Gift ideas for cat lovers

Does your friend have a cat they just can’t get enough of, to the point that they may even want their cat’s image on their furniture?

If the answer is yes, then a custom-made soft furnishing might be just the gift they’re looking for. Whether it’s a cat scatter cushion or a blanket with their cat’s face on it, your cat-loving friend is sure to love a personalised cat gift for their home.

Depending on the friend or the situation, a novelty item might not be appropriate. If someone you know would appreciate something more heartfelt – such as if they’ve recently lost their pet – you may want to consider a more sentimental keepsake. A piece of engraved jewellery or a bespoke painting of their pet can make a meaningful keepsake they’ll cherish for years.

As busy routines can leave little time for dedicated play, interactive toys or games make thoughtful gifts for cat lovers, encouraging quality time between cats and their owners while helping to strengthen their bond.

Gifts such as feather wands or fishing rod toys encourage the pet parent to guide where their cat stalks, chases and pounces. Not only does this provide valuable exercise, but it also mimics natural hunting behaviours, making it particularly beneficial for indoor cats.

Similarly, a puzzle toy can be a good present idea for a cat lover who’s out of the house a lot, as these are great for providing mental stimulation and staving off boredom. There are many different varieties to choose from, whether it’s a ball-chasing toy, interactive maze, flying mouse or even a DIY enrichment toy, if you’re on a budget.

If your friend loves a games night, a fun cat-themed card, tabletop or board game – such as Exploding Kittens – will go down a treat. Just know that you’ll probably be roped into playing too...

Ancient civilisations worshipped cats by painting, carving and sculpting their likeness onto walls and statues. Follow suit by spoiling your cat-loving friend with something creative!

Wooden cat carvings, cat-themed ceramics, or framed prints or paintings by an independent artist make a great gift for cat lovers who are also interested in art or quirky home décor.

Cats aren’t known for their gift-buying abilities, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. Help them show their appreciation for their human by gifting a funny item on their behalf – bonus points if you also include a message from the cat.

Many are perplexed when trying to decode cat behaviour – so a book on the topic might just be the perfect gift for a cat lover.

Similarly, there are plenty of fun fiction books centred around cats to choose from, too.

Give back to cats in need by purchasing a gift from an animal charity. Cats Protection offer an array of caps, tote bags and accessories, while the RSPCA has plenty of cat-themed clothes to choose from.

Alternatively, consider donating to a cat charity in your friend’s name, or you could even offer to cover their first month of cat insurance, if their pet isn’t already insured.

Similarly, if you have a larger budget, you may want to consider a high-tech gadget for the cat lover in your life.

Whether you choose something practical, sentimental or simply guaranteed to give them a laugh, a thoughtful present for a cat lover can be a lovely way to celebrate the bond between cats and their humans.