The best gifts for cat lovers in 2026 are personal and useful: something that shows their own cat and something the cat uses every day. A custom cat scratcher painted to look like their cat does both. Below are our picks by type, with honest notes on each.
By George and Rosie, MyCatScratcher. We make custom cat scratchers, so we've listed our own product, but most of this guide is about other kinds of gifts.
Quick picks
| Gift type | Best for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Custom cat scratcher painted like their cat | A personal gift the cat uses daily | $89.95 (Sunny Day Scratcher) |
| Custom pet portrait | Wall art for a cat lover who has everything | $40-$250 |
| Window perch | Indoor cats who love watching birds | $25-$60 |
| Water fountain | Cats who don't drink enough | $25-$50 |
| Puzzle feeder or treat toy | Bored or fast-eating cats | $10-$30 |
| Heated or self-warming bed | Older cats and cold homes | $30-$80 |
| Cat-themed mug, socks or calendar | Stocking stuffers under $25 | $10-$25 |
1. A custom cat scratcher painted to look like their cat
Every cat needs to scratch for claw health, stretching and marking territory, so a scratcher is one of the few gifts guaranteed to get used. The Sunny Day Scratcher has a sleeping cat on the side painted to match the recipient's cat from one photo. The frame is sanitizable, the cardboard is refillable, and it ships free in the U.S. It's $89.95.
Your cat, their own scratcher: each one is painted from a photo of the cat.
Good to know: order by December 14 for Christmas and use your own email so the photo request comes to you, not them. See our holiday order-by dates.
2. A custom pet portrait
A painted or illustrated portrait is the classic sentimental gift. Look for artists who show real past work and give a clear turnaround time, since many need 2-4 weeks before the holidays.
3. A window perch
Indoor cats spend hours at the window. A suction or sill-mounted perch gives them a safe, comfortable lookout. Check the weight rating if the cat is large.
4. A water fountain
Many cats drink more from moving water. Choose one that's easy to take apart and clean, and budget for replacement filters.
5. A puzzle feeder or treat toy
Puzzle feeders slow down fast eaters and give indoor cats something to figure out. Start with an easy level so the cat doesn't give up.
6. A heated or self-warming bed
Older cats and cats in cold homes love warmth. Self-warming beds use the cat's own body heat; heated beds need an outlet and a chew-safe cord.
7. Stocking stuffers under $25
Cat-print socks, mugs, calendars and catnip toys are easy wins for coworkers and friends. Personalized versions with the cat's name feel more thoughtful.
Refill pads are $10 each (3 for $24), an easy stocking stuffer for anyone who already has a Sunny Day Scratcher.
How to choose
- Make it about their cat. Gifts that show the recipient's own cat are remembered longest.
- Pick something used daily. Scratchers, beds and fountains beat decor that sits on a shelf.
- Order custom gifts early. Anything made to order needs time; check the maker's holiday dates.
Questions
What do you get a cat lover who has everything?
Something personal to their cat, like a scratcher or portrait made from a photo of their cat. They won't already own one.
What is a good gift for a cat lover under $25?
A puzzle feeder, a catnip toy, or a mug or calendar with cats on it. Refill pads for a scratcher they already own also work.
Is a cat scratcher a good gift?
Yes. Cats need to scratch every day, so a good scratcher gets used constantly, and it protects the owner's furniture.