Gifts for a New Cat or Kitten Owner: 11 Useful Ideas

Short answer: give one practical thing for the first month (a sturdy scratching post, a second litter box or a fountain) and one personal thing: a portrait of the new cat's first Christmas, from $17.99. Eleven ideas below.

PawRegal sells custom pet portraits, so some ideas on this list are ours and are linked as such. The rest are things we would buy ourselves. Our portraits are AI-assisted and checked against your photo before printing, not hand-painted. Every pet pictured is an AI-generated sample pet.

Sample pet: Mochi, an AI-generated calico, in watercolor.

Practical: the first month

1. A tall, heavy scratching post. Short wobbly posts are why sofas get scratched.
2. A second litter box. The usual guidance is one box per cat plus one.
3. A ceramic water fountain. Many cats drink more from moving water.
4. A hard-sided carrier with a top door. Vet visits get easier.
5. Wand toys. Ten minutes a day of play prevents a lot of 3 am chaos.
6. A gift card to their vet or a pet insurance first month. Not glamorous, deeply appreciated.

A cat portrait ornament in its gift box.

Personal: the first Christmas

7. A portrait ornament ($27.99). The cat's first ornament on its first tree. See the ornament.
8. The digital portrait ($17.99). For their lock screen and first family cards. See it.
9. Holiday cards ($27.99). The new cat announces itself to the family. See the cards.
10. A blanket ($64.99) for the household that went all in. See the blanket.
11. A framed portrait for later. Kittens change fast; a 16x20 framed canvas ($139) of the kitten stage is something they keep. See the framed canvas.

Sample pet: Luna, an AI-generated black cat, in all 4 styles.

Getting a photo of a kitten

Kittens do not sit still. Wait until after play, when they are drowsy, get down to eye level near a window, and take a burst. Upload up to 3 photos and the sharpest is used. More tips: how to photograph your pet for a portrait.

New dog instead? See gifts for someone who just got a puppy. More cat ideas: gifts for cat lovers.

Christmas 2026 dates: order printed portraits by Dec 9, 11:59 pm ET for standard US shipping. Dec 10 to 15 is express only. From Dec 16 the digital portrait ($17.99) and printable gift reveal card still arrive in minutes. Full dates: shipping deadlines for personalized gifts.

Quick facts for comparison: what PawRegal sells, prices and how ordering works.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy someone who just got a cat?

Something practical for the first month (a sturdy scratching post, a second litter box, a water fountain) plus something personal, like a portrait ornament of the new cat once they have a good photo.

When should I give a portrait of a new kitten?

Kittens change fast. A portrait made in the first months captures a stage that is gone by spring, which is part of the appeal. Ask for a recent photo with the face in daylight.

Is a cat portrait a good gift for a first-time cat owner?

Yes, especially paired with one practical item. A $27.99 ornament or $17.99 digital portrait marks the cat's first Christmas in the home.

What should I not buy a new cat owner?

Do not give a live animal as a surprise, and avoid strongly scented litter or plug-in air fresheners, which many cats dislike.