Gifts for cat lovers (and their cats): ideas they will actually use
The best gift for a cat person is something their cat uses every day. Here are the ones that earn a spot in the house, and the one flower to leave off the list.
The best gifts for cat lovers are things their cat will use every day, because that's what a cat person enjoys most. Wide, shallow bowls, an extra water station, a window perch, a good scratcher and something with their cat's name on it all earn their place.
Quick picks
| Gift | Why it works | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wide, shallow bowl | Many cats prefer not to push their face into a deep bowl | Ceramic or stainless steel cleans easily |
| Water fountain or second water bowl | Gives them more than one place to drink | Keep water away from the litter tray |
| Window perch | Front-row seat to the birds | Check the suction or brackets hold their weight |
| Scratching post | Saves the couch | Tall and heavy enough not to wobble |
| Personalised feeding mat | Their name with cat breed artwork | Highly absorbent and non-slip |
Gifts for the cat
A wide, shallow bowl
Some cats seem to dislike deep bowls that brush their whiskers, often called whisker fatigue. Vets don't all agree on how common it is, but a wide, shallow dish is an easy, low-cost thing to try if your cat scoops food onto the floor or eats from the edges. Our guide to whisker fatigue in cats covers what the research found.
A second water station
Plenty of cats drink more when water is easy to find. A second bowl in another room, or a water fountain, gives them options. Place water away from their food and well away from the litter tray.
A window perch or cat tree
Indoor cats in particular love height and a view. A perch on a sunny window or a sturdy cat tree turns a quiet afternoon into entertainment.
A scratcher that doesn't wobble
A post that tips over once is a post a cat won't trust again. Choose one tall enough for a full stretch and heavy enough to stay put, and put it near where they already scratch.
Toys that mimic hunting
Wand toys, crinkle balls and small treat puzzles let them stalk and pounce. Ten minutes of play before dinner suits their natural rhythm.
A personalised feeding mat
Our Custom Feeding Mat includes artwork for nine cat breeds, including domestic short, medium and long hair, ragdoll, British shorthair, Maine coon, Russian blue, Scottish fold and sphynx. Add their name in beige, blue or pink. It's highly absorbent and non-slip, and catches the kibble that gets batted out of the bowl. It measures 55 × 30 cm and arrives in a TOMO gift box.
Gifts for the cat lover
- A mat with their cat's name and breed, sent straight to them
- A portrait or illustration of their cat
- A photo book or calendar of their cat's best poses
- A cat-sitting voucher for their next trip away
- A donation to a cat rescue in their cat's name
Need ideas for dog people too? See our Christmas gift guide for dogs and dog lovers and dachshund gift ideas.
The gift to leave off the list: lilies
Lilies look lovely in a Christmas bouquet, but they're dangerous for cats. RSPCA NSW warns that all parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats, including the leaves, petals and pollen, and that they can cause kidney failure. Even the water in the vase can be harmful. If you're sending flowers to a home with a cat, choose a cat-safe arrangement, and check the RSPCA NSW list of toxic plants for pets.
If a cat may have touched or chewed a lily, call a vet immediately, even if they seem fine.
Frequently asked questions
What do you get someone who loves cats?
Something their cat will use: a wide, shallow bowl, a water fountain, a window perch, or a personalised mat with their cat's name and breed.
Are flowers a good gift for cat owners?
Only if the arrangement has no lilies. RSPCA NSW warns that all parts of the lily are toxic to cats, including the pollen.
What is whisker fatigue?
It's the idea that some cats find deep bowls uncomfortable because their whiskers touch the sides. Vets debate how common it is, but switching to a wide, shallow bowl is an easy thing to try.
