Give the Purr-fect Cat Lover Gifts This Year
Cats are one of the most beloved pets, with over 94 million domesticated cats living in homes across the United States. As cat ownership continues to grow, so does the popularity of unique cat-themed gifts. When a special occasion comes up, cat lovers will appreciate a thoughtful gift that combines their favorite feline with function or decor.
In this guide, we’ll explore the wide range of cat gifts that are sure to delight the cat-obsessed people in your life. From cozy cat beds to trendy apparel, to custom art and more, there are so many gift ideas to choose from. Thoughtful cat gifts show you understand your loved one’s passion for cats and want to fuel their kitty obsession in a fun way. Read on for the best cat-related gift ideas that will have cat lovers purring with joy!
Mugs
A mug makes for an adorable and practical gift for any cat lover. Mugs come in a huge variety of cute cat designs that capture the playfulness and charm of felines.
Pros of Cat Mugs
- Wide range of cute designs – from photo mugs of your own cat to cartoons, art prints and more. Something for every cat lover’s taste.
- Useful everyday item that gets seen and used often. A great way to remind someone of their love for cats daily.
- Durable and designed for regular use. A mug can be enjoyed for years.
- Affordable gift option. Mugs are inexpensive but still feel like a thoughtful gift.
Cons of Cat Mugs
- Less personal than a gift featuring their own cat.
- Some may prefer gifts that are decorative rather than functional.
Popular Cat Mug Styles
- Photo mugs featuring pictures of the recipient’s cat or cats
- Ceramic mugs with painted cat designs, illustrations or cartoons
- 3D sculptural mugs shaped like cat heads, bodies or tails
- Pop art style graphic print mugs
- Vintage looking cat mugs
- Cat pun mugs – featuring funny cat sayings and wordplay
Where to Buy Cat Mugs
- Etsy – Tons of handmade and customizable cat mugs from independent artists
- Amazon – Broad selection of cat mugs in all styles, often eligible for quick shipping with Prime
- Specialty gift shops – Look for mugs in the pet lover’s section
- Brick and mortar stores like Target, Walmart, World Market, TJMaxx
- Mug printing shops – For personalized photo mugs
A cat mug is sure to be a hit gift for any feline fan. With so many designs to choose from, you can easily find the purr-fect option.
Necklaces
Necklaces can make a purrfect gift for the cat lover in your life. They allow the wearer to keep their furry friend close to their heart.
Pros of Cat Necklaces:
- Sentimental way to feel connected to your pet. The necklace becomes a constant reminder of your bond.
- Fun way to show off your passion for cats. Cat necklaces often feature cute pendants like paw prints, cat faces, bones, and more.
- Variety of styles. You can find delicate and dainty necklaces or big statement pieces.
- Affordable. Cat necklaces are available at many price points to suit different budgets.
Cons of Cat Necklaces:
- Some people may see cat necklaces as silly or tacky if the style is over the top. Opt for classic over kitschy.
- Pendants can sometimes get tangled in long hair if not careful. Go for smooth surfaces without dangling parts.
- Silver and gold plated necklaces may tarnish over time, reducing longevity. Look for solid 14k gold if longevity is key.
Popular Materials:
- Sterling silver or silver plating – affordable, shiny finish. Can tarnish over time.
- Gold plating – budget-friendly way to get gold look. Also prone to tarnishing.
- 14k gold – most durable and luxurious. More expensive but built to last.
- Leather or fabric – casual everyday options. Very affordable.
Pendant Ideas:
- Paw print – classic symbol of cats. Recognizable silhouette.
- Cat face – sculptural and playful. Features cat’s face in profile.
- Cat charm – miniature 3D cat dangling from chain. Fun and whimsical.
- Tag engraving – customized with your cat’s name. Meaningful memento.
Where to Buy:
- Etsy – tons of handmade and customizable cat necklace options.
- Amazon – affordable and wide selection. Fast shipping with Prime.
- Local boutiques – chance to see pieces in person. Support small business.
- Kate Spade – upscale cat necklaces with stylish designs. Higher price points.
A necklace featuring your favorite feline makes a thoughtful, personalized gift for the cat lover in your life. From dainty to statement styles, in silver, gold or leather, cherish your pet with a charming cat pendant.
Toys
Cats love to play, so cat toys make fantastic gifts for your feline friends. When choosing cat toys as gifts, consider the recipient’s personality and preferences. Most cats enjoy chasing, pouncing, and batting at toys that move unpredictably. Popular interactive toy gifts include:
- Feather wands and teaser toys – These mimick prey for cats to stalk and pounce on. Dragging or fluttering the feathers engages your cat’s natural hunting instincts. Look for varieties with sturdy poles and attachments that are safe if swallowed.
- Ball track toys – These circular tracks send balls spinning around with the swipe of a paw. Cats love batting at and chasing the balls. Just be sure to avoid track toys with loose parts that can detach.
- Treat puzzle toys – These hide treats or kibble inside puzzle boxes and maze-like contraptions. As your cat paws and rolls them around, the reward is released. They provide mental stimulation along with the fun of hunting treats.
- Remote control mice – Remotely operate these motorized mice to zip around and grab your cat’s attention. Cats delight in hunting down and pouncing on the fast-moving “prey”.
- Catnip-filled toys – Catnip triggers a euphoric reaction in many cats. Stuffing plush mice, balls, snakes, and other kicker toys with catnip ensures excited play. Just be wary of too much catnip, as overindulging can cause anxiety.
Novelty and cute toys also make fun gifts for cat lovers to enjoy with their pets. Options like plush cats, costume accessories, and decorative figurines mainly appeal to humans. But they can still capture a cat’s occasional interest. When selecting novelty toys as gifts, opt for safe materials so they can be casually batted around and carried without harm if your cat takes interest.
Treats and Edible Gifts
Cats love treats! Giving edible gifts is a great way to show your feline friend how much you care. Whether store-bought or homemade, there are many tasty options your cat is sure to enjoy.
For the cat with a sweet tooth, consider treats like catnip sugar cookies or tuna cake pops. These can be made using simple recipes with ingredients you likely already have at home. Just be sure to avoid anything toxic to cats like chocolate, onions or garlic.
If your cat goes crazy for catnip, stuff a sock with some fresh or dried catnip. Tie it off securely and watch your kitty’s eyes light up batting and chewing on their new favorite toy. You can also sprinkle some catnip over their regular food or fill a toy with it.
Of course, what cat doesn’t love temptations treats? These crunchy morsels come in a variety of flavors like seafood medley, cheese, and even catnip. They make an easy gift your cat will adore.
For a more personal touch, make homemade jerky or dehydrated meat treats. Chicken, salmon, turkey, and beef all make tasty options. Slice the meat thinly, season it, and dehydrate it until crispy. Store bought meat tubes also work great for this.
When giving any treats, be sure to do so in moderation. Obesity is a major health concern for indoor cats. But an occasional treat is a great way to bond with your furry friend and show them you care.
Cozy and Cute Cat Beds
Cats love to curl up and get comfy, so a cushy cat bed is a perfect gift for your feline friend. When choosing a bed, consider your cat’s personality and preferences. Does your cat like to burrow? Look for beds with a hood or enclosed sides. Is your cat a sprawler? Go for a large, open bed.
Materials
Memory foam beds contour to your cat’s body for maximum coziness. Faux fur and microsuede beds are super soft and often have removable, washable covers. For a natural look, try beds made of wicker, wood, or seagrass.
Styles
- Igloo beds: Dome-shaped with an enclosed, cozy interior. Great for security.
- Cave beds: Like little caves with an opening in front. Allow for burrowing.
- Platform beds: Raised off the ground with low walls around the edges. Give cats a vantage point.
- Hammock beds: Suspended beds that cradle your cat. Often have dual levels.
- Heated beds: Contain a heating element to keep your cat warm. Ideal for senior cats.
Whatever style you choose, look for a bed big enough for your cat to stretch out. Place it in a quiet, calm spot your cat frequents. With a comfy bed of their own, your feline friend will feel relaxed and at home.
Show Your Love With Cat Apparel
Looking for apparel gifts for the cat lover in your life? Or maybe you want to dress up your own feline friend in style. There’s a wide variety of cat-themed clothing and accessories that make perfect gifts.
Cat T-Shirts & Hoodies
Funny cat t-shirts are a great gift idea for any cat lover. Look for shirts with cute cat graphics or funny cat phrases. Hoodies and sweatshirts are also a cozy option. For the cat owner, choose shirts about being a “crazy cat lady/dude” or loving cats.
Cat Hats & Beanies
From cat ear hats to beanies with cat faces, there’s endless cat-themed hat options. These make great stocking stuffers or fun accessories for any cat fan. For pet parents, hats about being a “cat mom/dad” are popular.
Cat Socks
Socks with cute cat designs are always a fun gift. Choose pairs covered in cats or single socks with a cat face. You can even find socks to match your feline friend, like calico or tabby print. Socks are an easy add-on gift.
Pet Apparel
Don’t leave your cat out – you can buy apparel for your feline too! Cat hoodies, holiday outfits, costumes, and even wigs exist for pets. Get your cat matching apparel or let their personality shine through. Just be sure to buy comfortable, safe materials your cat will tolerate.
With so many clothing and accessory options, it’s easy to find the purrfect cat-themed gift. Apparel is a fun way to show your love for cats.
Art
Adding a cat theme to your home decor and gifts is a great way to show your feline appreciation. Cat art comes in many forms, from paintings and drawings to photos and sculptures.
Paintings and Drawings
Commission an artist to create a custom painting or drawing of your cat. These make for a very thoughtful and personal gift. There are many talented pet artists on sites like Etsy who can create a portrait in various mediums like oil, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, and more.
Photos
Frame your favorite photos of your cat or have them printed on canvas or custom photo gifts like mugs. Services like CanvasPeople, Snapfish, and Shutterfly make it easy to create personalized photo gifts showcasing your furry friend.
Sculptures
Cat sculptures and figurines come in all shapes, sizes, and materials like polyresin, bronze, and porcelain. Some more abstract sculptures capture the essence of cats through shape and form. Look for custom cat sculptures on Etsy, or brands like Wellington Collection and Wilmark for upscale cat statues and figures.
Wall Art
In addition to framed photos and paintings, wall art like metal signs and plaques often feature cute or funny cat sayings and designs. Personalized name plaques can include your cat’s name. Search sites like Amazon and Wayfair for a wide selection.
So whether you want a fine art portrait of your cat, a custom photo blanket, or a quirky cat wall plaque, there are lots of unique cat art gifts to choose from to show your kitty appreciation. The personalized options make for especially thoughtful gifts for the cat lover in your life.
Books they’ll love
Books make great gifts for the cat lovers in your life. There are so many fun, interesting, and beautiful books to choose from.
Cat care books
There are many excellent cat care books that can provide useful information and tips for any cat owner. Some top choices include _Think Like a Cat_ by Pam Johnson-Bennett, _Complete Care for Your Aging Cat_ by Amy Shojai, and _Jackson Galaxy’s Catification_ by Jackson Galaxy. These books cover a wide range of topics like understanding cat behavior, caring for senior cats, and setting up an enriching home environment. Any cat owner is sure to learn from and enjoy these books.
Funny cat books
For a more lighthearted gift, check out the numerous funny books about cats. _How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You_ by The Oatmeal, _I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats_ by Francesco Marciuliano, and the _Simon’s Cat_ series by Simon Tofield are just some of the hilarious books that capture cats’ quirky personalities. These will get a lot of laughs from cat lovers.
Cat calendars
Calendars make useful gifts and cat-themed calendars are popular for all the crazy cat ladies and gentlemen out there. There are calendars featuring cute kittens, funny cat photos, and beautiful cat artwork. Some even come with cat trivia or stories. A cat calendar is sure to delight.
Cat coloring books
For a more interactive gift, coloring books are creative and relaxing. There are adult coloring books with intricate cat designs as well as simple coloring books for kids. _Color Me Cat: A Whimsical Coloring Book for Cat Lovers_ and _Lost Ocean: An Inky Adventure and Coloring Book_ have beautifully detailed cat illustrations perfect for passing the time coloring.
So treat the cat lover in your life to a paw-some new read! Books make thoughtful gifts that provide entertainment, laughs, learning, and relaxation.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the purrfect gifts for the cat lovers in your life, you have lots of meow-velous options to choose from! To recap, some of the best cat gift ideas include:
Mugs
Cat mugs are a great gift for sipping coffee, tea, or just displaying cute cat art. Look for mugs with fun feline sayings, photos, or illustrations. Ceramic mugs with handles are durable and microwavable.
Necklaces
Necklaces with cat charms or pendants make thoughtful jewelry gifts. Opt for silver, gold, or rose gold metals paired with cat shapes or breeds. Go customizable by choosing a birthstone or engraved name.
Toys
Entertain kitties with interactive toys like catnip-filled mice, feather wands, treat puzzle balls, and scratching posts. Stocking stuffer toys are cheaper, while bigger play towers offer hours of amusement.
Treats/Food
Pamper cats with gourmet treats or catnip. Opt for all-natural, high-protein treats free of artificial ingredients. Subscription food boxes deliver wet and dry foods monthly.
Beds
Upgrade your cat’s napping spots with plush, heated, or enclosed cat beds. Look for quality materials like orthopedic memory foam for joint relief. Add on mats to protect floors.
Apparel
Funny cat shirts, socks, and hats make quirky gifts for cat parents. Consider accessories like face masks, mugs, pins, and jewelry to match.
Art/Books
Cat calendars, paintings, photos, and books showcase creative cat gifts. Go touching with customized art of their pet or inspiring with books on cat care.
Final tips for cat gift-giving:
- Consider your recipient’s cat’s age, breed, interests, and needs when shopping for gifts. An active kitten needs different toys than a senior cat.
- Add a personal touch by customizing gifts with photos or names.
- For cat lovers without pets, giftingadoptable cat plushies or donations to rescue charities are thoughtful ideas.
- Present gifts in creative ways like stuffed in cat cubes or scratching posts to add an element of surprise.
- Include extras like catnip, treats, or toy refills to enhance gift baskets.
- Shop local when possible to support small businesses and artists.
- Order early during peak holiday seasons to ensure timely arrival.
With so many unique and paws-itively purrfect gift ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find the cat’s meow to delight the feline fanatics in your life!
