Wishing your pets a very furry Christmas!

A new study from Co-op Insurance shows that despite the UKs rising cost of living, we're set to spend an average of up to £873 million on presents for pets including dogs and cats this Christmas, as four-fifths (82%) of pet owners plan to spoil their beloved cats and dogs, by spending up to £50 on gifts as part of the festivities this year.

Despite the pinch, three-fifths (61%) of cat and dog owners agree they like to spend money on their pets at Christmas, and this year they won’t be cutting back. 

But unfortunately, it looks like Aunties and Uncles are set to lose out, as two fifths (40%) of those planning to spend up to £50 on pets say they won’t spend anything on gifts for their extended family.

Over three-fifths (62%) of dogs and cats in the UK will be receiving their own Christmas present this year, with over a nearly a quarter (23%) set to feed their pet from their own Christmas Dinner plate. Some pet owners (4%) are even go so far as giving their pets Christmas card - despite pets not being able to read!

Ways people include their pets at Christmas time:

They give them Christmas presents (62%)

They give them special Christmas toys (43%)

They give them more food treats (43%)

They go on a special Christmas walk (25%)

Make their pet a special Christmas meal with leftovers (27%)

Feed their pet from their own Christmas Dinner plate (23%)

They give them an advent calendar (15%)

They let their pets sit at the dinner table (13%)

They put them in a Christmas Jumper (8%)

They're allowed to sleep in owner's bed (7%)

They give them a Christmas card (4%)

The new data also points towards a rise in Empty Nest Syndrome, with 91% of pet owners 55 and over saying they are planning to buy their furry friend a Christmas gift. This is compared to 84% of those aged 25-34 and 64% of Gen Z animal lovers.

With over a quarter (27%) of dog and cat owners planning to make their pet a special Christmas meal with leftovers, be warned, it’s sharing Christmas leftovers that can pose unwanted health problems.

 From pet poisonings, to gaining a few extra pounds, a pet's wellbeing can be negatively impacted. The most common heart conditions in pets are linked back to obesity, so be certain to re-think the offerings this year, and opt for something healthier. 

It’s vital to do the research and avoid popular festive ingredients causing poisoning in animals, such as chocolate, grapes, garlic, onions, and even poinsettias.

Andrew Nevitt at Head of Co-op Pet Insurance said: "Despite the cost of living, it seems we’re still a nation looking to include our pets in family traditions, with Christmas being a time when pet owners obviously want to make sure their dogs and cats are included in our celebrations.

"Our research confirms how much our pets really mean to us, so although it’s vital to many to include their pets in Christmas and in many cases take the opportunity to spoil their pets, it’s important to keep our furry friends safe. So keep them away from those Christmas chocolates!

“Despite the festivities, we also advise animal lovers to closely monitor their pets’ food intake, as their weight and appetite can be the tell tale signs of several health concerns. Overfeeding your pet at Christmas, or offering them a one-off taste of human food, may do more harm to them than initially thought, so it’s best to stick to treats specifically manufactured for them in order to avoid unwanted trips to the vet this winter.”

For more information about Co-op Pet Insurance plans, which includes 24/7 access to vets online, visit: https://www.coop.co.uk/insurance/pet-insurance

(Image courtesy of Oli R and Pixabay)