Gift Guide
When people search “cat themed gifts,” they usually mean one of two things: gifts for cat lovers (decor, wearables, keepsakes) or gifts that a cat can safely enjoy (toys, enrichment). This guide covers both—plus how to choose something that fits the person’s style and keeps the cat safe.
Cat households are a big part of why cat-themed gifting is everywhere: APPA reports 37% of U.S. households (about 49 million) own a cat. Source: https://americanpetproducts.org/news/the-american-pet-products-association-appa-releases-2025-state-of-the-industry-report
Quick picks by recipient
Wearable, low-effort, high-use.
Embroidered portrait cap Embroidered portrait sweatshirtSmall, personal, doesn’t add clutter.
Mini felt keychain charm Clean-line framed portraitComforting, keepsake-forward.
Handmade 3D charm Framed custom artTip: If you don’t know their decor style, choose something that’s worn (caps/sweatshirts) or carried (keychain/charm).
How to choose a cat themed gift (without guessing)
1) Decide: “cat lover” gift or “cat” gift?
- Cat lover gifts = clothing, art, home decor, office items, travel/EDC items.
- Cat gifts = enrichment, play, comfort, feeding, safety (must be chosen carefully).
2) Match the person’s vibe in 10 seconds
- Neutral wardrobe? Pick black/white/grey options.
- Bright accessories? Choose color options they’ll actually wear.
- Sentimental? Go custom from a real photo.
3) If a cat lives in the home: avoid common hazards
Some “cute” gift add-ons (ribbons, stringy decor, certain plants) can be risky for cats. ASPCA has documented cases where cats ingest ribbon/string and end up needing medical help: https://www.aspca.org/news/seasonal-dangers-chimis-close-call-holiday-ribbon
And if you’re gifting flowers, be especially careful with lilies around cats: https://www.aspca.org/news/which-lilies-are-toxic-pets
| Gift detail | Why it can be a problem | Safer swap |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon, string, yarn, tinsel-style decor | If swallowed, string-like items can cause serious intestinal issues (ASPCA examples show how quickly it happens). | Paper gift wrap, fabric ribbon kept out of reach, or a gift bag stored away after opening. |
| Lilies and certain holiday plants | Some plants are dangerous for pets; lilies are a well-known risk for cats. | Cat-safe plants or faux florals (and keep bouquets fully cat-inaccessible). |
| Small detachable parts on cat toys | Choking/ingestion risk if the toy breaks or sheds pieces. | Sturdy, supervised play items; rotate toys and inspect weekly. |
For broader seasonal safety reminders, AVMA publishes holiday pet safety guidance: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety
Personalized cat-themed gifts (PetDecorArt examples)
Personalized gifts work especially well for cat lovers because the “theme” is already emotionally specific: their cat. Below are PetDecorArt options with specs pulled from the official product pages.
| Gift type | Picture | What it is | Key specs from PetDecorArt | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidered portrait sweatshirt |  |
A wearable cat portrait stitched from a photo | Price shown: $59.98 Material: 100% pure cotton Portrait size options: 2" or 3.5" Sizes: S–5XL Multiple color options listed |
Everyday wear, birthdays, holiday gifting | https://petdecorart.com/products/custom-embroidered-pet-portrait-sweatshirt-crew-neck-long-sleeve-petdecorart |
| Embroidered portrait cap |  |
Hand-embroidered cat portrait on an adjustable cap | Price shown: $39.98 Material: 100% pure cotton Fit: one-size, adjustable Multiple color options listed |
Easy gift when you don’t know their exact size | https://petdecorart.com/products/custom-pet-portrait-hand-embroidered-caps-petdecorart |
| Mini felt keychain / bag charm |  |
A tiny 3D “mini cat” you can carry daily | Price shown: $59.90 Size: ~1.5 inches (mini) Material noted: wool felt Handmade timeline noted on-page: about 2–4 weeks (varies by queue/complexity) |
Stocking stuffer feel, everyday comfort item | https://petdecorart.com/products/custom-mini-stuffed-animal-cloned-pet-keychain-bag-charm |
| 3D handmade ornament / hanging charm |  |
A 3D wool-style replica for car/bag/display | Price shown: $99.99 Use cases listed: bags, backpacks, keychains, display Material noted: high-quality wool Handmade timeline noted on-page: about 2–4 weeks (varies) |
Holiday ornament vibe, travel/commute companion | https://petdecorart.com/products/custom-stuffed-animals-car-hanging-ornaments |
| 3D sculpted pet portrait mug |  |
A mug with a raised, sculpted cat portrait | Price shown: $179.99 Listed features: waterproof, non-toxic materials Color options shown: White, Black, Blue, Orange, Pink Handmade timeline noted on-page: about 2–4 weeks (varies) |
Office gift, “daily reminder” keepsake | https://petdecorart.com/products/3d-oil-painting-custom-pet-portraits-on-mugs-petdecorart |
| Framed custom oil painting (giftable wall art) |  |
Custom portrait intended for display | Price shown: $169.99 Notes on page include options to choose size/pose and add multiple pets Shipping section on the page includes custom-handmade timing guidance (see “Timing” section below) |
Housewarming, memorial gift, “centerpiece” art | https://petdecorart.com/products/custom-pet-photo-frame-painting-oil-painting-on-glass-art-painting |
Photo checklist (so the custom gift looks like their cat)
- Front face photo in good light (not a dark indoor shot).
- Clear eye color and markings (tabby stripes, tuxedo mask, spots).
- One “personality” shot (signature pose, head tilt, loaf mode, etc.).
- If the cat is long-haired: include a photo that shows fur texture clearly.
If you’re ordering wool/felt-style replicas, PetDecorArt also publishes photo guidance (helpful even if you’re buying elsewhere): https://petdecorart.com/blogs/petdecorart-blog-news-tips-and-stories/how-to-get-an-accurate-framed-pet-replica-from-photos
Gifts for the cat (safety-first)
If the gift is for the cat, “cute” matters less than durable, supervised, and appropriate. A good rule: avoid anything that resembles string/ribbon unless it’s a wand toy used only during supervised play and stored away after.
Cat-approved ideas that feel gift-worthy
- Interactive wand toy (supervised only)
- Puzzle feeder or treat maze
- Window perch or suction-cup cat hammock (if the home setup allows)
- Soft cave bed (especially for shy cats)
- Cat grass kit (placed safely)
Simple safety checks
- Inspect seams/parts weekly; discard if pieces loosen.
- Avoid elastic bands, ribbons, and loose string.
- If gifting plants, verify cat safety first (ASPCA list can help).
ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant list for cats: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
Best cat themed gifts by occasion
| Occasion | What usually works | Why it lands well | If a cat lives in the home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birthday | Wearable portrait gift (cap/sweatshirt) or a desk item (mug) | It’s personal, but still usable | Avoid ribbon-heavy packaging; keep gift wrap out of reach |
| Holiday / Christmas | Mini charm/keychain, ornament-style keepsake, cozy apparel | Feels seasonal and sentimental | Be cautious with tinsel and string-like decor (see ASPCA/AVMA sources above) |
| New cat adoption | “Welcome home” bundle: practical cat items + one human keepsake | Supports the new routine and celebrates the moment | Choose sturdy toys; supervise play for the first weeks |
| Memorial / sympathy | Custom portrait art, small daily-carry keepsake | Helps them remember without forcing “cheerful” vibes | Skip strong scents and breakable decor if the home has curious cats |
Timing: how early to order custom gifts
Custom items often need more than “shipping time” because the piece must be made first. PetDecorArt’s shipping section (shown on product pages) breaks custom-handmade timing into confirmation, crafting, and delivery.
| Timeline stage | What happens | Typical range shown on PetDecorArt pages | How to avoid delays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmation & assessment | Details are confirmed (photo, pose, options) | About 1–3 business days | Upload clear photos and respond quickly to any questions |
| Crafting time | Handmaking the custom piece | About 10–25 business days depending on complexity | Order earlier if you want multi-pet or complex designs |
| Delivery window | Production + shipping combined | Standard: 26–52 business days VIP: 19–45 business days |
If you’re on a deadline, check estimated delivery on the product page and consider faster shipping options where offered |
Reference page (contains the custom-handmade timing language in the shipping section): https://petdecorart.com/products/custom-pet-photo-frame-painting-oil-painting-on-glass-art-painting
FAQ
What are the safest “cat themed” gifts if the cat will interact with it?
What’s the easiest personalized gift when you don’t know their clothing size?
Are embroidered portraits better than printed ones for gifting?
What photo makes a custom cat portrait look most accurate?
How early should I order a custom handmade gift?
What are thoughtful cat themed gifts for someone grieving a loss?
Are lilies safe to gift to a cat owner?
What if I want “cat themed” but not their specific cat?
Do cat themed gifts need to be “cute” to be good?
Where can I find a trustworthy baseline for pet-industry spending and ownership?
Sources & further reading
- APPA pet industry spending stats: https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats
- APPA 2025 State of the Industry (ownership includes cat households figure): https://americanpetproducts.org/news/the-american-pet-products-association-appa-releases-2025-state-of-the-industry-report
- ASPCA on lilies: https://www.aspca.org/news/which-lilies-are-toxic-pets
- ASPCA ribbon ingestion story (why string/ribbon is risky): https://www.aspca.org/news/seasonal-dangers-chimis-close-call-holiday-ribbon
- AVMA holiday pet safety: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/holiday-pet-safety
About the author: PetDecorArt Editorial Team. We focus on practical gifting guides and custom pet keepsakes, with an emphasis on clear selection criteria, photo readiness, and pet-safe considerations.
Note: This article is educational and not veterinary advice. For ingestion/toxin concerns, contact a veterinarian immediately.
