Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

21 Best Gifts for Cat Lovers in 2026

From deeply personal to wonderfully practical — 21 gift ideas for the cat lover (and the cat) in your life, across every budget.

Cat lovers tend to fall into two camps: those who want something for themselves that celebrates their cat, and those who want something that genuinely improves their cat's life (which, let's be honest, is really the same thing).

Here are 21 ideas, starting with the most personal and working through practical, fun, and experience-based options.

1. Custom AI Cat Portrait

From £1.99

A unique AI-generated portrait of their actual cat — Royal, Wizard, Angel, Mermaid and more themes available. Ready in 60 seconds, delivered as a high-resolution digital download. One of the most personal gifts on this list, and one of the cheapest.

Create a Cat Portrait →

2. Heated Cat Bed

£20–£45

Cats famously seek out warmth — a self-heating or electric cat bed is a gift that gets used constantly, especially in winter.

3. Cat Window Perch

£15–£35

A hammock-style perch that attaches to a window, giving cats a sunny vantage point to watch the world. Genuinely improves a cat's day-to-day life.

4. Cat Lover Candle

£10–£20

Novelty candles with cat-themed scents and names make a fun, low-cost addition to any gift.

5. Personalised Cat Mug

£10–£18

A mug featuring a photo or illustration of their cat — a classic gift that's always appreciated.

6. Interactive Laser Toy

£10–£25

Automatic laser toys keep cats entertained even when their owner is busy or out — great for indoor cats.

7. Cat Tree / Scratching Post

£25–£70

A good quality cat tree gives cats somewhere to climb, scratch, and perch — a substantial but well-loved gift.

8. Treat Subscription Box

£10–£25/month

Monthly boxes of treats and toys tailored to the cat's preferences. A gift that keeps giving long after the wrapping paper is gone.

9. Cat Photo Book

£15–£35

A printed photo book celebrating the cat's life — from kitten photos to today. Sentimental and tactile.

10. Catnip Toy Set

£8–£15

A set of catnip-filled toys — an affordable, reliable crowd-pleaser for most cats.

11. Automatic Feeder

£25–£60

Useful for owners who travel or work long hours — schedules feeding times automatically. A practical gift that genuinely helps.

12. Cat Grooming Glove

£8–£15

A gentle grooming glove that removes loose fur while petting — especially appreciated by owners of long-haired cats.

13. Cat-Themed Socks

£8–£12

Socks printed with the recipient's actual cat's face (from a photo) — fun and slightly silly, in the best way.

14. Puzzle Feeder

£10–£20

Slows down eating and provides mental stimulation — great for food-motivated or indoor cats.

15. Cosy Cat Blanket (Personalised)

£20–£35

A soft blanket printed with the cat's name or photo — both for the cat and a lovely keepsake for the owner.

16. Cat Backpack Carrier

£25–£50

For owners who like to take their cat outdoors safely — a bubble-window backpack carrier is a fun, increasingly popular gift.

17. Air Purifier (Pet-Specific)

£40–£100

Helps with pet dander and odour — a thoughtful gift for allergy-prone households.

18. Cat Grass Growing Kit

£8–£15

A simple kit for growing cat grass at home — most cats love it, and it's a fun, low-effort gift.

19. Designer Cat Collar

£10–£25

A stylish, comfortable collar — practical and a small style upgrade for the cat.

20. Cat Cafe Voucher / Experience

£10–£30

For cat lovers without their own cat (or who want to spend time around more cats), a cat cafe visit makes a fun experience gift.

21. Donation to a Cat Rescue (in their name)

Any amount

For cat lovers who already have everything — a donation to a rescue charity in their cat's name is a meaningful gesture.

Why Personalised Gifts Are Always a Safe Bet

Of all the categories above, personalised gifts featuring the recipient's actual cat tend to land the best — they're impossible to duplicate, they show genuine thought, and they create something the recipient will keep and display.

A custom AI portrait is the fastest and most affordable way to do this. You only need one photo of the cat, the portrait is ready in about 60 seconds, and prices start from £1.99 — making it both a standalone gift and an easy add-on to something else on this list.

See What a Custom Cat Portrait Looks Like

Royal, Wizard, Angel, Mermaid, and more themes. Oil Painting, Pixar 3D, or Watercolour styles. Free preview before you pay.

Create a Cat Portrait →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gift for someone who loves their cat?

Personalised gifts featuring their actual cat tend to be the most appreciated — things like a custom AI portrait, an engraved item, or a photo book. These show thought and create something the recipient couldn't easily get for themselves.

What is a good cheap gift for a cat lover?

A custom AI cat portrait is one of the best value personalised gifts available, starting from £1.99. Other affordable options include cat-themed mugs, candles, and small accessories.

What should I get a cat lover for their birthday?

Consider a personalised portrait of their cat, a quality cat bed or scratching post, a treat subscription box, or a cosy cat-themed item for their home.

What's a good gift for a new cat owner?

Practical items work best for new owners — an automatic feeder, a scratching post, or a grooming kit. A custom portrait is also a lovely way to celebrate a new addition to the family.

More from Pawtoons

The Gift They'll Actually Talk About

A custom portrait of their cat. From £1.99. Ready in 60 seconds.

✨ Create a Cat Portrait Gift