Cat dads are a special kind of pet parent. He might not post about his cat every day, but he knows exactly which spot on the couch belongs to her, he has opinions about which food is "the good one," and he definitely talks to the cat when he thinks no one is listening. Shopping for him at Christmas can be tricky, though. Most "cat lover" gifts are aimed at cat moms, and plenty of men aren't into slogan mugs or cartoon cat prints.
The good news: the gifts cat dads like best are usually the simplest. Something useful, something a little funny, and something that's clearly about his cat. Here are the ideas that work, plus a few tips on getting them right.
What makes a good gift for a cat dad?
Before you start shopping, run your idea through this quick checklist:
- It's about his cat, not cats in general. A gift with his cat's actual face and name on it beats a generic cat design every time.
- It's low-key. Many cat dads prefer understated gifts over loud "crazy cat guy" merchandise. Think cozy, practical and quietly personal.
- It gets used. Something he wears, sleeps under or hangs on the tree every year is better than something that ends up in a drawer.
- It has a sense of humor. A little bit of fun goes a long way, especially if the cat is the punchline.
The best Christmas gifts for cat dads
1. A custom cat photo blanket
Ask any cat dad where his cat naps and there's a good chance the answer is "on me." A soft sherpa blanket printed with his cat's face and name is the kind of gift that gets used every evening from December to March. It's practical, it's personal, and the cat will almost certainly claim it too.
Our custom pet blankets come in two sizes. The 30x40 ($54.95) is a good lap throw for the couch or the office chair. The 50x60 ($64.95) is big enough for movie night with room to share with the cat.
2. Cat face socks
If he's the kind of guy who appreciates a joke, socks covered in his cat's face are hard to beat. They're funny, they're useful, and they make a great "from the cat" gift. At $24.95, our custom pet face socks are also an easy add-on if you're already buying something bigger. They come in sizes S, M and L.
3. A personalized cat photo ornament
Even the most low-key cat dad gets a little sentimental about the Christmas tree. A two-sided ceramic ornament with his cat's photo on the front and the name and year on the back becomes part of the holiday every December. Plenty of families add a new one every year, so the ornaments become a timeline of the cat's life.
Browse our personalized pet ornaments ($29.95). If he's recently lost a cat, a photo ornament is also one of the gentlest ways to remember them. Our guide to pet memorial Christmas ornament ideas has tips for giving one with care.
4. A Christmas stocking for the cat
Cat dads may claim they don't do "pet stockings." Then Christmas morning comes, and the cat is the only one without one. A custom pet photo Christmas stocking ($39.95) with the cat's face and name gives her a proper spot on the mantel, and gives him somewhere to hide the catnip and treats.
5. Cat face wrapping paper
This one is less about the gift and more about the reveal. Wrap his present in paper covered in his cat's face and watch him try not to laugh. Our custom pet face wrapping paper starts at $34.95 and comes in glossy or matte, in three roll lengths. Order it by December 3 so it arrives in time to actually wrap with.
Gift ideas by type of cat dad
Every cat dad is a little different. Here's a quick way to match the gift to the guy:
- The homebody: the 50x60 photo blanket. He'll be on the couch with the cat anyway.
- The jokester: cat face socks, wrapped in cat face wrapping paper. Double the cat, double the laugh.
- The quiet sentimental type: a photo ornament with the cat's name and the year.
- The new cat dad: a stocking for the cat's first Christmas, plus an ornament to mark the year.
- The cat dad who has everything: a gift made from his own cat's photo. He can't already own it, because it didn't exist until you made it.
Build a cat dad gift bundle
If you want to go bigger, two or three personalized pieces together make a memorable gift. Some combinations that work well:
- The cozy night in: a sherpa photo blanket and a pair of cat face socks.
- The Christmas morning set: a stocking, a matching ornament and cat face wrapping paper.
- The "from the cat" gift: socks and an ornament, with a card signed by the cat.
Bundles also save money. Discounts apply automatically at checkout: buy 2, save 10%, and buy 3 or more, save 15%. Shipping is free anywhere in the US.
Tips for getting a personalized cat gift right
Pick a clear photo of the cat's face
Cats are famously hard to photograph, so choose the best shot you can find: face in focus, eyes visible, good light, and the cat looking roughly toward the camera. Natural window light works well. Our guide on how to pick the right photo for a pet gift walks through what to look for.
Get the photo without spoiling the surprise
Check his phone's lock screen (you'd be surprised how often it's the cat), his social media, or ask a family member to send you a favorite. You can also say you're making a holiday card and need a nice photo of the cat.
Check the spelling of the cat's name
Is it "Mochi" or "Moochie"? "Cleo" or "Clio"? Double-check before you order, especially for names with creative spelling.
Order early
Every piece is made to order, so it takes a little longer than something off the shelf. For Christmas delivery in the US, order by December 5 (December 3 for wrapping paper).
Frequently asked questions
What do you get a man who loves his cat?
Something that's clearly about his own cat. A photo blanket, an ornament with the cat's name, or a pair of cat face socks are all personal without being over the top.
What's a good cat dad gift under $30?
Cat face socks ($24.95) and a personalized cat photo ornament ($29.95) are both under $30 and easy to pair with a card.
Do these work for dog dads too?
Yes. Every product works with a dog or cat photo. If you're also shopping for the dog lovers on your list, see our guide to the best gifts for dog moms or our Christmas gifts for cat lovers.
Make his Christmas (and the cat's)
The best gift for a cat dad says "I know that cat is family." Start with a custom cat photo blanket, add a personalized ornament, or browse everything in our Christmas gifts collection. Upload a photo, add the cat's name, and we'll take care of the rest. Remember to order by December 5 for Christmas delivery.