Getting gifts for the cat parents (and cat lovers—we see you too!) in your life can be a real struggle. There are so many corny and poor quality products out there, and sometimes you don’t know what will actually be useful or fun for life with cats! In this article, we’ll give you our curated list of the best gifts for cat lovers, ranging from cat parent essentials to tasteful home objects.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We are also cat parents, cat lovers, and design enthusiasts, so we put our heads together to compile the best list of cat-related products that we would definitely use.
We’ve divided this list into sections to make navigation as easy as possible. Click on a section title to jump straight to it:
Cat Litterbox Gifts
1) tuft + paw Really Great Cat Litter - $29
All cat parents need cat litter, but most cat litter sucks! A subscription to a quality litter like tuft + paw’s Really Great Cat Litter can be an absolute game changer for cat parents. This litter comes in the form of low tracking pellets which are clumping, flushable, and super low dust. Plus it’s thoughtfully sourced from recycled soybean byproduct, so eco-conscious cat parents can feel good about where their litter comes from and rest easy knowing it’s 100% biodegradable.
2) Scent Away Litter Box Deodorizer - $13
Credit: Scent Away
Minimizing litter box odor is top of mind for all cat parents, so an effective litter box deodorizer can be the perfect gift. Scent Away is made from zeolite and activated carbon, both of which absorb odor compounds and are non-toxic and unscented. By all accounts, this is one of the best litter deodorizers on the market!
3) tuft + paw Cove Litter Box - from $149
Many cat parents settle for cheap plastic litter pans which don’t stop litter tracking, absorb odors, and break within a year. The tuft + paw Cove Litter Box, on the other hand, is super sturdy, anti-stick, and comes with built-in cleaning tools and a removable scatter shield. As you can see, it’s also pretty dang stylish! Give your cat parent friends a litter box they can be proud of.
Tip: Another great option is the tuft + paw Cubby Litter Box, which is essentially a simplified Cove. It’s less deluxe and has fewer features, but sometimes simplicity is what you need!
4) PetFusion XL Litter Mat - $46
Credit: Amazon
This PetFusion litter mat took the number one spot on our list of the best litter mats to stop tracking, and we stand by it. It’s easy to clean, durable, and does a great job of catching litter particles that end up outside the box.
Cat Food Gifts
5) PETLIBRO Water Fountain - $40
Credit: PETLIBRO
Most cats prefer to drink from running water sources rather than still water sources, so investing in a cat water fountain is one of the best ways to prevent dehydration. This water fountain from PETLIBRO is an affordable, beautifully designed option.
6) PETLIBRO Air Feeder - $50
Credit: PETLIBRO
And while we’re at it, PETLIBRO is also renowned for their automatic pet feeders. Like the fountain, this feeder is stylish and reasonably priced, making it a perfect gift for busy cat parents who can’t be home for every mealtime.
7) Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Slow Feeder - $20
Credit: Amazon
For the food-motivated cats out there, slowing down mealtimes is great for improving digestion and limiting throw-ups (yeah we’ve been there). This Catit feeder helps slow down mealtimes and adds an element of fun and mental stimulation.
8) tuft + paw Dock Bowl + Stand - $59
An elevated bowl is more comfortable for cats to eat from because it can reduce pressure on their neck and improve digestion. The ceramic Dock Bowl is easy to clean and smooth to the touch, while the metal Dock Stand provides a heavy base and full silicone grip for top-tier stability.
9) Churu 50-Pack - $32
Credit: Chewy
If you know you know: cats go CRAZY for Churus. They’re a fantastic way to reward cats for a playtime well done. We don’t recommend them as a go-to “healthy” snack, but as treat motivation they are unmatched.
10) Purebites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Cat Treats - $5
Credit: Chewy
On the other hand, Purebites cat treats are a great everyday healthy treat option. These ones are made entirely from human-grade chicken breast, are rich in protein, and average out to two calories per treat.
11) SmartCat Kitty's Garden Cat Grass - $15
Credit: Chewy
Cats have a natural instinct to snack on plant matter, which can result in some unfortunate run-ins with houseplants (for the plant AND the cat if they’re not cat-friendly). Providing a cat with a designated patch of cat grass allows them to exercise their natural behaviors and aid their digestion—and it saves untold numbers of houseplants.
Cat Parent Essentials
12) tuft + paw Porto Cat Carrier - $99
Every cat parent needs a cat carrier, but most cat parents purchase their first carrier on a whim when adopting a cat. The tuft + paw Porto is a serious upgrade on the average carrier thanks to its multiple entries, high-quality materials, and unique ability to transform into a “home away from home”. It can do everything and it does it in style!
13) Mejuri Pet Tag - $28
Credit: Mejuri
Mejuri is beloved for their tasteful human jewelry, but did you know they make pet jewelry too? This heart tag is gold-plated stainless steel and can be engraved with any text up to 25 characters.
14) Keepaws Harness - $64
Credit: Etsy
This Keepaws Harness is ideal for free roaming outdoor cats or cat parents who take their kitty on outdoor adventures. It’s leash compatible and made from high quality leather, but the best feature is that it can be equipped with an Apple Airtag. With this harness, tech-savvy cat parents will be able to keep tabs on their cat wherever they roam.
15) Thundershirt for Cats - $40
Credit: Thunderworks
Cat anxiety is a thing, and one way to help treat it is with a Thundershirt. It’s designed to exert a gentle, constant pressure on the cat’s torso, which helps relieve stress in a manner similar to swaddling a baby. It can help with vet visits, traveling, loud noises, or really anytime a cat feels stressed out.
16) Feliway Classic Diffuser - $22
Credit: Feliway
Speaking of stressful cat behaviors, many cat parents swear by Feliway Diffusers when they need to calm their cat(s) down. It releases synthetic pheromones which help reduce stress in cats and prevent behaviors like scratching, hiding, and urine spraying. Feliway offers a range of formulas and products designed for different situations.
17) tuft + paw Nuzzle Cat Bed - $169
A cozy cat bed is a must-have for any cat household, and they don’t get cozier than the tuft + paw Nuzzle. The high quality faux fur is soft and insulating, while the molded foam body creates a plush donut for cats to really snuggle into. Wintertime naps here we come!
18) Shiny Pet Nail Clippers - $14
Credit: Amazon
Good nail clippers are an essential for cat parents. They need to be sharp, easy to use, and reliable. These Shiny Pet Nail Clippers are some of the highest rated clippers on the market, and they also come with a helpful e-book guide which walks you through how to clip your cat’s nails.
19) Mars Boar Bristle Cat Brush - $12
Credit: Mars Coat-King
This Mars Boar Bristle brush is a little slice of heaven for cats that like to be brushed. The sturdy bristles capture loose fur, shine their coat, and provide a satisfying scratch all at the same time. We also like the classic design and varnished beech wood handle.
20) Uproot Pet Hair Remover - $24
Credit: Walmart
On the topic of cat fur, holy smokes does that stuff get everywhere! Give cat parents some relief with this Uproot Pet Hair Remover, which will let them clean the rugs, upholstery, and cat furniture.
21) Evercare Pet Hair Lint Rollers - $12
Credit: Chewy
For clothing and more delicate fabrics, a good old fashioned sticky lint roller is still the gold standard for removing cat hair. Cat parents go through these things like nobody’s business, so trust us—they’ll appreciate the two-pack.
22) tuft + paw Tab Scratching Board - from $149
A good quality scratching surface is absolutely essential when living with cats, both to create an engaging feline environment AND to save your furniture. The tuft + paw Tab Scratching Board is wrapped in durable dense carpet and can be laid flat, diagonally, or mounted vertically on the wall. It’s one of the most versatile scratching posts around, and it’s no slouch in the style department either.
23) tuft + paw Frond Cat Tree - $299
The Frond Cat Tree checks a lot of boxes on the cat requirement list: three elevated perches for watching their kingdown, a sisal-wrapped scratching post, and multiple spots for a cat nap. Plus, it’s a piece of furniture that any cat parent would be happy to display in their home. If the cat parents in your life don’t have a cat tree yet (or are looking to upgrade), the Frond will be sure to please.
Cat Toys + Playtime Gifts
24) Umosis Automatic Cat Laser - $20
Credit: Amazon
When cat parents go out, we love to know that our feline buddies will be entertained. This automatic cat laser is custom-made for that purpose: it runs for 15 minute intervals every 1.5 hours and has five different circling ranges, ensuring your cat will have plenty of fun and exercise while you’re away.
25) Cowjag Laser Pointer - $8
Credit: Amazon
…but when cat parents are home and have time to play with our beloved cats, nothing hits like a classic handheld laser pointer! This one has three light modes, five different laser shapes, and it charges by USB. It’s a cat parent stocking stuffer that will get hours and hours of use.
26) Cat Dancer Original Cat Toy - $7
Credit: Amazon
If cats could talk, they’d probably all agree that the Original Cat Dancer is their favorite wand toy. For whatever reason, cats lose it for this thing. Maybe it’s the way the wire bounces, maybe it’s the little cardboard tubes on the end, who knows! It’s cheap, simple, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
27) Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel - $16
Credit: Chewy
Few things jazz up playtime like a cat tunnel. It allows cats to hunt their toys like the fierce ambush predators they are, lying in wait before pouncing on their unsuspecting victim. We like this one from Frisco because of its length and two windows.
28) tuft + paw Fishbone - $39
The tuft + paw Fish Bone is a high quality cat toy that’s designed to withstand all the abuse your cat can throw at it. Its linen surface is both durable and satisfying to scratch, and the skeletal shape is perfect for gripping and wrestling with. The cherry on top is the included pack of catnip, which is sure to send playtime into turbo-drive.
29) From the Field Ultimate Blend Catnip & Silvervine - $9
Credit: Chewy
Cat parents love to keep catnip on hand for those special playtimes, and this From The Field blend is some of the best you can get. It’s made in the USA and includes silver vine, a catnip alternative that works for many cats who don’t react to catnip alone.
Gifts for Cat-Loving Bookworms
30) The Cat Encyclopedia - $30
Credit: Amazon
For the truly cat-obsessed, this is THE coffee table book. It covers breeds, cat behavior, cat history, and even cat folklore! Whether the cat lover in your life wants to learn everything about cats or just likes beautiful cat photos, this encyclopedia has them covered.
31) Cats: Photographs 1942-2018 - $19
Credit: Amazon
This gorgeous book is a collection of the work of Walter Chandoha, a photographer who—get this—made his name taking cat photos (dream job!). Photography buffs and cat lovers alike will get hours of joy pouring over Chandoha’s work.
32) On Cats: An Anthology - $16
Credit: Amazon
This anthology gathers writing from renowned authors such as Hemingway, Ursula K. Le Guin, John Keats, and Alice Walker, all around a single theme: cats! If you’re shopping for a literary cat lover, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better gift than this.
33) Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot - $14
Credit: Amazon
Fun fact: this delightful (and frankly ridiculous) collection of poetry from T.S. Eliot was the basis for Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Cats! Need we say more?
34) Magnetic Cat Bookmarks - $4
Credit: Amazon
Cat-loving bookworms need bookmarks, so why not make those cat-themed too? We love how subtle these page markers are while still providing a dash of feline cuteness.
Home Gifts for Cat Parents
35) Needle Felted Cat Planter - $25
Credit: Etsy
This adorable needle felted cat planter will keep your succulents cozy all winter long. Each one is handmade in Italy and there are 28 different wool colors, so you can probably find a shade that matches the recipient’s cat.
36) tuft + paw Stellar Cat Bed - $299
If you know a cat parent who’s serious about upgrading their cat bed game, the tuft + paw Stellar is just the ticket. The eye-catching design features a steel frame and orb made from resin-coated yarn, with a custom-fit faux fur cushion inside for maximum comfort. The Stellar’s sheltered design is especially suited for cats who love to sleep under the bed or in cat cubbies.
37) tuft + paw Vista Cat Perch - $199
A great perch goes a long way towards creating a cat-friendly home, and the tuft + paw Vista is particularly well suited for apartments and small living spaces. Its hidden frame mounts directly into the wall, so it takes up zero floor space and gives the illusion of a floating cat bed. The finishing touch is the soft faux fur blanket, creating a comfy perch that’s just begging to be napped in.
38) PetCube Pet Camera - $50
Credit: Amazon
The PetCube is a nifty piece of tech designed for watching over furbabies. It’s great for cat parents and cats with separation anxiety, those who need to keep an eye on any feline mischief, or even for keeping tabs on health issues. It’s WiFi-equipped, has two-way audio, and is even Alexa-compatible.
39) tuft + paw Sprout Cat Tower - $699
The tuft + paw Sprout is quite possibly the most beautiful cat tree on the planet. We’re biased of course, but the Sprout’s bent plywood construction and sleek silhouette are strong supporting evidence. Cat parents who are sick of the usual beige carpeted cat trees will find the Sprout to be a breath of fresh air.
40) Classiky Kata-Kata Indigo Ceramic Plate - $34
Credit: Out & About Boutique
This adorable “mamezara”, or Japanese bean dish, is sure to charm any cat lover (or ceramics lover for that matter). It’s handmade using a traditional transfer printing technique and, lucky for us, they chose cats as the motif! It’s perfect as a snack dish or as an accent tray for holding knick knacks and keys.
41) Ichendorf Milano Cat Tumbler - $21
Credit: Out & About Boutique
Ichendorf Milano is famous for their high quality glassware, and they’ve mastered the art of incorporating unexpected shapes and colors into their pieces. Case in point: this precious cat tumbler! It may not be the most practical gift, but it sure is delightful.
42) Lucky Cat Glass Tea Mug - $18
Credit: Midori Gifts
While we’re discussing glassware, we’d be remiss to not include this Lucky Cat Tea Mug from Midori Gifts. The feline section is a ceramic tea strainer, so the user can steep loose leaf teas. It even comes with its own protective carrying case! If someone gifted this to us we’d take it everywhere.
