Even as a child, I was known to all of my family as a cat lover. So I’ve had a decent amount of experience in gifts for cat lovers. These presents are usually pretty safe because almost all kitty lovers enjoy receiving presents that acknowledge the greatness and the cuteness of our furry babies. But if you are looking for something other than a mug or a sweatshirt, here are some ideas.

Inexpensive Gifts for the Cat Lover

If you are looking for cheap gifts for cat lovers, you have plenty of options. There are many things that you can buy for under $10. One of the best suggestions I can think of are cat toys. Now, if you want something that the person will cherish forever, this isn’t a good idea. But if you are shopping for a person who doesn’t have many wants or needs, this is great. It is a present you can give to someone who says that they don’t need anything to let them know that you are thinking about them. Minimalists who are trying to reduce clutter in their home will appreciate a toy for their pet far more than other gifts.

When you are looking for a fun feline toy, keep safety in mind. Avoid toys that have small pieces that could be swallowed by a pet. One of my pet’s favorite toys is the cat dancer. It is simply a piece of spring steel wire and some cardboard. The owner can have their pets chase it or jump into the air to catch it. There are other types of cat dancers which are pieces of fabric attached to wands. Also fun, but not quite as good as the wire and cardboard.

Most felines love catnip, so toys that include those are always popular. One that I buy for my pet is called the “Kitty Can’t Cope Sack”. I buy it at my local grocery store. You can also get catnip toys that are handmade at Etsy. They come in a lot of different shapes and are sure to be appreciated by both people and cats.

Books for Cat Lovers

There are several good books for cat lovers. The only possible problem with this is the possibility that they own and have already read them. So if you go this route, keep the receipts so they will be able to exchange them for something else if they would like. I don’t want to list all the books, but here are some personal favorites (and judging by the reviews on Amazon, others agree with me).

Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover’s Soul

OK, I admit that when I see the Chicken Soup series my first thought is about their great marketing and not their great stories.

But then I’ll pick up a copy and read a few stories and I’m sold. This has over 100 stories, and while some of them are sad, most of them are heartwarming.

The Cat Who Came for Christmas
By Cleveland Amory

This, along with its sequel The Cat and the Curmudgeon, ranks as a  personal favorite. It details the story of Amory, a self-confessed curmudgeon, as he learns to live with and love a cat. He did work for animals before the feline came into his life, but he wasn’t a cat person.

What started as a temporary arrangement became a close friendship. While the cat arrived at Christmas, this is a story that can be read at any time of year.
Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World
By Vicki Myron and Bret Witter

A small freezing kitten was found in the book drop of a small town public library. It could have become a tragic story but instead the kitten grew up to be known and loved by the whole town.

I love libraries and cats, so my love of this story is not surprising.

Unique Cat Lover Gifts

Below I’ve listed some of my favorite unique cat lover gifts. My requirements are that they have to be something that I find funny or cool. They certainly won’t be for everyone but they are a great present for the right person.

Crazy Cat Lady Action Figure
If you ever tease your friend or relative about being a crazy cat lady, this is a good gag gift. In addition to the crazy looking figure, there are six cat figurines.

This is a fun present and should be good for plenty of laughs.

Art Deco Cat Fan
I love the looks of this! It’s a bit more expensive than the other items on this page, but it is great for a close friend or relative.

It is a portable fan made of high-quality cast metal and it has a nice bronze finish.

iPhone Cat Case

If your friend has an iPhone and loves cats, you can get them this cute little case cover that will help protect their phone and give it more of a personality.

This is a cheap gift idea and it is also useful which makes it a better choice than many gag gifts.

Gift Certificates

If you are looking for a cat lovers gift for an elderly relative or someone who is on a fixed income, consider getting them a gift certificate that will help them care for their pets. Pets can be expensive but they bring a lot of joy to our lives. Not being able to give their pet the care it deserves can be hard, so they will really appreciate the gift certificate.

You can help them with buying food or litter if you know the brand that they use (cats can be picky so you don’t want to get something at random). Some veterinarians also offer gift certificates so you can get one of these to help pay for a checkup or a vaccination.