Over the last year, we’ve found so many wonderful goodies for cats and their people that we honestly can’t remember them all. But today we’re going to share some of them with you, in the hope that you’ll consider doing some of your holiday shopping with these wonderful craftspeople, authors published by small houses (or even self-published), and independent merchants. So, without further ado, let’s get on with it!

Okay, maybe just a little more ado: You can click on the photos to enlarge them, and prices listed are in US dollars.

Gifts for Cats

Beautiful Basics Cat Bucket

The Beautiful Basics Cat Bucket, hand-made by designer Barb Joyce exclusively for Moderncat Studio, is the perfect napping spot. Seriously. We like it even better than our purple fleece blanket! Each bucket measures 20 inches in diameter and 8 inches tall — plenty of room for two cats, as you can see. It comes in five different colors. Cost: $45 + shipping.

The Cat's Trapeze

The Cat’s Trapeze comes in two- or three-level styles and can be suspended from the ceiling or the top of a door. It’s a perfect toy for cats that like to climb, and a great bed for when that crazy kitty energy runs out. Check out some videos of the Cat’s Trapeze in action. Cost: $75 to $115 + shipping.

The Purrfect Gift Kit

The From the Field Purrfect Gift Kit is a delightful combo-pack of eco-friendly hemp and cork toys, a bottle of catnip spray, and half an ounce of potent locally grown organic catnip leaf and flower. This company is committed to making products that are environmentally friendly, pet-safe, and very appealing. Order online or see if From the Field products are available in a pet store near you. Cost $19.99 through OrganicPetBoutique.com.

The Glamorous Cat collar

If your kitty loves bling, check out this gorgeous pink cat collar with silver contrasts, offered by The Glamorous Cat. This Etsy shop offers an amazing variety of deluxe cat and kitten collars designed to make your cat look like the royalty she is. Cost: $12.50-$18.50 ea. + shipping. This shop is based in England, so if you’re ordering outside of the UK, order by Dec. 3 in order to get your goodies in time for Christmas.

Tipsy Nip catnip

And, of course, we couldn’t finish up our awesome cat gifts section without mentioning Tipsy Nip! As you may recall, we got the chance to test some Tipsy Nip products a while back and gave them rave reviews! Everything used in Tipsy Nip toys is made, grown, or manufactured in the USA. Their catnip is certified organic cut and sifted leaf and flower. We can’t say enough wonderful things about Tipsy Nip! Cost: $4 to $10 each + shipping.

Gifts for People

You don’t have to buy silly shirts or tacky collectibles for your favorite cat lover. We’ve found a few wonderful and special gifts that are bound to please the cat slave in your life.

Wendycats double-strand turquoise cat necklace

Wendy Christensen is a multi-talented woman: she’s a well-known cat writer, and she’s also a gifted illustrator and amazing jewelry maker. At her Etsy shop, Wendycats, she sells cat-themed bracelets and necklaces made of semiprecious gems, silver, copper, and beautiful beads. If you see something you like but you’d prefer different stones, all you have to do is ask: she’s glad to create custom-made pieces. Prices range from $32 to $56 + shipping.

The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey by Deb Barnes is the story of the deep and heartwarming relationship between two cats, told through the lens of Barnes’ own life and the transitions she’s gone through. The book is beautifully designed, with amazing typography and beautiful photos. We’ll be posting a more in-depth review of this book later, but let’s just say it would make a very nice holiday gift! Cost: $21.95.

While we’re talking about books, our favorite children’s book of the year is Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw. This award-winning story is the true tale of the growing friendship between her young son and their adopted cat, Mai-Tai. Wardlaw says, “As for why I wrote their story in haiku? It seemed fitting. Cats embody haiku. They live in the moment; their beauty is compact, simple, vivid; they speak volumes in only a few words. If cats could talk, I’m pretty sure it would be in the poetry of haiku.” Cost: $16.99.

Goths and cats: what more natural combination could there be? If there’s a kitty-loving darkwaver on your holiday list, check out More Than 9 Lives. This 2-CD compilation, put together by Dean Troxell and Joe Scott of Philadelphia’s Digital Ferret Music Store, showcases some of the best artists in post-punk, gothic, deathrock, rhythmic noise, minimal wave and other experimental music. All profits from sales of this collection benefit Philadelphia Animal Wellness Society (PAWS), the city’s largest rescue and its only no-kill shelter. Cost: $14.99.

Of course, we couldn’t complete a holiday gift guide without shilling for our own shop mentioning the Paws and Effect Boutique at Zazzle. You can get a wide assortment of gear, ranging in price from $2 to $50, emblazoned with our famous Purr More, Hiss Less logo. We also offer merchandise with the Triple Moon Cat and Witch Cats designs, for those of you with people of a more pagan persuasion on your holiday gift. And best of all, your purchases help fill up our treat allowance jar!

Whatever you decide to get for the cats and cat lovers on your holiday gift list, we encourage you in the strongest possible terms to spend your money locally and/or buy from independent merchants and craftspeople. If nothing we’ve shared appeals to you, just search Etsy for cat toys, cat supplies, cat jewelry, or whatever — there’s absolutely tons of stuff available! You might also consider making a donation to your favorite cat rescue group in your giftee’s name. Have a wonderful holiday season, everyone! Peace and love to you all!