Cat-astrophic or cracking? Feline Advent calendar reviewed by my cats
4/11/2026
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Pictures: Christian Walker, Darina Schweizer
As a cat mum, pet Advent calendars have always been 24 potential disappointments to me. I wonder if my cats feel the same way?
As a minimalist, I have maximum scepticism when it comes to Advent calendars. Why pay for 24 items I potentially don’t even need? Not to mention those aimed at pets... Most of the cat calendars in our range are treats only. My cats usually won’t touch half of them with a bargepole.
However, I did recently spot a model containing cat toys. And so I decided to put it to the acid test.
Don’t judge a calendar by its cover
I’m met with a clatter and jingle in every conceivable pitch as I unwrap the Advent calendar and open its little doors. Half the box comes apart or tears in the process – not very promising. I’m hoping the toys are more impressive than the packaging as I lay them out in front of me.
The calendar contains two types of toys: soft ones and rolly ones. Hidden behind the little doors are fabric pillows in all shapes and colours. They’re designed to be rubbed with catnip, which is included in a little tube. Unfortunately, you can’t stuff the pillows with it, as they don’t have openings. There are also all types of balls. Some that jingle, others that are decorated with feathers, and some attached to rubber bands.
In terms of variety, this calendar definitely offers more than the ones with treats. But how impressed will my cats be?
Let the games begin
I spread out the sea of toys in front of Jasper and Joy. Overwhelmed or overjoyed – which one will it be? Joy doesn’t know where to look first. I can almost hear Jasper’s brain buzzing.
Out of nowhere, he pounces on a pompom made up of red and green felt balls. The ugliest toy of them all! I’m not surprised, though. Jasper’s a sucker for felt. I also knew he’d make a beeline for the red-and-green fabric ball with the satin ribbons and the mouse with the feathers. As far as quality goes, I’ve nothing to complain about so far. All toys withstand Jasper’s attempt to rip them to bits.
Joy’s finally coming out of her shell, too. She starts chasing after the fabric ball with the satin ribbons and the red sequined ball. It dawns on me that she loves the rattling sound. That’s why she enjoys plastic balls with bells inside. What I don’t understand is why the calendar features two practically identical plastic balls as well as a very similar rolly rattle. And what’s up with all the pillows that make up more than half of all the toys? Probably because they’re the cheapest.
One product does surprise me, though. The soft plush ball with a pink feather attached to it. Joy’s beside herself, even though the toy is far too big for her. But cats do tend to change their preferences quite regularly. With that in mind, I observe the cats’ interaction with the toy arsenal for a few days more.
Too many pillows
My verdict after more than a week is brief: balls and anything made of sisal or feathers are the most popular. Most of the pillows are snubbed. And the red bell is just terrifying for them. The quality of the toys is still alright. Three days in and Jasper manages to bite off just one felt ball from the pompom.
Of course, your feline friends might be completely different. However, there’s one thing I can definitely say about cats in general: all those pillows that work the exact same way are a waste of space. The selection of balls could be worthwhile if you just got your four-legged friend and want to find out what kind he or she likes.
But do you need a whole Advent calendar for that? Not really. Rather than spending an average of 1.50 francs per toy, you’re probably better off investing that money in a few high-quality, carefully selected items. Or you could team up with other cat-owning friends and swap toys. That saves money, space and energy.
What would you put in an Advent calendar for cats? Let me know in the comments.
In a nutshell
Too much filler
This Advent calendar features toys only, which makes for a welcome change from all those treat calendars out there. The quality of the products is good, and my cats especially enjoyed the different types of balls. However, it also includes way too many pillows that have no opening to stuff them with catnip. Overall, the calendar offers decent value for money. Having said that, it probably makes more sense for cat owners to buy toys individually – or repurpose everyday items.
Pro
- Good variety
- Decent quality
- Value for money is okay
Contra
- Too many pillows
- No openings for catnip
- Cheap packaging
Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI love everything with four legs or roots – especially my rescue cats Jasper and Joy and my collection of succulents. I’m happiest following the scent of stories about police dogs and cat groomers – or cultivating thoughtful tales in garden flea markets and Japanese gardens.
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