Creative Gift Ideas for Cat Lovers

Finding gifts for cat lovers isn't hard; there's a huge array of options out there. There are funny and cute cat-themed gifts, and serious things that cat lovers are bound to appreciate. The real trick when shopping for a devoted cat mom or dad is finding something that they'll really love.

The cat toy market alone is worth somewhere around $3.7 billion a year, and that's not counting all the other options when it comes to finding the perfect gift for a cat lover. From practical gifts to unique cat-themed gifts, here are our favorite suggestions for Christmas gifts and presents for any other occasion that really are the cat's meow. They'll certainly beat the old standard pair of socks or generic cat lovers' gift box.

A quick tip before you start adding things to your cart. Think about the cat first and the human second. Is their kitty playful or more of a sunbeam napper. Do they live in a small apartment or a house with room to roam. Matching the gift to their daily routine makes you look thoughtful and helps your present get used long after the wrapping paper is gone.

You can also set a simple budget and build a small bundle. One main gift plus a few stocking stuffers feels special without being over the top. Add a handwritten note with a funny memory about their cat and you will turn a good gift into a great one.

Customized Cat-Themed Gifts For Cat Lovers

For anyone who's obsessed with their fur baby, a good quality cat-themed gift might make the best present. These can be a fun, super cute way to celebrate the bond between humans and their feline friend.

When it comes to having something customized to appeal to the cat lovers in your life, you've got loads of options. A printed mug for their morning coffee (make sure it's dishwasher safe) is always going to be a good gift, but there are even better choices out there:

Add personalized touches that actually get used. Think engraved name tags, custom doormats with a whiskered welcome, or a calendar filled with their cat's best photos. Phone cases and tote bags with the cat's face are conversation starters. A set of coasters with paw prints feels practical and still very on theme.

Custom Cat Portraits

A fantastic way to celebrate the love between cat parents and their kitty is to commission a custom cat painting, made from your favorite feline’s photos. For pet parents who prefer dogs, they make equally great stars of these fun paintings.

A custom picture that shows their adorable cat dressed up in regal regalia is sure to bring a smile to any cat mama, and it'll bring a touch of fun to any house where kitties live. They're digitally painted from reference photos, so you can be sure that they'll love it every bit as much as they love their real-life furry friend.

These portraits make great, funny cat-themed gifts, sure to bring smiles. Select from a wide range of costumes to really highlight the cat in question’s personality. If they’re a little silly, depict them as a jester. If they’re the one who really rules the home, a crown and royal robes might be the best choice.

If the cat lover in question has multiple cats, a group picture that shows them all in all their cute glory might be the ultimate cat mom gift.

Pro ordering tip. Choose bright, sharp photos at eye level and ask the artist about size, framing, and turnaround time. If you are gifting to a couple, a portrait that includes both human and cat can be a sweet twist. Bonus points if you add a small easel or frame so it is display ready right out of the box.

Personalized Blankets

One of the best bits of being a cat owner is when they come and snuggle up with you to take a nap. It's not only super cute, it's comfy and warm too. The next best thing is getting all snuggly under a cat-themed blanket.

There are lots of ways you could go with this: a picture of the cat in question, cute little paw prints, or an embroidered blanket with their feline friend's name. The only downside is that it's bound to end up covered in cat hair.

Pick materials that feel good and wash well. Microfiber is cozy, fleece is lightweight and warm, and cotton blends breathe nicely for year round use. If you are gifting to someone with multiple cats, consider a larger throw so everyone can pile on during movie night.

Plush Replicas

The only thing cuter than a kitten or cat is a soft, huggable plush replica of the real-life kitty. Whether you go for an off-the-shelf plushie that looks a little bit like your cat lover's favourite feline, or opt to have one customized to represent them more accurately, these make a fun gift: all the snuggles without the claws. They're particularly great gifts for any cat-obsessed kids in the family.

Plush replicas can also be a heartfelt keepsake for someone who has lost a pet. If this is the case, include a gentle note. For young children, check age ratings and avoid removable accessories. For travel lovers, a mini plush that fits in a backpack pocket becomes a charming road buddy.

Practical Cat Gifts

Of course, pet ownership isn't all fun, and for anyone who loves the pitterpatter of tiny paws, there are practical considerations. Luckily, for anyone who's looking to buy a cat lover gift, this means there are lots of options for something they'll really get use out of. Cats love these practical gifts too.

When gifting practical items, add a little flair. A simple scoop becomes a cute bundle with a matching litter mat. A feeder feels more special with a small airtight food bin and a measuring cup. Tuck everything into a reusable storage basket and your practical gift suddenly looks curated.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic cat feeders make brilliant gifts for any cat lover, especially one who's just welcomed a new kitten into their life. They can be set to dispense the perfect amount of food, making meal times that little bit easier for humans and cats alike.

Look for a feeder with battery backup, easy to clean parts, and a schedule that handles multiple small meals. If the household uses wet food, check compatibility since many feeders are designed for dry kibble. For multi cat homes, two smaller feeders often work better than one large unit.

Cat Water Fountains

Cats can be remarkably fussy creatures, happy to drink out of puddles but turning their noses up at their bowls. Water fountains put an end to this problem and ensure that you or your friend's cat is always drinking fresh, clean water.

Consider stainless steel or ceramic for easier cleaning and fewer scratches. Replacement filters are a must, so include an extra pack with your gift. Place the fountain away from food and litter to encourage more frequent sipping. Quiet pumps are worth the upgrade if your recipient works from home.

Cat Hair Removal Tools

While snuggles with your favorite kitty are always appreciated, the cast-off cat hair that they leave behind is a problem that all cat lovers face. Tools like brushes or sticky hair removers make a brilliantly practical gift, especially for cat moms who have fur babies with longer locks.

You can round out the bundle with a washable lint roller, a fabric shaver for sweaters, or a small handheld vacuum that lives near the couch. Grooming gloves are great for sensitive cats who do not like brushes. Wrap it all with a witty tag like fur real and you have a smile before the box is even opened.

Self-Cleaning Litter Box

Having a cat isn't all stroking and chasing toy mice, and even the most adorable kittens need somewhere to feel safe when they answer the call of nature. A self-cleaning litter box offers them exactly this and cuts down on the least pleasant part of sharing your house with a cat.

Check the litter type the household prefers before you buy since some boxes only work with clumping clay. Consider the space where it will live and the number of cats in the home. Add a low profile litter mat and unscented bags to complete the setup. A quiet motor and a safety sensor are very nice to have.

Dishwasher Safe Cat Toys

While not as prone to getting muddy as dog toys, cat toys can often take a bit of a beating. While old standards like a catnip-stuffed toy mouse on a string or balls with bells in are always going to go down well, there is a huge range of more modern toys out there, too. Things like treat-puzzles and laser pointers can offer hours of fun to cat lovers and kitties alike.

Rotate toys to keep them exciting and always supervise play with string or ribbon. Puzzle feeders build problem solving skills and slow down fast eaters. If you include a laser pointer, add a small soft toy as a catch at the end so the cat gets a satisfying win.

Christmas Gifts For A Cat Lover

There are lots of reasons that you might be shopping for cat lover gifts, a birthday, mothers' day, or simply just because, Christmas gifts can often be the most special surprise. The holidays offer the ideal chance to show cat lovers that you care with a really thoughtful gift.

Naturally, all the above options make wonderful gifts for cat lovers on any occasion. For Christmas, however, you can really go the extra mile with a custom cat portrait, or explore other creative options such as

A themed stocking is always a hit. Fill it with freeze dried treats, a new collar, a bell that actually jingles, and a sprinkle of catnip. Add a small ornament featuring their kitty for the tree. If you want an experience gift, think photo session vouchers or a visit to a local cat cafe.

Cat Mom Gifts

For the mother, sister, or friend who loves cats, there is a whole range of fantastic stocking fillers out there. If they like to read, there's a whole library of books on cat psychology, behaviour, and care tips. If they like to keep things neatly groomed, a gift box of things like waterless cat shampoo, deshedding combs, and other cat grooming supplies can make things so much easier and healthier for the kitty in question, too.

Cat themed jewelry is a sweet touch. Think small paw print studs or a simple silhouette pendant. Cozy options like slippers, robes, and sleep masks with subtle whiskers make slow mornings even better. If she loves to bake, a set of cat shaped cookie cutters will be used more than you think.

Cat Dad Gifts

For the cat-loving men, all of the above would make a perfect gift, but you could also consider things like a cat-carrier backpack, so their feline friends can join them on adventures or a rugged scratching post that they can assemble and show off their DIY skills.

Add in smart home items that play well with pets, like a camera to check in during the day or motion activated night lights for safe hallway wanderings. A hoodie with a kangaroo pouch turns the couch into a portable cuddle station. A window hammock or a simple set of wall mounted perches makes a small space feel like a cat castle.

The Purrfect Gifts For Cat Parents

There's simply no end to the potential cat stuff presents out there, but what it comes down to is having to decide between practical gifts and something a little more fun. Whatever you go for, take a little trouble to ensure that it's good quality and picked out with real thought and love, as all the best gifts are.

If you are unsure, shop for the cat's personality. High energy cats love puzzle feeders and climbing shelves. Shy or senior cats appreciate soft bedding and quiet hideouts. Kittens need durable chew friendly toys and easy to wash blankets. When in doubt, a gift card bundled with a handwritten list of ideas is perfectly acceptable.

From purrfectly customized pet portraits to something as simple as a toy to chew on, we hope our guide has helped you find some great gift ideas for cat lovers. Be safe, have fun, and give the kitty an extra chin scratch from us.