Last updated on September 29th, 2025 at 02:21 am
Yes, I’m a veterinarian.
And yes, I threw my cat a birthday party. 🎉 Some people might call it “extra,” but for real? It was one of the most fun things I’ve done for my pet — and it was totally worth it.
If you’ve been thinking about hosting a cat birthday party but feel a little silly, let me reassure you: you are not crazy. Celebrating our pets strengthens our bond, gives them enrichment, and it makes for a lowkey funny photo-op, too.
To make it even easier, I put together a FREE printable Cat Birthday Party Checklist you can download and use while you plan.
Just think of this as your step-by-step playbook to throwing a party your cat (and everyone you send the invite to) will remember.
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase something through our links. This helps support our website and allows us to continue providing valuable content. See our full disclosure here.
1. The Guest List (Furriends Only)
Let’s start with the guest list… who will be invited to your cat’s big day? Remember, this is not about throwing the loudest party — it’s about creating an environment your cat feels comfortable in.
Not every cat is about that crowd life—most would rather vibe in an old cardboard box. And that’s valid. Your guest list can be as chill or as extra as your cat’s personality allows.
For our cat’s birthday, it was just family—my kids, grandma and a neighbor. Maybe your cat’s happiest keeping things cozy with their favorite humans too. Or maybe you’ve got a couple of cat-loving friends who “get it” and won’t judge you for serving a tuna cake.
If your cat’s the type who wants zero extra humans around, no problem—set up a FaceTime or Zoom call so everyone can admire the birthday star from a safe digital distance.
👉 Pro tip: Always put your cat’s comfort first. If they’d rather keep it chill, that’s still a win. The celebration is about them, not about impressing your guests.
2. The Birthday Invite
Once you’ve figured out who’s on the guest list, the next step is sending out the invite. Yes, I actually designed a birthday invite for my cat. How will people know when and where to show up?
With so many different websites out there, you don’t need to hire a graphic designer or spend hours making one. With tools like Canva, you can whip up a super cute card in less than an hour. Just upload your cat’s photo (bonus points if they’re giving regal lion vibes or making a goofy face), add the party details, and finish it off with a fun tagline like “Come celebrate Whiskers turning 5!” or “Nine lives, one big bash!”
Once your invite is ready, you’ve got options. You can text it out for something quick and casual, email it if you want to make it feel a little more official, or even print a few copies for keepsakes.
Here’s the invitation I designed for my cat’s birthday.
Want to make your own? I created a free Canva template you can customize with your cat’s photo and party details. Just click below, add your cat’s name and info, and your invite is ready to send.
👉 Click here to grab the Cat Birthday Invite Canva Template
3. The Birthday Cake or Meal (Vet-Approved)
What’s a birthday without a cake? Of course, when it comes to cats, we have to keep things safe and healthy.
Human cake is off the table, but there are plenty of fun “cat cake” alternatives you can whip up instead. A tuna cake molded in a ramekin with a crunchy treat “candle” is always a hit, or you can stack spoonfuls of salmon pâté into a cute mini tower.
Try sticking a Churu upright like a candle—it’s simple and cats love it. Just remember, no chocolate, dairy-heavy desserts, or sugary icing, since those can be harmful (and honestly, cats don’t crave them anyway). Stick to cat-safe foods and your birthday star will be just as spoiled as they deserve.
My own cat is on a prescription diet, so I didn’t make a fancy cake for her. Instead, she got her favorite meal in style — and yep, I caught it on video!
@pethealthloveBirthday meal🥳🤩♬ Happy Birthday Song (Trap Remix) – Pj Panda
But if your cat isn’t on a special diet, here are two adorable examples of cat birthday “cakes” you can try:
Celebrate your cat’s big day with this simple, cat-safe cake recipe that’s just as cute as it is tasty.
Here’s another recipe to try at your cat’s party—an adorable DIY cake that’s safe and fun for your furry guest of honor.
Even something simple — served with extra love and maybe a candle (unlit, of course!) — can make the day feel special.
Need a way to stay organized?
I got you. Subscribe to my newsletter and unlock the Cat Birthday Party Checklist along with tons of other pet printables to make life easier.
4. The Gifts (Yes, They Deserve It)
What’s a birthday party without presents? Sure, your cat won’t tear open wrapping paper like a toddler, but they’ll definitely enjoy what’s inside. The best gifts are the ones that bring out their playful side and enrich their daily routine.
Some great cat birthday gift ideas include kicker toys for wrestling and stress relief (bonus if they’re filled with catnip), cat tunnels that turn any room into a playground for zoomies and surprise attacks, and puzzle feeders that add mental stimulation while slowing down mealtime.
And don’t forget the box or tissue paper the gift came in—sometimes the packaging is just as exciting as the present itself!
👉 When picking out gifts, think about your cat’s personality. Are they a hunter at heart? A snuggler? A high-energy explorer? Choose toys and accessories that match their vibe, and your present will be a hit.
5. The Party Fit (Drip Check)
Is it really a birthday party without the outfit? Just like humans, cats can have their own party “look” — though comfort always comes first. Not every cat will tolerate clothes, but if yours does, here are a few options that can make for adorable photos:
- A bow tie or festive collar
- A tiny birthday hat
- A birthday bandana or bib
If your cat isn’t into wearing outfits, don’t stress it — a shiny new collar or even a themed backdrop can still make them look party-ready without causing discomfort.
Here’s my cat rocking her birthday bib and hat— she looked adorable, and it actually stayed on long enough for photos.
👉🛒BUY NOW
Pro tip: Always supervise your cat while they’re wearing accessories, and remove them right after the photoshoot so they can relax.
6. Social Media Moments
The party doesn’t end when the last treat is gone — it lives on through your photos and videos. Sharing the fun is part of the celebration—whether it’s on Instagram, TikTok, or just with family and friends.
Make a quick Reel or TikTok by filming the setup, the cake (or birthday meal), and the big gift reveal, then pair it with trending music to make it pop.
Don’t forget the behind-the-scenes moments too—like the invite design, decorations, or even your cat’s hilarious “before the party” nap—because those little details make your content even more fun and share-worthy.
Below is the TikTok I made of my cat’s birthday — a collection of her cutest photos.
@pethealthloveHappy 2nd birthday Pandora!🥰😍🥳♬ Happy Birthday – SONGSCULPT
👉 Trust me, your cat’s birthday content has major viral potential. Even a simple slideshow of photos can rack up likes, and honestly, your cat deserves to go viral on their big day.
7. The Afterparty (Nap Time Is Mandatory)
The best part about cat parties? You can end them whenever. Once the treats are gone and the photos are snapped, set up a cozy nap spot. A blanket fort or heated bed makes the perfect afterparty lounge.
🎂 Final Thoughts
Throwing a cat birthday party isn’t about being “crazy” — it’s about celebrating the pets who make our lives better every day. You can go all out with decorations and gifts, or just make a little tuna cake at home — your cat won’t care how fancy it is.
They’ll just be happy to spend time with you. 💕
So go ahead: plan that party, design the invite, pick out the outfit, and don’t forget to hit record. Even this vet did — and I have the reels to prove it.
👉 What’s your cat’s birthday tradition? Drop a comment or tag me in your cat party TikToks — I’d love to see them!
Leave feedback about this