MORE and more families in the UK are including their cats, dogs, budgies and all manner of other pets in their Christmas celebrations, according to a recent survey. What's more, while three quarters of pets will get a gift or a card, more and more can expect some serious seasonal pampering.

A survey by Pedigree and Whiskas found that nearly a quarter of pet owners are each planning to splash out £25 on presents for their animal companions, while a fifth will spend up to £50. With that kind of money, the humble doggy chew and kitten's ball of wool are being left behind by posh pet pressies.

But why are we spending more than ever? David Appleby, applied animal behaviourist at The Pet Behaviour Centre, in Worcestershire, says: ''I think it's understandable because the role of the pet as a social companion has increased as our society has changed. As our extended families have become more dispersed, some of our affection has moved to our pets as our companions.''

So when it comes to Christmas, it makes sense to spend more on your pet, which you see every day, than your second cousin, who you haven't set eyes on since this time last year.

There's also a simple selling motive for trying to include a pet present under the tree, Appleby points out. ''The market place has driven this spending by selling things like Christmas stockings for pets,'' he says.

He has just one word of warning - as for humans, make sure you don't overdo it. ''The best advice for buying things for pets is firstly to ensure that a bit of indulgence doesn't lead to over indulgence.''

So what exactly can your pet look forward to this festive season?

GOURMET POOCHES

One way of giving your pet a Christmas treat is to cook special food for them. The Good Food Cookbook For Dogs by Donna Twichell Roberts includes 50 recipes for meals and treats for dogs. There's even a special section for the holiday season, so you can serve Mincemeat Pies and Christmas Dog-Treat Wreaths to your pet. ''The dog might appreciate the extra taste of the food but I don't think they are going to appreciate the time and effort that's gone into it,'' says Appleby.

l The Good Food Cookbook For Dogs by Donna Twichell Roberts is published by Apple Press, priced £12.99. Available from December. Also available from Grantham Books Services on (01476) 541080.

TRADITIONAL TREATS

Appleby says pet owners should also look to their animal's natural instincts when thinking what they would like in their stocking.

''If you're buying toys, the best thing is to buy something that allows the species to exhibit its natural behaviour and provide material stimulation. For dogs, that's a toy that requires them to manipulate it to get food, for example. So they have to work at it to get the reward.

For cats, it's something that allows them to practice normal feline behaviour, such as fishing rod toys.''

l Whiskas Christmas stocking (£3.29) includes treats to eat and a toy mouse. Pedigree's Christmas stocking for dogs is the same price and comes with various snacks and a squeaky Santa ball.

PET INSURANCE

Finding an insurance document inside their Christmas stocking isn't going to enliven your pet's Christmas morning in the same way as a toy could, but it might be the best thing for them. A dog with a broken leg might set you back thousands of pounds at the vet, and insurance cover isn't very expensive when you consider the alternative might be having your pet put down.

A total of £234m worth of cat and dog insurance was sold in 2003, according to a recent survey, and the market is expected to expand by 50 per cent by 2008.

l A typical policy costs around £95 for cats and £200 a year for dogs, and you can buy them from Sainsbury's (08000 565 758/www.sainsburysbank.co.uk).

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Pets are being offered all kinds of alternative therapies through their medical insurance, as pets' healthcare mirrors their owners'. Pet acupuncture, herbal remedies and hydrotherapy are among the treatments on offer.

Appleby says some treatments are lifestyle choices, but others can have real health benefits. ''Hydrotherapy - swimming with your dog - for example, can actually be very beneficial. Health treatment for animals has improved a lot, just as it has for humans.''

l Your local veterinary clinic will be able to provide information on your nearest canine hydro-pool.