Cat obsession comes with the territory of being a cat mom.
Whether it’s a cat brush that makes my cat, Sunday, flop on her back and purr, or a T-shirt that allows me to proudly display my cat lady status, nothing makes me happier than a feline-inspired gift.
When shopping for that special cat person in your life, consider their personality and interests. Are they into cooking or reading? Do they enjoy eccentric home décor? Themed goodies such as magnets, coffee table books, and printed tea towels are often a safe bet. If you’re still stumped, you can’t go wrong with a gift for their four-legged companion — it can be as simple as a cat toy, or more splurge-worthy, like a cat tree.
Read on for PEOPLE’s top 15 picks for the best gifts for cat lovers.
Feline fans will love this mug featuring illustrations of cats clad in zany accessories (one rocks a pair of heart-shaped glasses while another sports a paisley-patterned bandana). The gilded rim and handle also add a touch of sophistication — stylish enough to spice up a drab office desk and cheery enough to brighten gloomy mornings.
Cats are mysterious creatures, so understanding their unique behaviors is key. This deck of cards is a great gift for novice and experienced cat parents alike, providing 100 cat-to-human translations, along with fun facts such as why cats love to knead soft materials (or what cat people affectionately call “making biscuits”) and how they use their whiskers to navigate the world.
Make life a little easier for your beloved pet parent with an automatic feeder we’ve personally tried. This model boasts a sleek design and allows up to six scheduled feedings per day. The large 3-liter container holds enough food for the week, and the secure twist-lock lid keeps kibble fresh. There’s also a feature to record a personalized message to remind kitties of mealtimes when their owner is away or sleeping in the middle of the night.
Writers Say
“I’ve tested countless pet products on my own cat, but nothing has changed my routine quite like the Petlibro Automatic Cat Feeder.”—Cai Cramer, PEOPLE shopping writer
Give your cat-loving friend the gift of comfort with this cozy fleece sweatshirt. Made from a cotton polyester blend, it comes in black and navy hues with a conversation-starting graphic design. It’s an adorable way to show affection for the cat lady in your life with a nod to Disney whimsy.
Water fountains are an excellent way to keep cats hydrated, since they often prefer running water. We tested this model, and it holds 95 ounces (enough to last at least a week) and has a water-level window with an LED light to let owners know when it’s time to replenish. The setup takes less than five minutes and is (mostly) dishwasher safe, so it’s a breeze to clean.
This 18k gold tuna tin charm is an elegant statement piece that’ll complement any outfit. The charm features a partially open tuna can with a small fish detailing on the side. It’s pretty and delicate enough to wear on its own or can be layered with other charms for a personalized design.
Writers Say
“I want this so much, I’ll probably end up buying it for myself this holiday season — it’s a great gift for a chic cat lover.”—Cai Cramer
Surprise your friend with a fun DIY project like this Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat statue. The cat’s eye colors can be switched from green to blue, and the paws, ears, mouth, and tail are all adjustable for different poses. The 1,710-piece set will keep your friend entertained for hours, but if they need assistance, the product comes with illustrated instructions to guide them every step of the way.
If your loved one enjoys whimsical home décor, this nifty cat-themed tea towel is a fantastic option. Decorated with a variety of cat breeds wearing everything from a chef’s hat to an artist’s beret, this kitchen accessory adds a bit of playfulness to the cooking experience.
Here’s an iconic gift for a cat lover: the one and only Kit-Cat Klock. With its rotating eyes, pendulum-swinging tail, and mischievous smile, this timeless wall clock, manufactured since 1932, will bring a bit of nostalgia and pop culture flair to your resident cat person’s home.
Editors Say
“The clicking of the tail wagging is so soothing!”—Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor
At just $4, this black cat-inspired claw hair clip is a perfect stocking stuffer. It features a sweet feline face, drawn in gold sparkly acrylic, with two adorable cat ears on top. The sleek black design adds to the quality, so it can be dressed up or down. Plus, if you’re looking for a fuller section of hair to clip up, try our favorite thin-hair products for some added oomph.
Cats of the World documents different cat breeds across 30 countries, illustrating each location’s intrinsic beauty and the special relationship between the cats and people living there. Produced by animal rescuer and bestselling author Hannah Shaw (a.k.a “Kitten Lady”) and her pet photographer husband, Andrew Marttila, this book doesn’t just capture the thrill of experiencing different cultures — it explores the mysterious nature of our feline friends and how they’ve managed to warm their way into our homes and hearts.
Ideal for cat lovers with a quirky sense of humor, these cat butt magnets are an amusing and delightful gift for any occasion. They’re as cute as they are practical — able to hold Post-it notes, photos, and other small items. The set comes with six different feline hindquarters to infuse a little fun into your loved one’s home or workspace. It’s a gift that’ll bring a smile to their face all year round.
Here’s a baseball cap for the cat dads who aren’t shy about advertising their love for their furry sidekicks. It offers a simple denim design with black embroidered “Cat Dad” text. One five-star reviewer noted, “It’s very rare to find merch for cat dads. … I’d give this 10 stars if I could.”
This automatic mouse toy zooms across the floor to stimulate cats’ natural hunting instincts. And if that doesn’t get their attention, the flashing LED lights in the tail certainly will. The toy comes with a built-in USB rechargeable battery and an obstacle-avoidance sensor that prevents it from running into walls or furniture. Electronic toys also allow cats to play independently, keeping them happy and entertained while their parents are occupied or away for extended periods of time.
Celeb-Spotlight
Hilary Duff previously told PEOPLE that she bought this cat toy at Amazon earlier this year. “It’s a little white mouse, and it has wheels, and they just chase it around your house,” she said.
Zhuzh up your cat lover’s kitchen with these charming salt and pepper shakers. Crafted of high-quality stoneware, the set includes two sweet domestic shorthair kitties intricately painted with lifelike features. It’s the perfect decorative yet functional gift that’s sure to earn lots of compliments from visitors.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Trina Gray is a contributing freelance writer for PEOPLE and a lifelong cat lover. Her finicky rescue cat, Sunday, consistently keeps her on the hunt for the latest and greatest pet products. For this article, she leaned into the expertise of PEOPLE shopping editors and fellow cat moms, as well as her own experience.
Our Shopping Experts
- Kayla Kitts is a PEOPLE shopping editor who extensively covers home and kitchen products that simplify and elevate your space. She’s tested hundreds of pet products, too, and is the proud mom of two sweet felines, D’Artagnan and Scout.
- Cai Cramer is a PEOPLE shopping writer covering all things lifestyle. She has tested dozens of pet products and relies on her rescue cat, Miso, and her other foster fur babies to help her find the best options for felines and the humans who love them.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.