M.M.
We wrapped all the kitty essentials and had them under the tree then had a note to have my son close his eyes and hold out his hands. WE hid Rudolph in the laundry room that night.
We didn't have any issues with stressing out the cat either. He was the best gift my son said he ever received. My son is now 20 and he got Rudolph at 4. The kitty has since died a long time ago.
Put a bow on the kitties or a jingle bell collar.
Go to softclaws.com and get those claw covers for his feeties. My cat could care less that they are on and it really helps.