This Christmas, one in five Brits are set to spend more on their pets' presents than their partners', according to a new survey. Pets are considered part of the family and many owners don't want them to feel left out during the festive season.
Despite the cost of living crisis, Brits are splashing out more than ever on their furry friends. The study by Petplan found that 77% of pet owners will be treating their pets this Christmas.
In London, over a third of pet owners (37%) admitted their pets will receive as many gifts as their children. From special treats and toys to personalised gifts, some pets will even enjoy a full Christmas dinner at the table.
However, it's important to choose the right gift for your pet. Here are five top tips to keep your pet happy and healthy this Christmas.
Be mindful with pet clothing - Pets are animals, not humans. While outfits and accessories might look adorable, pets aren't toys to be dressed up. Any clothing gifts should be practical and safe, like reflective jackets and collars. Don't force your pet to wear something if they seem uncomfortable.
Brain training - Many of the toys we gift encourage physical activity, but mental stimulation is also beneficial for our pets. Dog and cat puzzle toys can entertain them while challenging their cognitive skills.
Wrapping, ribbons and runaways - Wrapping our pets' presents and placing them under the tree is a sweet idea, but be careful of the materials used. Dogs, cats and rabbits might want to run off with ribbons or sticky tape, which could be a choking hazard. Avoid using them where possible, or help unwrap your pet's present.
Safe feasting - Gifting food treats and special meals is popular with pet owners, but it's crucial to ensure you're not feeding your pet anything dangerous. Chocolate is a major food hazard, but onions, nuts, blue cheese and dried fruit can also be harmful. Avoid giving your pet any meat on the bone as this can be a choking hazard.
'Pets are for life, not just for Christmas' - We all know the saying but it's crucial to keep in mind. Giving a pet as a gift might seem like a loving gesture, but it comes with many risks. Pets need lots of care and responsibility.
Bella von Mesterhazy from Petplan said: "The fact that we're increasingly making pets a prominent part of our Christmas celebrations is testament to the vital role they play in family units across the UK - and in some cases, our urge to treat them at Christmas goes beyond how we spoil our partners and human family! The festive season is so full of joy and there's nothing that puts a smile on faces more so than giving something back to our pets - whether that's through a traditional gift, or something a little more creative from pet-friendly beauty treatments to brunch."
A study by Petplan of 2,000 pet owners also revealed the top 10 pet gifts of 2023:
- Food & edible treats
- Chew toys
- Cuddly toys
- Balls
- Homeware (i.e. beds and blankets)
- Bones
- Personalised items (i.e. collars and bowls)
- Catnip or dog balm
- A scratch pad
- Pet clothing
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to webhomepage@mirror.co.uk