Let’s be honest, if you have a pet, you probably consider them to be your fur baby, right?
So it would only stand to reason that you would want to spoil them, just as any parent would spoil their child. It’s a hard life, and they deserve only the best.
This is perhaps why a number of Brits will be spending more on their pets this Christmas than on gifts for their partner.
Yes, really.
Research by Petplan found that one in five Brits (18%) will be splashing the cash on their pets this year, forking out more on their beloved cats and dogs and less on their human loved ones.
The reason for this? 77% of the 2,000 people surveyed admitted they didn’t want their fur babies to ‘feel left out’.
And it’s not just Christmas time that’s seen an uptick in spending, as Brits are now spending more on their pets than ever before, despite the cost of living crisis.
Over one-third of Londoners (37%) confessed that their pets will be unwrapping as many presents as their children.
Top 10 pet gifts for Christmas 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
Along with special treats, chews, toys, and personalised gifts, some pets will be treated to the full works on December 25, with over half of them getting a Christmas feast (57%), and some even scoring their own place at the dinner table.
Bella von Mesterhazy at 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.’
But before you go on a shopping spree for your furry friend, there are a few things you should be aware of according to the experts…
Be careful with clothing
Remember, pets are animals, and not humans. Whilst outfits and accessories may look cute, pets aren’t dolls to be dressed up, and so any clothing gifts should be designed specifically for practicality and safety, like reflective jackets and collars. Even then, you should never force your pet to wear something if they show signs of discomfort.
Brain training
Whilst lots of the toys we gift are great for encouraging physical activity, don’t forget that it can benefit our pets to be mentally stimulated too. Dog and cat puzzle toys will keep them entertained whilst challenging their cognitive skills.
Wrapping, ribbons and runaways
Wrapping our pets’ presents and placing them under the tree is a lovely idea but be cautious of the materials used.
Dogs, cats and rabbits may want to run off with ribbons or sticky tape which could then be a choking hazard so avoid using them where possible, or help to unwrap your pet’s present on their behalf.
Safe feasting
Gifting foodie treats and serving up special meals is massively popular with pet owners but it’s important to make sure you’re not feeding your pet anything that could be dangerous.
Chocolate is one of the biggest food hazards to be aware of, but onions, nuts, blue cheese, and dried fruit can be hazardous too. You should also 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 phrase but it’s vital to remember. Whilst gifting a family member an animal may seem like a way of showing your love, there are lots of considerations that make this risky. Pets require a huge amount of care and responsibility.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : ‘I’m having spaghetti Bolognese’ — Why Gen Z are killing off Christmas dinners
from Metro https://ift.tt/3j0YnG2
via IFTTT
0 comments: