Gifts for Cat Lovers (and a Few for the Cat)
- 20 gift ideas
- From under $10 to under $100
- 7 niche picks
Good gifts for cat lovers include things for the cat and a few for the person: a tall cat tree, a window perch, a feather wand or catnip toy, a water fountain, plus a cat-themed mug or a book on cat behavior. These 20 ideas split between cat gear and small gifts for the cat's human.
Quick picks
- Best overall: A tall cat tree Height, a lookout and a place to scratch for an indoor cat. Idea 1
- Best splurge: A self-cleaning litter box A self-cleaning litter box for owners of several cats. Idea 13
- Best under $10: A catnip kicker toy A big catnip kicker for cats who react to catnip. Idea 6
- Best for indoor cats: A window perch Turns the view into cat TV and gives a sunny nap spot. Idea 10
- Best for the cat lover: A black cat coffee mug A small everyday nod to the cat at home. Idea 17
Most cat people are happy to get a gift for the cat, so this guide leans toward cat gear, with a few gifts for the human at the end. The best picks match the cat's habits: whether it climbs, scratches the couch, watches birds or chases anything on a string. Ask about the cat if you can.
We grouped the ideas into climbing and lounging, play and enrichment, food, litter and care, and gifts for the cat lover. If the person has a dog as well, Gifts for Dog Lovers has ideas for them.
Ideas 1 to 4
Climbing and lounging gifts for cats
For cats that scratch, climb and nap in the sunniest spot.
1. A tall cat tree
A cat tree gives a cat height, a lookout and a place to scratch, which suits an owner of indoor cats. This listing is a 59.5-inch tree, so check the ceiling height and floor space in the room where it will go. Think about the cat's size and age, since some cats like a lower tree.
Tip: Measure the floor space and ceiling height before you order.
2. A tall, sturdy scratching post
A scratching post suits an owner whose cat scratches the couch, and it needs to be tall enough for the cat to stretch out fully and heavy enough not to tip. This SmartCat post by Pioneer Pet comes in beige. Check where in the home the cat tends to scratch, and put the post next to it.
Tip: Place it next to the furniture the cat likes to scratch.
3. A cardboard scratcher lounge
A curved cardboard scratcher doubles as a bed, so the cat scratches and naps in the same spot, which suits a cat who likes to lounge and scratch. It is a low-cost gift that is easy to fit into a small home. Check the size, and note that the cardboard wears down and needs replacing over time.
Tip: Plan to replace the cardboard as it wears down.
4. A heated cat bed
A heated cat bed gives a cat a warm spot to curl up in winter, which suits an owner whose cat likes sunny corners or cozy blankets. This K&H Thermo-Kitty is listed in Mocha/Tan. Check the cord length and where the bed will sit, and follow the product's directions for how to use it.
Tip: Check cord length and the spot where it will sit.
Ideas 5 to 11
Play and enrichment gifts for cats
Toys and window views that keep an indoor cat entertained.
5. A treat puzzle for cats
A puzzle that hides kibble or treats gives an indoor cat something to hunt for, which suits an owner of a bored cat. Cats can work out the puzzle in their own time. Check that the cat's treats or kibble fit through the openings, and start with a few easy pieces.
Tip: Start with a few easy treats so the cat learns it.
6. A catnip kicker toy
Yeowww toys are stuffed with strong catnip and big enough for a cat to hug and kick, which suits an owner of a cat who reacts to catnip. Not every cat does, so check first. It is a low-cost gift for a stocking, and easy to pair with a wand toy.
Tip: Not every cat reacts to catnip, so ask first.
7. A feather wand toy
Da Bird's feather spins like a real bird in flight when the rod is swung, which suits an owner who plays with their cat daily. Put it away after play so the string is not chewed. This listing is a bundle with three feather birds, so there are refills for when the feather wears.
Tip: Put it away after play so the string is not chewed.
8. A ball track tower
Three levels of balls in a track keep a kitten busy on its own, which suits an owner of a kitten or a playful young cat. It works without anyone holding a toy. Check the cat's size and energy, since an older cat may lose interest, and place the tower on a flat surface.
Tip: Put it on a flat floor away from stairs.
9. A three-way cat tunnel
A tunnel gives a cat a hiding place and a racetrack in one, and three openings add corners for ambush play, which suits an owner of a playful indoor cat. It folds down for storage. This listing is the Large size, with a peephole and a ball toy, in black and blue.
Tip: Check the tunnel's size against how big their cat is.
10. A window perch
A window perch turns the view into cat TV and gives a sunny nap spot, which suits an owner of indoor cats. This K&H EZ Mount perch measures 12 x 23 inches. Check that the window is wide enough and that it can hold the cat's weight, and read the mounting directions first.
Tip: Check the window size; this perch is 12 x 23 inches.
11. A window bird feeder
A clear feeder on the outside of the window brings birds close, which indoor cats can watch for hours. It suits a cat lover who has a window the cat already likes. It also suits someone who enjoys birds, so look at Gifts for Bird Lovers for more ideas. Check that the feeder is for outside mounting on glass.
Tip: Check the window glass; it mounts on the outside.
Ideas 12 to 16
Food, water, litter and grooming
Practical gifts for the daily routine of living with a cat.
12. A cat water fountain
A fountain keeps water moving for cats that prefer it to a still bowl, which suits an owner of a picky drinker. Catit's flower top is a long-running design. This listing has an LED light and is blue. Check where the owner will put it, since it needs an outlet.
Tip: Check that there is an outlet near where it will sit.
13. A self-cleaning litter box
The Litter-Robot sifts waste on its own, which suits a household with several cats. It is a major purchase, so give it only to someone who has asked for one or has said they would like it. Check the space, since it is a big unit, and that they are comfortable with a plugged-in device.
Tip: Ask before you give; it is a big unit and a big gift.
14. A litter-trapping mat
A large mat catches litter on the cat's paws before it spreads across the floor, which suits an owner who is tired of litter trails. This one measures 36 x 30 inches and is waterproof. Check the space around the litter box, and pair it with a scoop for an easy gift.
Tip: Measure the space around the litter box first.
15. A self-cleaning slicker brush
A slicker brush with a retracting button removes loose fur and cleans off in one click, which suits an owner of a long-haired cat who brushes at home. Brush gently, and check how the cat reacts to being brushed. This is a low-cost gift that fits a stocking.
Tip: Introduce brushing slowly with a cat that is new to it.
16. A soft cat carrier
A soft carrier is a practical choice for travel and vet visits, which suits an owner who travels with their cat or dreads moving a cat in a hard box. The Sherpa Original Deluxe is about 17 inches long. Check the cat's size and the carrier's airline rules if they travel by plane.
Tip: Check the carrier size against the cat before you buy.
Ideas 17 to 20
Gifts for the cat lover
Small gifts and books for the person at the other end of the leash.
17. A black cat coffee mug
A cat-themed mug is a small, everyday nod to the cat at home, and this one leans into the black cat look. It suits a cat lover who drinks coffee or tea and likes a themed mug. Check whether they have a black cat or a different color, since it may feel more personal with a match.
Tip: Check whether the black cat look suits their style.
18. I Could Pee on This
This small book of poems is written from the cat's point of view, a laugh for anyone who lives with one. It suits a cat person with a sense of humor. It is short and light, so it makes a good stocking stuffer, and a good add-on to a mug. See Stocking Stuffers for more small gifts.
Tip: Pair it with a mug for a small, funny gift set.
19. Total Cat Mojo
Jackson Galaxy's guide to cat behavior explains how to read what a cat is doing and approach common problems at home, which suits an owner puzzling over their cat's habits. It is a thick book, so it suits someone who likes to read in depth. Check whether they already own it, and pair it with a toy.
Tip: Pair it with a wand toy so they can try ideas at once.
20. The Trainable Cat
John Bradshaw and Sarah Ellis's practical guide to training cats for everyday life suits an owner who wants to teach their cat to cooperate with carriers, grooming and vet visits. It is written by two cat behavior experts. Check whether the person is open to training, since it takes patience and short sessions.
Tip: Pair it with a clicker or a bag of treats.
Frequently asked questions
What are good gifts for cat lovers?
Choose something that suits the cat's habits: a tall cat tree or scratching post for climbers and scratchers, a window perch or bird feeder for window watchers, or a feather wand or catnip toy for players. For the person, a cat-themed mug or a book such as Total Cat Mojo works.
What do you get a cat lover who has everything?
Look for something specialist: a self-cleaning litter box for a multi-cat home, a window bird feeder for a cat that loves the view, a treat puzzle, a cardboard scratcher lounge or a cat behavior book. Ask what the cat uses now, so you avoid duplicating a toy or bed they already have.
What are good gifts for cat moms and dads?
A cat water fountain, a window perch, a heated bed or a feather wand suit someone who spoils their cat. For themselves, a cat mug, a book of cat poems or a book on cat behavior and training also fits. Pick gifts that match their cat's habits.
What are good stocking stuffers for cat lovers?
A catnip kicker, a ball track toy, a slicker brush, a cat mug or a small humor book such as I Could Pee on This all fit in a stocking. Add a bag of treats the cat likes. See Stocking Stuffers for more small ideas.
What should I check before buying a gift for someone's cat?
Check the cat's age, size and habits, since a kitten and an adult cat play differently. Ask whether the cat reacts to catnip, and avoid toys with string left out unsupervised. Check the space at home for large items such as a cat tree. If you are unsure, buy for the person instead.
What is a good gift for an indoor cat?
Window views, climbing and play are the right categories. A window perch gives a view, a cat tree adds height, and a treat puzzle or a feather wand keeps the cat busy. A water fountain and a scratching post are practical add-ons for any indoor cat.
