends.

Happy Bond offers “statement” tote bags with sayings such “I kissed a dog and I liked it,” plus elixirs, treats, food and biodegradable grooming products developed endorsed by Ziggy Marley.

Maria Sonnenberg is a Melbourne-based lifestyles and travel writer.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Treat your four-legged friends: Holiday gift ideas for dogs, cats