There’s something about the goofy, unbridled joy of a pet playing with a new toy, or snuggling up in a new bed. And even though they may not work or pay rent, most pet owners will agree that their furry friends have earned a special holiday surprise this year.

When it comes to buying holiday gifts for our human loved ones, we can always rely on subtle (or sometimes blatant) hints. The challenge for every pet owner is finding a gift their pet will actually appreciate amid an ever-multiplying deluge of options — all without even the faintest of hints from their oblivious fur children.

To make shopping for your furry loved one just a bit easier this year, we’ve rounded up some of the best gifts pet owners can give their four-legged friends — while also making their own lives as pet parents just a bit easier.

Sure Petcare – SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

gift guide
Image via Amazon

Congratulations! You have made the leap to a multi-cat household. Just one problem: you have one cat-shaped vacuum with an infinite stomach capacity, and another with a specialized diet that requires constant monitoring. This pet feeder solves this extremely specific problem with an RFID-reading ring that detects your pet’s unique microchip signature and opens to reveal their meal, thwarting any would-be food thieves.

The pet feeders sell for $260, but can easily pay for themselves in savings on stolen food.

Catstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play

gift guide
Image via Amazon.ca

Train your pet’s puzzle-solving abilities with the most effective positive reinforcement of all: delicious treats. This fun puzzle will make your pet work for their reward, turning the excitement of treat time into an enriching activity — and a fun one to watch for proud owners. It’s also handy as a form of slow-feeder for voracious eaters.

The puzzle has a list price of $26.99, but is currently available for a limited-time Black Friday sale price of $14.20.

Outlast Pumpless Water Fountain

gift guide
Image via PetSmart

Most of us pet owners have splurged on a cheap cat or dog fountain only to end up frustrated by the associated maintenance, especially those tricky-to-clean pumps. Pumpless fountains mean one less part to scrub and cleaner, safer drinking water for your pet, and they’re even dishwasher safe! These fountains come in 60 and 128-oz options, making them great options for both cat and dog owners.

The fountains retail at $119.99 for the 128-ounce version and $59.99 for the 60-ounce version.

Frisco Holiday Log Cabin Cardboard Cat House

gift guide
Image via Chewy

Let me guess. You’ve bought your feline friend every single toy and pet bed imaginable, but all they ever really connect with is the box it came in. Instead of being puzzled by your cat’s deep connection with ugly cardboard boxes, lean into it this year and get your tiny predator an adorable cardboard lair. You can get something festive to fit the season, but there are plenty of year-round options, too!