12 Days of Gift Ideas: Day 7

For People: Shirts!

Everybody needs more T-shirts; we wear them for everything these days. Whether for shopping, gardening, household chores, or ferrying the kids around, help your cat-loving friends show their pride with a new T-shirt. You'll find most of these designs in both long- and short-sleeved styles, and many are also available on sweatshirts or other apparel items, as noted.

 

Get in the holiday spirit with these two fine Christmas designs! Either are available on white or natural-colored short- ($13.95) or long-sleeved ($14.95) T-shirts, sweatshirts ($19.95), tank tops ($13.95), or women's "fashion" T's ($13.95), which are more tapered through the waist and with shorter sleeves. Adult sizes S-XXL.

Let Kitty Klaus from the Happy Holidays collection bring a touch of class to your holidays! You can get him on a short-sleeved T ($13.95), long-sleeved T ($14.95), or sweatshirt ($19.95) in White, Natural, or Ash in Adult sizes S-XXL.

Several artists have oodles of holiday designs, including Candace Reiter, whose "Snocats" design is shown here. There are 10 Candace Reiter designs available on regular T's ($17.95), long-sleeved T's ($19.95), or sweatshirts ($25.95) in white or natural color. Adult sizes S-XXL.

Enjoy Karen Olsen's whimsical Holiday Kritters designs on short- ($17.95) or long-sleeved ($19.95) T's, sweatshirts ($25.95), or tank tops ($17.95) in white or natural colors. Adult sizes S-XXL.

Love your purebred cat? Artist Michelle Crowley has designed just the shirt for you! The sentiment is available for 41 options, including every cat breed and coat pattern from Abyssinian to White Cat, or just the all-inclusive "cat". Shirt colors are white, natural or ash. Styles are short- ($17.95) or long-sleeved ($16.95) T, sweatshirt ($25.95), tank top ($17.95), or ladies' fashion T ($17.95), in adult sizes S-XXL.

Another design sure to be appreciated year-round by purebred cat aficionados is this one that provides little tidbits of information about the selected breed in addition to gorgeous closeup and profile pictures to show its features. Available for Abyssinian, Brown Tabby, Himalayan, Maine Coon, Persian, or Siamese on T-shirt ($12.95) or sweatshirt ($19.95) in ash gray, white, light blue, black or red. These come in children's sizes S-L or adult S-XL. (And it can be worn year-round instead of just through the holidays!)

Sometimes, you just have those kinds of days...to tell the world about it, try this "Bug Me At Your Own Risk" design on a T-shirt ($12.95) or sweatshirt ($19.95) in ash gray, white, or light blue. Available in children's sizes S-L and adult sizes S-XL. Also available: "Stressed Out", "I Don't Do Mousework", and for the friend who needs a little encouragement, "Hang In There, Baby".

What little ballerina wouldn't love this little white kitten who's found a new toy in her pointe shoe? It comes in both children's S-L and adults' S-XL sizes, on white or ash gray T-shirts ($12.95) and sweatshirts ($19.95).

 

Another very popular theme for shirts is cat faces. Lots of folks are ordering these, whether the Yellow Cat Eyes or the White Cat Face design. White cat face comes in children's S-L or adults' S-XL sizes on T-shirts ($12.95) or sweatshirts ($19.95) in white, ash gray, or light blue. Yellow cat eyes design comes in the same sizes & shirt options, but on colors of ash gray, light blue, black, or red.

And not to toot our own horn, or anything, but if you'd like to sport the Old Maid Cat Lady logo, you can get black T's in adult sizes S-XXL in 100% preshrunk cotton short-sleeved ($21.95) or long-sleeved ($28.95) styles.

If none of these designs is as beautiful as your own cat, we even have an option to get your own cat's photo on a T-shirt or sweatshirt! Just upload your cat's photo, and we'll take it from there. Available in children's S-L and adults' S-XXL sizes, on T's ($12.95) or sweatshirts($19.95), in ash gray, white, or light blue.

So...there you have it! All the ways to get dressed in style for the holidays, or any time of the year. Shop our complete selection of cat shirts to see all the options available.

12 Days of Gift Ideas: Day 6

For Cats: A New Scratching Post!

Cats have a basic need to scratch. It's not that they're being bad. Scratching causes their claws to shed old growth so the newer claw can grow in. It exercises the front legs, and allows them to mark their territory with the scent glands in their paws. Expecting a cat not to scratch is to take away one of the basic characteristics that makes him a cat. But you don't want your furniture, carpets, and draperies getting scratched, now, do you? Positioning several scratchers around the house and teaching kitty that they're the appropriate scratching places is the perfect remedy for cats who want to scratch your stuff.

Alas, scratching posts get worn out. When they do, the surface doesn't provide that needed resistance that really satisfies. Make your kitty smile with a new one! Here are just a few of the scratchers we have on OldMaidCatLady.com:

Cosmic catnip is the favorite of many a kitty, and they'll also love this angled Cosmic Alpine scratcher! Not only does it have a corrugated surface and lots of Cosmic catnip for it, but there's a little hidey-hole underneath with a toy inside. It'll drive your kitties wild, and it's on sale for only $11.95. Refills also available.

Any cat would love this Super Catnip 20" scratching post; it has both corrugated and rope-wrapped scratching surfaces, a dangly toy, and a corrugated base for horizontal scratching. And you'll love its eco-friendliness and reasonable sale price of just $17.95.

Lots of cats prefer to scratch horizontally rather than vertically, and for them this Cat Love Seat is just the thing! It has a corrugated surface cats love, comes with premium catnip to make it even more irresistible, is made from 30% recycled materials, is 100% recyclable, and is available in 23 patterns. Your own kitty can have one for just $24.95.

The Espejo is a dandy basic scratcher with a sisal-covered post and a carpeted perching platform above. It stands 27 inches tall, and the upper platform measures 14-1/2" on each side, perfect for a kitten or a smaller cat. It's on sale for $33.90.

This Kitty Cactus carpet-covered scratcher comes with an upper tray for kitty to curl up in, as well as a tempting, dangly toy he can bat around! Sale priced at $59.95, it stands 28 inches tall, and the carpet colors will vary between neutrals.

Doesn't look like a scratcher, does it? But this little Rattle & Roll mouse has a sisal scratching surface on its back and a rattle in its tail. Just attach it to a doorknob or put it on the floor, and your cats will go crazy for it! On sale for just $18.95.

And speaking of mice, here are some that will give your smaller cats and kittens hours of fun! The 16-1/2" tall Mouse-Go-Round has dangling mousies on a vertical scratching post with a platform above for air attacks. Don't let the color in the photo fool you...most come in a tan carpet color, and since they're made to order, you can specify another color if you'd prefer it. Even better...the $45.95 price includes shipping! You can also get it with a condo underneath and additional toys for $65.95. Too small for your cats? The next one's a bit taller...

At 24" tall, this carpeted scratching post with platform and hanging toy will let kittens stand all the way up, and even grown cats can get a nice stretch with it. The $39.95 price also includes shipping. Prefer natural materials to carpet, you say? Okay...

There's just something about seagrass that has a natural, aromatic appeal for cats. Let it attract yours with this 18" seagrass scratching post with feather toy. On sale for $26.95! Got a bigger cat?

This is about as basic as a scratching post gets! It's covered in natural sisal and stands 26" tall. Sale priced at $32.95. No room for a scratching post, you say? Not to worry...

Hanging 15-inch corrugated scratchers come in 11 basic fun designs, plus several holiday themes. Made in the USA from recycled material, and is 100% recyclable. Comes with a bag of certified organic catnip. Spread on a little of that, hang it on a doorknob, and watch kitty go to town.

Now, here's the grandaddy of them all...a Christmas tree you won't mind if your cat climbs! It's available in two heights, 13-3/4" (priced at $35.95) or 20-1/4" (priced at $59.95). Made in the USA from 100% recyclable corrugated, it also comes with organic catnip. With both horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces, it's sure to please any kitty who's been nice all year...or even some of the naughty ones!

Click here to see our entire selection of cat scratching posts. All prices shown are as of December, 2011, and likely to change in the future.

12 Days of Gift Ideas: Day 5

For People: Home & Garden Décor

When my little Vixen had a consultation with pet psychic Laura Stinchfield, Vixen told her that she used to not know why I needed so many pictures of her when she was still with me, but now she understands people better and is okay with it.

For some reason, cat lovers just love to be surrounded by cats! And why not? I've read that dog owners value dogs for their loyalty, but cat lovers find their beauty to be the thing most cherished in cats. Don't know that I'd completely agree with its ranking highest in importance, but they certainly are beautiful. So for that cat lover on your list, why not add to their feline collection?

All cats may be beautiful, but ask any cat owner which is the most beautiful, and it's bound to be one of his own. So what better gift than a custom oil portrait of his or her very own beloved cat? The portraits we offer are available in four sizes that range in price from $79.95 to $119.95, with shipping included. You choose the orientation and background color, upload a photo of the cat, and an artist does the portrait from that. About three weeks later, your canvas will arrive rolled in a tube for you or your recipient to frame in any style preferred. The photo at the top of this blog post, as well as the one shown above, are examples of their work. It's a unique gift that will hold a very special place in your giftee's heart!

For the cat lover with a sense of humor (and reality), this throw pillow says it all! It's 12-1/2" x 9" and will only set you back $12.95 For more serious-minded individuals, we have several lovely hooked pillows, some designed by renowned artists, that come in a variety of sizes and range in price from $12.95 to $49.95.

Collectors will appreciate these assortments of antique reproduction cigarette cards that are matted in groups of 6, 9, 12, or 20. They depict various breeds of cats, or one set even has wild cats. Cigarette cards were produced from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s to promote various brands of smokes, with some of the images available here from the Players brand in the UK. They range in price from $42.95 to $99.95, depending on the number of cards in the set. You choose which cats to include in the set and whether to have them matted wide or tall, and they arrive unframed so you can custom-fit the frame to your piece. Another one-of-a-kind gift that's sure to please.

Lovers of big cats will adore this dramatic white tiger accent table. Rendered in lifelike detail in durable polyresin, he holds a round glass top that's the perfect place to park a small lamp, a drink, or your reading glasses. And he's even on sale for $119.95. Tiger snarl and all!

If you're buying for someone who owns a purebred cat, these wooden frames that hold a photo of their beloved will bring a smile! Available for Abyssinian, Maine Coon, Persian or Siamese, they retail for $22.95. And they even come vertically or horizontally oriented to accommodate either type of photo; specify which you prefer when ordering.

Know someone with an awkwardly placed litter box? Why not get them a cat washroom to hide it away?! It comes in white, as shown here ($83.95), as well as Espresso or Walnut ($90.95 each) that would look great as an end table or night stand. The door opens wide for cleaning, and it holds a litter box up to 18-1/2" x 16", which is not included.

Gardeners and those who have visited any of the stately gardens and homes in Europe and the UK will love this guardian lion statue that can sit regally by a front walkway, on a porch, or in its own special place in the back garden. He stands 25" tall and is made of durable fiber resin. Pick him up for just $79.95...or else he might chase after you!

Plate collectors and hostesses alike will appreciate this pair of Henry Cats porcelain plates. Artist Henry Lee has been painting cats on stones for years, and an assortment of them rims each 8-inch plate. Sale priced for only $10.95, they'll please both the recipient and your wallet!

Lots of people collect salt & pepper shakers, and if they're also cat lovers, these will bring a big smile to their faces! "Lovey" and "Dovey" are a part of artist Amy Lacombe's WhimsiClay line of collectible ceramics that have become wildly popular. Even if someone's not a S&P collector, cat lovers will still enjoy this duo...and Valentine's Day is not too far off. Pick them up for only $18.95.

Whoever gets this fancy little vanity mirror may have a hard time getting it away from the cats...those kitties do love to look at themselves! But whatever its eventual use, they'll love the cheetah print resin frame and the frou-frou metal stand. It reaches a full 12" tall with the stand, and is available for only $8.95. Such a steal!

We all need the occasional hostess gift during the holidays, and what better choice for a cat lover than these Peeping Toms kitchen towels! Large (17" x 31") 100% cotton towels have silk-screened curious kitties on both ends. There's a kitten design also available, and you can pick them up for $10.95.

Both cats and hostess will thank you for this Good Kitty treat canister ($17.95). It's glass with a stainless steel lid and holds 6 cups of treats!

Really make a statement with this golden tiger statue. The striking polyresin statue measures 18" long. It makes the perfect gift for someone who's cheering on a team whose mascot is a tiger! You're thinking about who it is already, aren't you?

The holidays may not be so merry for someone who's recently lost a cat, but this memory pendant ornament may help to cheer them. It's made of dichroic glass crafted by artist Linda Huffman, and no two are alike. Your recipient will receive a collection kit that allows them to choose the colors for the pendant and send in a portion of their cat's cremains which are incorporated into it. They can include a photo of the cat so that Linda can meditate on it as she creates their pendant to capture the cat's true personality in it. The ornament alone is $124.95, and you can add a wire stand for $18.95 or a wood-and-glass dome for  $58.95. It's a lovely reminder of their departed friend.

Click here to view all of OldMaidCatLady.com's Home Décor items.

12 Days of Gift Ideas: Day 4

For Cats: A New Bed

Cats have a reputation for sleeping most of the day away. Those of us who live with them know that they don't sleep anywhere near as much as "uncatted" people think they do, but those kitties do love to nap! Give yours sweet dreams this season with a soft and warm new bed. Here are a few for you to consider:

Shown above, the Thermo-Kitty Fashion Splash is not only a burst of color for the drabness of winter, but it's heated! On cold days, your cat will leave it only to go to the potty and grab a quick snack...trust me on this. In addition to the bright red shown, it comes in blue or mocha, and is available for $39.95 + shipping.

A cat condo gives your cats someplace to hide, as well as to sleep...and there are plenty of scratching and play spaces, as well. We have kitty condos covered in carpet or faux fur (shown above), in 1-, 2-, and some in 3-story versions. You'll even find some fancy geometric designs or tropical palm trees on some of them. There's even a "Tubby Tabby" version that's built bigger and more sturdily to hold larger cats! The condos range in price from $37.95 to $117.95. Some prices have shipping charges built into them, while others are + shipping. Check the descriptions with each to be sure.

Now, here's a nifty idea! If your cats are like mine, they love to get in your closet and be surrounded by your scent. With the Closet Sleeper from Kittywalk, you can give them a cozy hideaway that'll help keep the cat hair off your pants legs, skirts and shoes! It comes in a neutral tan color and is on sale for $69.95, or you can get a Royale version of it that's on sale for $79.95. 

Show your college team spirit with a collegiate licensed bed for kitty! Shown here is the pillow bed, and our supplier has them available for Alabama, Appalachian State, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Boise State, Boston College, Berkeley (California), Clemson, Connecticut, Duke, East Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Georgetown, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, South Carolina, Stanford, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Texas, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Each school also has a collegiate licensed roll-up cat bed available that is great for travel. We're still getting all the schools added to their items on our site!

A lot of cats like to sleep on their scratcher, and the corrugated scratchers we have from Imperial Cat are purr-fect for that! They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors to suit every cat's fancy...and every cat parent's interior design scheme! The one shown here is the "Cozy Curl" style, and it comes in 23 different patterns. One's sure to be right for you! And if not, there are bunches of other shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns available. Because they're made from cardboard, they're eco-friendly, too.

It can get downright chilly on the floor in winter, and if you have tile or concrete floors, even a cozy bed isn't enough to stop the cold coming through. But getting elevated off that floor, even by a few inches, can make all the difference. This Flipo fuzzy cat bed comes in four colors, and if you don't like those there's also a nylon version available in four colors. Both versions have a foldable aluminum frame that can be adjusted to different heights. $50.95 - $56.95.

Some cats just aren't happy if they aren't sleeping on your furniture. If you're tired of cleaning cat hair off it, here's your answer! This attractive quilted furniture cover comes in sizes to fit a chair, loveseat, or sofa. The polyester microsuede fabric attracts cat hair like a magnet, keeping your furniture clean...and when it's dirty, you just throw it in the washer! Comes in tan or mocha colors, $43.95 - $88.95.

If you're caring for any outdoor cats, you know they need a refuge from the elements. The DezRez KatKabin outdoor cat house gives them a nice little place of safety. Rear holes provide ventilation, while a door in front keeps out the cold wind. It's elevated off the ground, too. Even the folks at Cat Fancy magazine selected it as one of their 2009 Editors' Choice products! Available in 6 colors, it sells for $117.95.

On those cold winter nights, nothing's better than an electric heated bed! The Kitty Cave, shown here, comes in both heated ($65.95) and unheated ($39.95) versions. And since a lot of cats like to have something protective around their backs, the little half-hood on it gives them a sense of security. The unheated version has a fun fish print that's perfect for summer. The snuggly cushions on both versions can be removed for washing.

If your cat likes to snooze in a sunny windowsill, this will make her experience even better! The deluxe window perch mounts in any window and comes with a fleece cover that's easily removed for laundering. We have a few other window perches, as well, and some are even heated. You can get this one for $37.95.

Cats with arthritis will enjoy this all-season Nature's Foundation bed. The two-chamber construction means it's both supportive and soft. Fragrant cedar is in the lower chamber to repel fleas while providing insulation and support. The upper chamber has soft orthopaedic foam to soothe kitty's aching joints. The cover can be removed for washing, and has a warm fleece top for winter that can be reversed to a cooler nylon top for summer! Available in two colors, it retails for $45.95 and won a 2007 Consumer's Digest Best Buy Award.

Cats with a wild side may enjoy this Safari Print bed that reminds them of their wild cousins. The metal-frame bed will hold cats up to 30 pounds, and requires some assembly. Bolsters on three sides keep drafts off kitty's back and give him a secure feeling while sleeping. It can be yours for $85.95.

Cats who like to sleep up high are in luck with the Salamanca cat tree! They have options from the open upper platform to a cozy little hideaway in the middle. And when they're not sleeping, they can play with the dangling toys or scratch on the sisal-covered posts. The 54-1/4" tall tree is on sale for $147.95, and requires some assembly. But your cat is worth it, right? If you don't like this design, we have numerous other cat trees from which you can choose.

Go all earth-friendly with this seagrass and burlap bed ($55.95) that's perfect for cats who like to curl up when sleeping! Made from renewable natural seagrass and jute burlap, it provides an aroma that is naturally appealing to cats. The pillow is removable for washing, and the neutral color palette blends in anywhere. There's also an oblong version ($53.95) available.

To really spoil those outdoor kitties, try this outdoor kitty house. It has a nylon cover with vinyl backing to make it waterproof. The roof overhang keeps snow and sleet from falling inside, while dual exits keep cats from being trapped inside by predators. Velcro® assembly is quick and easy. Comes in a heated ($97.95) or unheated ($52.95) version, but you know the cats would prefer the heated one...in fact, it's been so popular that it's backordered at our supplier until early January!

With all these and more to choose from, your kitty's sure to have sweet dreams all winter long!

Shop all of OldMaidCatLady.com's sleep products for cats in our Nap Time category.