Dogs are set to have 27 percent more spent on them this Christmas than cats, research has revealed. A poll, of more than 2,000 pet owners, found moggies will typically receive £19 worth of gifts, while pampered pooches will benefit to the tune of £25.
Chew toys top the Christmas list for dogs this year, while many are likely to get a new snuggly blanket, and their own turkey dinner to enjoy on the big day. Meanwhile, cats are most likely to receive new toys and scratching posts under the tree.
Eight in 10 owners believe their pets deserve presents, because they are part of the family. And one in three will be buying a pet stocking this year – and will spend more than half an hour seeking out the perfect pet present.
Sophie Burton, pet gifting buyer at John Lewis, which sold out of its dog advent calendars in mid-November, said: “Pets are set for a “pawsome” Christmas this year, as sales of gifts are up 19 percent.
“It really reveals just how besotted we are with our four-legged friends, as so many want to make them a big part of their festive traditions.
“Everything from edible Christmas cards and chew toys, to litter robots and DIY Cross Stitch collars, has been flying off the shelves this year.
“All throughout the year, we have so many pet parents coming into our stores looking for that perfect gift for their cats and dogs – and we are always delighted to help find that special something for them.”
It emerged cats are the harder pet to buy for, with just 10 percent saying that finding gifts for their moggies is easy – compared to 35 percent, who reckon it’s a walk in the park getting pressies for their pooch.
That said, 35 percent think there are more “luxurious” gifts available for toms. But with the Christmas shopping season well under way, 48 percent reckon they’ve already bagged the perfect gift for their pet.
However, cats are also more likely to end up on Santa’s naughty list this Christmas, with 11 percent saying their behaviour has been less than ideal – whereas just eight percent of dogs will find themselves on this list.
Despite this, 72 percent think having a pet makes the Christmas celebrations more special – with many sharing festive traditions with them.
Almost a quarter (23 percent) will be cooking them a special meal, and 16 percent will curl up on the sofa to watch festive flicks with them.
When it comes to festive family favourites, a Christmas Eve movie night is a must for many families, as well as the trend of matching family pyjamas – which John Lewis has reported a 29 percent increase in searches for this year.
And more than a tenth (13 percent) of those polled, via OnePoll, will wrap up their presents with no tape, so they can unwrap them themselves – while 11 percent will decorate their sleeping area.
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