Holiday Giving Literally Going to the Dogs

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Specialty retailer Muttropolis, A Utopia for Pets & Their Parents, has revealed the top holiday gifts for dogs and cats based upon holiday consumer behavior. This consumer behavior by ‘pet parents’ supports assertions by a Consumer Reports study released last month indicating that more consumers (40%) plan to cut back on buying gifts for friends and family than those who will cut back on gifts for their pet (only 23%) this holiday.

“The pet industry is more insulated than other businesses because of peoples' love for their pets,” says Janet McCulley, co-founder of Muttropolis. “Most people consider Fido or Fluffy to be a member of the family and may even forgo buying things for themselves before they consider skimping on gifts for their pet.”

Anecdotal feedback also indicates that pet owners prefer supporting companies that are socially conscious. Muttropolis recently joined forces with Petfinder.com’s efforts to curb pet homelessness and is donating a percentage of holiday sales to the Petfinder.com Foundation, which benefits animal shelters nationwide. Additionally, Muttropolis’ social consciousness resulted in Muttropolis.com being named as one of Internet Retailer Magazine’s “Hot 100 Retail Sites of 2009.”

From Mixed Breed DNA Tests to functional dog-and-cat toys, pet parents have much to choose from this year when it comes to finding the perfect holiday gift. Muttropolis selected the following list of holiday pet gift ideas from their inventory of more than 10,000 products.

The Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Test Kit: Solve the Mystery of your Mutt

Solve the mystery of your mixed-breed dog with The Wisdom Panel MX dog DNA test, the most accurate test on the market. http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/id/7603/name/Dog-DNA-Testing-Kit

Whimsical Candy Canine Peppermint Dog Toy and Holiday Light Bulb Toys

Super durable, chewable, bouncy, buoyant and minty-fresh, holiday playtime just got more interesting. http://www.muttropolis.com/search.cfm?kword=%22happy+howlidays%22&go=GO

Christmas Tree Puzzle Dog Toy with Stuffies

Interactive puzzle provides great mental exercise for dogs of all sizes. http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/ID/7822/name/Christmas-Tree-Puzzle-Dog-Toy-with-Stuffies

Fling-Ama-String Interactive Cat Toy

Winner of the 2008 Best New Cat Product, the Fling-Ama-String transforms any cat from couch potato to game hunter. http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/id/6957/name/Fling-Ama-String-Interactive-Cat-Toy

Super Plush Katie Puff Companion Bed

Expertly upholstered and generously overstuffed bed completely surrounds pets in cushy comfort. http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/ID/4300/name/Plush-Companion-Katie-Puff-Bed

To learn more visit http://www.muttropolis.com/.