Gift Guide for Cat Parents

As a proud cat parent of two, I can say with utmost certainty that all cat parents want for the holidays are gifts that bring us closer to our four-legged friends. Whether it’s customized portraits I can hang in my home office or handmade catnip toys to make our playtime together more fun, you really can’t go wrong with a present that reminds us of our pets. Below, I rounded up a few of the best cat parent gifts on the market, including custom embroidered sweatshirts, a kitty subscription box, and so much more.

For the pet parents who take their cats everywhere, this backpack will make it easier to show their feline friends the world. Not only does the pet carrier minimize bounce (trust us, your cats will thank you for this), but it has a massive window for them to take in the view. Plus, the carrier comes with an app-controlled fan to make sure their pet stays cool, no matter how hot it is outside.

I was gifted a custom portrait of my girls, Momo and Rose, back in 2023 and it’s one of my favorite pieces in my house. I have it hanging at the entrance of my home so everyone who enters knows exactly who rules the house. Not only can you choose the background and frame color, but you can approve the portrait before it ships out so it looks exactly how you want it to. If you’re looking for a more artistic take on the pet portrait, you could always opt for this cute (and slightly more affordable) option or this one that uses watercolors for a more ethereal vibe.

There’s nothing I love more than when someone takes the time to find a toy that they think will bring my cats joy. My cats are particularly fond of catnip toys, which makes these adorable handmade ones the perfect stocking stuffer. If these feel too cottagecore for your giftee, they also have catnip-filled dino nuggets that would make an equally cute present.

Over 43,000 5-star ratings agree that these custom embroidered pet hats are an excellent gift. Not only do you get to pick the number of pets and the color of the hat, but you can also send in the perfect photo for them to design. I’m planning on gifting this to my husband this year since he’s been wearing baseball caps non-stop. If you’re looking for something that’s less customized, you could always opt for this Cat Dad one which looks and feels like a vintage base ball cap.

Featuring cozy essentials, cat-themed toys, and adorable holiday-themed cards, this thoughtfully curated set is designed to keep your feline friend happy and pampered.

This custom pet portrait necklace is at the top of my wishlist this year. I’d love nothing more than to have a pendant for both Momo and Rose so that I can keep my cats close, even when I’m halfway around the globe. If the pendant feels like too much, there’s also the option of a custom pet portrait ring which feels slightly more subtle (but just as thoughtful).

If there’s one thing all cat parents can agree on, it’s that there are never enough cat scratchers in our house. Momo and Rose go through their cat scratchers like it’s nobody's business, and it can get quite expensive to replace — hence why you should consider gifting the cat parent in your life this adorable scratcher. Not only will it save their furniture, but it doubles as chic decor.

Of all the cat subscription boxes on the market, my friends and I agree that Kitnip is one of the best. Not only is it relatively affordable at $20 a month, but it comes packed full of great toys and treats that keep our fur babies happy and stimulated. Buy them a temporary subscription and you’ll win brownie points with even the pickiest of cats (no promises, thought).

Cat parents are the first to admit that they’ll buy almost anything with a cat on it—even books. Someone recently gifted me this book by Japanese author Syou Ishida and it was surprisingly wonderful. It’s a magical realism book set in Japan that prescribes cats to people in need. It’s as weird and fun as you’d hope, and proves that cats really can solve all your problems.

Made with care, this playful toy features two vibrant blue fish nestled in a soft, crocheted dish. Infused with catnip for extra excitement, it's perfect for keeping your cat entertained and engaged. This charming toy makes an excellent addition to your pet's playtime routine.

Look, I’m being so for real right now, I would scream if someone got this for me. Not only am I utterly obsessed with mugs, but I’m also equally as obsessed with Momo and Rose. This present blends the best of both worlds and is so extremely thoughtful. Not only can you include multiple pets inside the mug, but you can also pick the style that best fits the cat parent in your life. 

Sometimes the best gift is laughter, and that’s exactly what this sassy candle is going to provide when your favorite cat parent unwraps it. You can choose the scent of the candle that best fits your giftee, but I’m opting for the Christmas Tree smell since it’s the holidays.

Cute cat trees are a dime a dozen, which is why they make the perfect gift for any cat parent. I’m obsessed with this fruit climber from Vetreska that would look good in any space. Plus, it’s not super bulky — perfect for a smaller apartment.

This is another gift that’s at the top of my wishlist this year. I love how this custom sweater looks like authentic athletic gear and can include the name and year your pet was born. Of all the other options online, this one feels the most personal. If a sweater feels like too much, you could always opt for this TikTok-famous graphic tee that makes a collage of photos into a ’90s-inspired shirt that’s sure to please.

If you can’t tell, I’m a sucker for a box filled with tons of little treats inside. This one is made by cat people for cat people and includes tons of Japanese goodies including a cat ninja cappuccino, a cat cookie box, and so much more.

I know this one sounds a bit strange, but hear me out: Momo and Rose devour these treats by the pound. And they’re not cheap. I’d be over the moon if someone gifted me an entire jar filled with these Churu treats. Not only would it save me money, but it would make my girls so happy to know that they have an unlimited stash of liquid gold at their disposal.

Happy gifting!