The Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Purr-fect Cat Birthday Party
Do you know whose birthday I celebrate more than my own? Mia's! (In case you are new here... Mia is my cat)
If you’re anything like me, you probably already celebrate your cat every day, whether that’s through playtime, treats or belly rubs (if they allow it)... but a birthday? That calls for something more... meowgical!
If you’ve ever tried to plan a birthday party for your feline overlord, you know the real challenge isn’t the decorations or cake—it’s getting them to care. From picking out the ultimate cat gift to preparing a delicious Cat Birthday Cake, I got you covered!
The Best Birthday Gifts for Your Cat
Let’s be honest—cats are connoisseurs of surprise indifference. You could spend hours browsing through Amazon to find the best teaser wand only for them to sniff it once and wander off to sit in the box it came in. (Classic.)
The best thing we can give our cats is quality time — whether it be playing with them until our shoulder hurts from the teaser wand, letting them knead layers of our skin, offering the perfect triangle between our legs or taking them on a short adventure.
If you are a gift giver, though, knowing your cat’s preferences will help you find the best gift. For my bengal cat Mia the priority is clear. FOOD. Here are some tried-and-true gift birthday ideas that might actually impress them!
New Cat Toys and Other Indoor Entertainment
Cats get bored of their toys, that's why experts recommend rotating them and hiding them after playing with your cat.
This makes getting your cat a new toy a great idea! Mia likes teaser wands, feathers more than mice. I buy just the refill pack, and rotate them when she stops going crazy. If your cat is more laid-back, a crinkly ball or a kicker can be the answer. If your cat is like mine, and loves the thrill of the chase, an interactive toy should be the way to go.
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Feather Wands – Perfect for letting your cat live out their inner jungle panther dreams.
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Laser Pointers – A classic choice that keeps cats pumped up. Will they ever catch that red dot? Nope. Will they try? Absolutely. I recommend switching to a toy they can actually hunt after getting teased with the laser. It's good to let them get the reward of a "kill".
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Puzzle Toys – Keeps their little genius minds sharp and makes them work for treats. Because your cat deserves enrichment!
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Clicker Training - Want to teach your cat new tricks? Check out our Clicker Training Starter Kit for mental training activities!
Pro Tip: If your cat gives you the classic "this is beneath me" look after unwrapping their toy, try waving it around like it’s the greatest thing ever. Instant excitement!
A new and exciting piece of Furniture
They are natural climbers, scratchers (the clawed-on sofa is evidence), and professional loungers. Consider upgrading their mauling experience with a new scratch post or, better yet, a new cat tree topped with a cozy heated bed.
I love the cat wall in my Studio and would buy it again. It's a great playtime area for Mia and looks fantastic. Looks so good I use it as my YouTube Channel backdrop haha! It's from Catastrophic Creations.
They will appreciate the spot to perch at the highest point to declare dominance and ignore your nicer furniture as mine did!
Why Stop at One Party? Keep the Fun Going with a Monthly Subscription!
Want to keep the birthday fun going year-round? A cat subscription box delivers new treats and toys to your doorstep every month. It’s basically like making every day their birthday. (Which, let’s be real, it already is.)
Catnip and Alternative Options
Catnip can turn even the most dignified feline into a silly, rolling fluffball.
To spoil my cats rotten, I tried growing fresh catnip in pots (fun fact: they're highly invasive, so don't plant them in the garden!). But I quickly gave up between the knocked-over pots, constant cleaning, and the fact that only 2 of my four cats cared for it. Then I learned that 30-40% of cats don't respond to catnip. You'd think they'd be missing out, but nope! Great alternatives would be a Silvervine, Valerian root, or Tatarian honeysuckle. Both can lead to some hilarious birthday zoomies.
You can also throw their favorite treats arount the house to get them to run! That's fun (and counts as exercise).
Celebrating Your Cat's Birthday with Food
No party is complete without a feast! But before you go tossing them a whole tuna steak, let’s talk about how to make this a truly delicious (and safe) experience. A real way to their heart: snacks!
DIY Cat Treats (Because Store-Bought Is So Last Year)
Homemade treats let you control the ingredients, ensuring they’re both tasty and safe. Here’s an easy go-to recipe:
Tuna Bites Recipe:
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1 can of tuna in water (drained)
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1 egg
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1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
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1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for fresh breath)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Blend ingredients into a paste.
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Scoop small portions onto a baking sheet.
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Bake for 10 minutes or until firm.
Not a fan of baking? No judgment—just grab a pack of Feastfuls Treats and watch your cat think you’re a five-star chef. Your cat will love them!
How to Make a Cat Birthday Cake
Inspired by Battersea Cats & Dogs Home, this cake is simple, delicious, and—most importantly—cat-approved!
Ingredients:
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50g mashed sweet potato
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Half a tin of tuna (in water, drained)
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1 tsp plain flour
For Decoration:
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1 mashed potato (for frosting)
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A stick-shaped cat treat (as a candle)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Batter. Mix mashed sweet potato, tuna, and flour.
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Shape the Cake. Use a cookie cutter to form a cake shape.
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Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
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Add Frosting. Pipe mashed potato on top.
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Decorate with a Treat Candle. Serve at room temperature to keep it appealing for your cat.
Bonus Tip: Try singing "Happy Birthday" and watch your cat react. Will they look unimpressed? Will they run? Will they judge? Only one way to find out!
Create a memory you can keep forever
I constantly take pictures of Mia because of our instagram page, but if you never have taken professional photos of your cat, it's fun and you'll get a beautiful memory in return.
If that’s not for you, consider being creative with a paw print keepsake. Simply press their paw (or even their cute little noses) onto the clean touch ink pad for a mess-free piece of art. For something even more lasting, a paw print clay would look just as memorable on the mantle.
Make sure you reward your cat after this, particularly if they don't love the process!
Should You Invite Other Pets to Your Cat’s Party?
When planning for my cat’s birthday party, I kept thinking of inviting hes (social media) feline buddies. But I know she barely tolerates Romy's presence (her sister)...
So... did she want other pets in her domain on her special day? A hard pass.
But hey, if your cat is one social butterfly, then it may be for you. Just make sure to seal all windows and possible escape routes and to introduce them gradually to the space. Otherwise, an intimate party with the same pets at home and their favorite (debatable) human is the way to go.
Here’s how to decide:
Social Cats? If your cat enjoys companionship, invite a (one, two max) furry friend over for a quick (supervised!) play session.
Shy or Territorial Cats? A solo celebration might be best. Too many guests = existential crisis, check out our guide on How to Gain Your Cat’s Trust.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, go for a low-key party. A stressed-out birthday cat is not a happy birthday cat.
How to Tell If Your Cat is Enjoying the Party
Not all cats are social butterflies, and that’s okay! Here are a few ways to tell if your feline is actually having fun
Signs of a Happy Cat: Purring, slow blinking, playful behavior, and rubbing against you or their gifts. Congratulations! Your cat approves of this event (for now).
Signs of an Overwhelmed Cat: Tail flicking, hiding, flattened ears, or the dreaded “death glare.” If your cat seems stressed, give them a quiet space to retreat to and let them join back in on their own terms.
Curious about how to spot stress in cats? Read our guide on Cat Body Language to ensure your feline is having a great time
Do Cats Really Like Wearing Birthday Hats? The Surprising Truth!
We all want that perfect photo of our cat in a tiny birthday hat. But let’s be real—will they allow it?
I'm personally not a fan of dressing up our animals, most don't appreciate it plus it's wasteful to buy a piece of "crap" that you'll use just one day for one picture.
However, if you really want a picture, you only need your cat to hold onto it for maybe, like... 2.5 seconds. Snap the pic before they change their mind.
Pro Tip: If they immediately shake off the hat and glare at you, just apologize and offer a peace treaty (a.k.a. more treats).
Instead, decorate the party area and capture some adorable candid shots.
At the end of the day, it’s all about making your cat feel extra loved. Whether you go all out with decorations or keep it simple with a fancy meal, your feline friend will appreciate the effort (even if they pretend not to).
I hope your fabulous feline has a Happy Birthday!
