NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

When it comes to buying Christmas presents for animal lovers, it can be pretty simple.

Cute puppy socks, cuddly toys, calendars with cats on… you know the drill.

But an even better gift is one that helps support our beloved furry friends.

Charities like Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Cat Protection all make their own goodies, and the proceeds go towards looking after animals.

Here are our picks of the best charity gifts for animal lovers:

Adopt a polar bear — or a jaguar, giant panda, turtle, dolphin, penguin, lion, tiger, rhino, gorilla, elephant, snow or Amur leopard or an orangutan.

A regular gift brings regular updates from your sponsored animal, plus a cuddly toy if you so choose.

Subscriptions from £3 a month at WWF.

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species funds conservation projects from the UK to further afield.

This Hare Today, Gone Tomorrow gift supports an annual census of hares, rabbits and the other wild mammals that live around us, to help safeguard their habitats and save their lives.

100% of the proceeds from each gift goes directly to the animal and the projects that help them survive.

From chihuahuas to great Danes, sheepdogs to shih tzus, this Battersea Dogs and Cats Home colouring book features all kinds of dogs at work, rest and play.

Learn as you colour them in with the accompanying breed information too.

Royalties from sales go to Battersea Dogs and Cats home.

Make like a cat and relax with these Black Cat Snoozies slippers made from sherpa fleece with a suedette non-slip sole.

Buy for £12.99 from The Cat Gallery.

The Tough Teddy dog toy is a durable plushie with a rope core to keep even the most playful dog entertained.

Each purchase helps out The Dogs Trust, which runs rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming services for pooches in need.

Buy for £6.99 from The Dogs Trust.

Get your family and furry pals’ lives in order next year with this Otter House Battersea Dogs and Cats Home Family and Pet Organiser 2022.

Royalties from the sale of the product go towards supporting the work of Battersea Cats and Dogs Home.

Cats aren’t just for Christmas (Picture: Getty Images)

Thinking about buying someone a furry friend to curl up with this Christmas?

Check in with Cats Protection first. The animal welfare charity is currently campaigning to raise awareness of kitten mis-selling.  

‘Some devious sellers are separating kittens from their mothers before the recommended age of eight weeks, which denies these kittens the vital nutrients and social development that they require to develop into healthy, adult cats,’ says Catherine Cottrell, the charity’s director of marketing and income generation.

‘The run-up to Christmas is never a good time to introduce a new kitten or cat, since it can be a busy time in many households, but if people are tempted by an online purchase, we’d urge them to visit our website where they’ll find a list of questions to ask before purchasing a kitten. Always do plenty of homework and don’t be rushed into making a decision.’ 

To find out more about adopting, fostering, looking after and rehoming a cat, visit the Cats Protection website.

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