I’m Dreaming of a Re-gift Christmas…

Pictured: Gizmo with her once-prized possession, the Leopard tunnel. Note: This picture was taken soon after Gizmo had an altercation with her hairdresser. Hence, the mullet and MC Hammer pants.

The internet is abuzz with re-gifting rules and etiquette for humans. So, how do these social standards apply to pets?

The good news is: if you have a particularly finicky feline that turns its nose up at nine out of 10 gifts, then loses interest in the ‘acceptable’ 10 percent of presents within a month, the rules are much looser.

Not only can you re-gift a cat gift, you can give it to the same cat twice. That is, if you have taken it out of circulation and hidden it away for at least two months prior re-gifting. Just ask Martha Stewart.

For example, the $19.99 Leopard Cat Tunnel available at Petco (now on sale for $13.97) rocked Gizmo’s world. She lived in the tunnel for months—running, diving, sliding. But then came the double-decker scratching post with platform and second-story tunnel. Completely upstaged, the floor tunnel was soon forgotten and just taking up valuable real estate in the living room and gathering dust.

It’s a well known fact that rotating toys can help keep cat’s interest.

So, the Leopard tunnel suddenly disappeared from the scene eight weeks ago. Sadly, it wasn’t even missed. Its second appearance, planned for Christmas day, will give it the second wind it so very much needed.

Bonus: Re-gifting your cat can help lower the price tag on a retail-frenzied holiday.