Barking and purring guaranteed. This Christmas, Little and Lutèce will not be forgotten under the tree. According to a recent survey* for Rover (network of pet-sitters), 78% of dog or cat owners plan to give their pet a Christmas present.
If their four-legged friends will be pampered during the holidays, it’s because the French care about it like the apple of their eye. Like Séverine, who responded to our call for witnesses: “Of course I’m going to spoil our Poupette, because she’s part of our family. Zoé also considers that her two Malinois should be pampered like all her loved ones: “Mona and Suzy are entitled to their moment of happiness”, she ignites.
“She will have a soft blanket and her dried duck bags”
And no question of being a rat for your dog or cat! Still according to Rover’s survey, the average planned budget is 22 euros. So to please your doggie or your kitten, there’s no need to be original. Indeed, 61% of respondents plan to offer their faithful companion a toy, and 31% a special treat. Fewer are those who think of offering them care (3%), clothing (3%), or a subscription to a special animal box (2%).
“From the little candy to the unbearable toy that makes a lot of noise, I never lack inspiration! I generally put a budget of 10 to 15 euros for each animal. And gourmet gifts are often more sensational than battery-powered toys, which only make me laugh! “says Juliet. Violette, she bets on “balls, toys made of rope, fabric or which make noise, with a treat, and all that wrapped in gift paper to be able to shred it”. For her cat Zoé, Nathalie has also planned lots of sweets: “She will have a soft blanket and the dried duck sachets that she loves. As for Aurélie, she opted for a perfume for dogs. Some mistresses, like Lucie, frankly do not skimp on the expense. Puma, her 7 and a half month old cat, is like a pasha at Christmas: “He is entitled to a special cat advent calendar, a ball in the tree and a Christmas present (a little boot with toys Christmas colors in it). »
“Often, he already has the right to foie gras”
Sometimes even those who are resistant to the idea of giving gifts to their animal end up giving in, as the traders compete with ideas. “This year, when I discovered a very cute French brand that makes fabric toys containing catnip, I admit, I fell in love. Mainly to have pretty little stuffed animals lying around my house…”, says Ophélie.
At New Year’s Eve, it will not just be the family who will be entitled to a masterful meal: the bowls will also be well filled and with selected dishes. Laurent hopes that Prosper, his amstaff, will lick his chops: “Often, he is already entitled to foie gras and there, I also plan to buy him a delicacy such as buffalo horn. This is quite normal for one of the people with whom I spend the most time! “. Léa has also planned a gourmet menu for her cats: “I always buy good pâté. »
“She is as impatient as children! »
It remains to be seen whether the little four-legged friends will be grateful. Marie expects an enthusiastic reaction from her dog Hapy: “When we tell her that the present is for her, she is as impatient as children! “. Pauline also attends a beautiful show every Christmas. “My dogs love to open the packages, and then they are so happy to discover the toy! » Max, John’s doberman, is not sulking his pleasure either: « We are taking advantage of the gift session under the tree to offer one more plush toy for his large collection. He knows which packet is for him and sniffs it every day until delivery, where he takes his packet without hesitation. He takes as much pleasure in shredding the wrapping paper as in walking around with the stuffed animal in his mouth before taking it to sleep”.
Christmas is also an opportunity for fans of small animals of all kinds to care even more about animal welfare. Hence the donations that flow in this period for the benefit of associations. A gesture that Laurette intends to make: “I will send several animal defense associations a donation to improve the daily lives of abandoned pets. My dog Sunday and my cat Bounty are usually spoiled by good food and care. I think we have to think of all those who are not so lucky and who live in cages waiting for a caring family. Finally, the holidays will serve as a trigger for some families, who will adopt a pet. Christmas, as an opportunity to expand the family…