I can hardly believe that the Holidays are here again. It seems as though kitten season has just begun and now we are winding down for a much needed respite.

With the shopping fever upon us all, don’t forget the four-legged friends on that gift list. Having just recently returned from the Cat Writers’ Assoc. (CWA) conference with a bag full of goodies and new product information, I have some great recommendations for cats and their people. Several of the companies donate part of each sale to rescue groups.

Being a writer, of course I think of books right away. CWA has its own online bookstore where our 200 plus members sell their wares. Visit it at http://www.catwriters.org/bookstore.html to peruse the many titles.

Cats love to eat grass and it’s good for them. Bellrock Growers has a great new organic wheat grass Pet Grass Self-Grow Kit. Just punch holes in the bottom, tear open the top and add water. Find it at http://bellrockgrowers.com/

The favorite catnip toys coveted by my own cats are made by Full Circle Herb Co. They are tough, durable and last year’s are still going strong! http://www.fullcircleherb.com/

Kitty Kottage makes a line of honeysuckle toys that cats go nuts over. And we thought it was only catnip that they liked! http://www.kittykottage.com/honeysuckle

Purrfect Play has a wonderful selection of handmade toys for cats and dogs. Organic and “green,” many are made from reclaimed materials. They were among the first presents my own felines snagged from the suitcase when I returned from conference. http://www.purrfectplay.com/

Tasty and healthy snacks and treats are a must for any pet larder. This year the freeze dried and oven baked products hit the big time. I am surrounded every night by five pairs of hungry, expectant eyes as I dole these out…

Pet ‘n Shape has a wide variety of freeze-dried healthy treats for both cats and dogs. Shop online at http://www.petnshape.com/

The oven baked Wild Salmon Treats and freeze dried Wild Salmon Fillet Treats made by Grizzly Pet Products are literally snatched from my hands when offered. The freeze dried ones are extra crunchy and help with tartar control. They are sold through various websites.

Kong has come out with a new Kitty Dipper treat dispenser. Made of hard rubber, it’s quiet! Check it out at http://www.kongcompany.com/products/cats/treat-dispensers/

For larger items, perhaps one of these will be of interest…

Every feline loves to curl up in a soft warm place. Several heated cat beds, perfect for the aging pet or outdoor kitty, can be found at http://www.khmfg.com/

How about a stylish designer litterbox from this manufacturer: http://www.kittyagogo.com/

The eco-friendly cat furniture and toys from Green Cat Industries are great! http://www.catpods.com/

Pioneer Pets makes a plethora of well-made toys, furniture and drinking fountains. http://www.pioneerpet.com/

Get those climbing trees off the floor by preordering the new wall perches and scratchers made by Urban Pet Haus. http://www.urbanpethaus.com/

Whatever you buy, be sure the toys are safe for your pets. Never offer something that has tiny parts which may come off and be swallowed.

Update on Squint, the homely kitten: Little Squint grew into her coat and lost her odd looks. She has become a beautiful shiny tuxedo kitten and was adopted along with another kitten a week ago.