It’s confession time: my weakness is anything and everything cat-related. Yes, you heard it right from the guy behind a popular cat behavior blog and a professional who helps people understand their feline friends. My “add to cart” button gets a serious workout when cats are involved. But hey, this passion also makes me somewhat of an expert in sniffing out the best gifts for cat lovers.
A reddish brown cat with green eyes sits in a cardboard box on the floor.
While I’ve previously shared guides on essential cat supplies and products to enrich your cat’s life, today, we’re celebrating the humans who adore them. Though a few items might also secretly benefit the cats, the spotlight is on finding that ideal gift for a cat lover’s birthday, a thoughtful gesture, or even a way to remember a beloved cat who has crossed the rainbow bridge. No matter the occasion, these gifts are guaranteed to make any cat enthusiast feline the love.
And perhaps, with my own birthday just around the corner, this is also a subtle hint for anyone looking to spoil their favorite cat behaviorist…
Personalized Cat Gifts: Celebrate Their Furry Friend
If there’s one thing I know about cat parents, it’s that they love to talk about their cats. We’re always seeking opportunities to share our cat’s stories. So, what better way to indulge their passion than with a personalized gift featuring their beloved feline? These customized cat gifts are truly the ultimate way to a cat lover’s heart, offering something special for every style and taste.
One of my personal favorites are custom cat face stickers. Their versatility is unmatched – your friend can stick their cat’s adorable face anywhere they please! The sheets come with various sizes, perfect for decorating anything from notebooks to car bumpers. I received a set myself a while back and found them incredibly touching. I used the smaller stickers on thank you cards related to Zoloft’s cancer treatment, expressing gratitude after his surgeries and to the incredible veterinary team who cared for him so compassionately before he passed. They even found a special place in the scrapbook I lovingly created in his memory.
Cozy Cat Lover Gifts for Warmth and Comfort
Living in Minneapolis, staying warm is a top priority for a good chunk of the year. For those friends who reside in colder climates, or simply adore cozy comforts, a custom cat pillow makes an exceptional gift. It’s especially perfect for cat lovers whose cats aren’t always in the mood for cuddles. You can choose the size and upload a picture of their cat to create a huggable, second version of their furry companion.
A smiling woman holds a cat close to her face.
But the personalized cat fun doesn’t stop at pillows! You can also find a wide array of clothing and plush blankets emblazoned with their cat’s face. From sweatshirts to socks, blankets to beanies – if you can name it, chances are you can find a version personalized with their cat’s likeness.
The Ultimate Custom Cat Gift: A Snuggly Replica
For the truly dedicated cat lover seeking the most unique personalized gift, consider a custom stuffed replica of their cat. Cuddle Clones creates bespoke stuffed animals meticulously designed to resemble their cat as closely as possible. While it might seem unusual to some, as someone who mourned the loss of his cat last year, I understand the comfort of having a tangible reminder of your feline friend. I first learned about Cuddle Clones in a book about pet loss grief, and they truly can offer solace. Even if their cat is still happily ruling the roost, a Cuddle Clone can be a comforting travel companion or a cozy addition to their home.
Cuddle Clones also offers other customizable options, including slippers (yes, slippers!) featuring a plush replica of their cat. Personally, I wouldn’t mind a pair of slippers for both Poutine and Prozac… Just putting it out there.
Sympathy and Cat Memorial Gifts: Honoring a Lost Companion
Losing my cat, Zoloft, turned my world upside down. Thankfully, I was surrounded by amazing people who supported me through my grief. The memorial gifts I received, while they couldn’t replace my best friend, did soften the sharp edges of grief. If you’re looking for a thoughtful way to support a friend grieving a cat, here are some sympathy and memorial gift ideas.
Gifts Before a Cat Passes: Cherishing Precious Moments
If you’re seeking a gift for someone whose cat is still with them, a paw print kit is a beautiful and meaningful choice. Preserving a paw print creates a lasting memento of a unique and special part of their cat. I even have a guide on creating a cat paw print ornament with instructions for both ink and clay prints.
Another unique option are kits that allow you to create a keepsake from your cat’s fur through felting. The felted fur becomes a base for a delicate fabric rose, creating a beautiful and personal display piece. This gift is best suited for cats who are still around, so their owner can collect some fur.
Thoughtful Memorial Gifts: Remembering Their Cat
There’s a wide selection of memorial Gifts For Cats available, and the most appropriate gift truly depends on your friend’s personality and beliefs. Generally, a meaningful gift focuses on the deep bond between the cat and their human, rather than making assumptions about the afterlife.
I cherish a picture frame that reads, “Forever would not have been long enough,” which I bought for myself in memory of Zoloft after he passed last August. This phrase resonates deeply with me, and a photo frame allows your friend to choose and display their favorite picture of their beloved cat. Photo frames are generally a comforting and versatile memorial gift, but there are other lovely options to consider.
Here are a few suggested memorial gifts that are likely to appeal to most cat lovers grieving the loss of their cat:
The Most Meaningful Gift: Your Support
Even if you can’t find the perfect memorial gift, or prefer a more personal approach, you can still offer invaluable support. The most precious gift you can give a friend grieving a cat is simply to be there for them through their grief. Don’t just offer support immediately after the loss; continue to check in with them in the weeks and months that follow. Grief can be a long and complex process, and your ongoing support will mean more than words can express. They will truly appreciate your compassion and understanding above all else.
Gifts for Nerdy Cat Lovers: Feline Fun for Every Fandom
As a self-proclaimed nerd, nothing delights me more than when my love for cats intersects with my other hobbies. Being a huge Nintendo enthusiast, when Nintendo released Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, I was ecstatic to discover you could transform into a cat in the game! If your friend is also a Nintendo fan (and doesn’t already own it), a cuddly Cat Mario plush is a purr-fectly playful gift.
But nerdy cat gifts extend far beyond Nintendo. Whatever your loved one’s fandom, there’s likely a cat-themed gift to match. For the Dungeons & Dragons devotee, catnip-filled D20 cat toys are a critical hit. For the Star Wars aficionado, Meow Wars shirts are a must-have addition to their wardrobe. And for your science-loving friends, chemistry cat socks, a cation pillow, or even a hilariously quirky cat butts in space coloring book are sure to be a hit.
Essentially, no matter your friend’s niche interests, a cat-themed version likely exists. One of the wonderful things about cats is their universality. Cats are everywhere, playfully weaving their way into every imaginable scenario.
A firefighter hands a cat to a child in a heartwarming scene.
Even if none of my specific suggestions perfectly align with your friend’s hobbies, a quick search on Etsy with “[their interest]” and “cats” will likely unearth a treasure trove of niche cat gifts. Some interests, like knitting and cats, will yield countless results (like this book on how to knit your own cat), but you can even find gifts tailored to more specific niches, like gay cats, if that’s their thing. You never know what delightful and unique cat-themed treasures you might discover!
Practical Gifts for Cat Lovers: Functionality Meets Feline Fandom
It wouldn’t be truly me if I didn’t include at least one practical, cat-related gift option. This one is all about simplifying litter box cleaning and is a product your friend will thank you for introducing them to: the Litter Genie.
The Litter Genie sits conveniently next to the litter box, ready to receive scooped waste into a contained bag. Its clever design seals shut, effectively trapping odors. Once the bag is full, a built-in safety blade (safely tucked inside the pail) allows for easy cutting and disposal of the waste. It’s clean, simple, and incredibly effective!
Work-From-Home Cat Solutions: Maintaining Productivity
If you have a friend or colleague whose feline companions enjoy “helping” with their work by lounging on their keyboards, consider a fun distraction. A decoy laptop can divert a cat’s attention away from their owner’s actual workspace. Alternatively, a cat laptop scratcher serves as both a tempting decoy and a satisfying scratching post. Bonus: the attached mouse toy provides extra swatting entertainment.
For a more minimalist approach, clear acrylic keyboard guards offer a practical barrier, preventing cats from transforming into accidental typists. This practical gift may even lead to a boost in their work productivity (and maybe even a promotion!) now that they can actually type without feline interference.
The Gift of Cat Training: A Skill That Lasts
Finally, for a truly unique and enriching gift, consider gifting your loved one sessions with me! Not only will they receive complimentary cat puns (at no extra charge!), but they’ll also learn effective techniques to train their cats to perform all sorts of fun tricks. An introductory clicker training package is a fantastic way to embark on the journey of cat training for fun and bonding. The package includes their initial session and follow-up support, all conducted virtually, making it accessible regardless of location. Virtual sessions are surprisingly effective, providing high-quality cat training guidance that will have their cat mastering tricks in no time.
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