Orange cat looking up while wearing a birthday party hat

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Making your cat feel special is an everyday job for pet parents, but birthdays are the perfect occasion to spoil your furry friend a little more than usual. In this article, we'll share our top seven cat birthday party ideas for a super-fun cat birthday party. You'll have a great time, and your cat will enjoy their special day, too!

1. Pick a purr-fect party theme

Looking for a place to start with your ideas for your cat's birthday party? Start by picking a theme. Here are a few cat-centered concepts to get the party started:

      • Think pink. Plan a party with pink décor. Make pink party hats. Deck your serving table with a pink tablecloth. Lay out salmon treats for your cat and any visiting cats you bring to the occasion. Wear a fluffy pink robe, and dress your cat in an adorable pink sweater.
      • Cat spa day. Make your cat's birthday an occasion for feline massages. Scent the room with catnip or relaxing pheromones. Lay out little catnip treats. Offer your human guests fluffy robes or pajamas and make it a spa day for them, too.
      • Picnic pawty. Does your cat love going outside? Take them out for a picnic. Remember to use a leash or a cat backpack, or stay in an enclosed area to make sure your cat does not get too adventurous and run away. Pet parents should also ensure their cat is microchipped before going on any outside adventures.

2. Do some decorating

When it comes to decorating for your cat’s birthday, remember that cats are especially talented climbers. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that your cat can’t reach any decorations that could potentially cause them harm.

Additionally, make sure to research cat-safe plants in case you’re buying any festive flowers or plants for the special occasion.

3. Make some pet-friendly accessories

Let's face it. Many cats don't like getting dressed up. But any cat will look adorable in a party hat with a poof ball on top. If your cat likes to dress up, consider a fantasy theme. Give your cat a lion's mane. Or dress your cat in a tuxedo with a top hat. You can even dress your cat in a fantasy costume. Maybe your pet will be a Super Cat for a day.

Remember, the most important part of your cat’s big day is to ensure they’re happy and comfortable, so don't force them into a costume that makes them feel otherwise.

4. Invite your kitty crew

If your cat likes to be social, invite some of their favorite humans over to come hang with them on their birthday. Remember to keep the invite list to only the friends they’re most comfortable with and make sure that your cat has access to their own space where they can find some calm amidst the birthday chaos.

Cat birthday party activity ideas

5. Set up some pawsome activities

What is the center attraction at any birthday party? It's opening presents! We have a complete list of pet gift ideas, including the best cat toys, such as the following.

      • Kitty tunnels and cat trees. Tunnels are a great place for your cat to turn into a den where they can nap undisturbed by other pets or their humans. Cat trees give cats exercise and a safe place to look down on their domain.
      • Scratching posts. Cats love to scratch – encourage them to release their energy appropriately by setting up a scratching post.
      • Lick mats. Cats love to lick up tasty treats. A lick mat provides a scratchy surface from which your cat can lick a tasty treat. They are a great way to distract your cat while you trim their nails or groom them.
      • Cat ball tracks. You release a ball that follows a track for your cat to swat away. The ball on the track requires the same skills that outdoor cats use in hunting, without the risks involved in hunting. The ball never fights back!
      • Scented hide and seek toys. Give your cat the experience of going on a hunt inside the safety of your home with a scented hide and seek toy. But make sure it does not have any detachable parts (like plastic whiskers or a plastic tail) or loose strings that your cat could break off and swallow.

6. Make and bake cat-themed treats

Cats like raw, meaty and fishy treats. Use this recipe inspired by ASPCA to make some tasty treats for the birthday pet:

Tuna Treat Recipe

    •  6 oz. tuna in water
    • 1 cup cornmeal
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1/3 cup water

    • Mix ingredients; roll dough into bite-sized treats. Bake at 350° F for 20 minutes. Cool & serve.

Recipe for tuna treats

7. Give out goody bags

If your guests also have cats, send them home with a small cat toy and some treats for their feline friends, and, of course, some human treats, too. 

The gift of good health

When party time is over, it's time to unwind. After all, napping is high on your cat's list of favorite activities! Let the piece de resistance of your cat's birthday be the best gift of all, the gift of lasting good health.

Every cat needs access to veterinary care. With Dutch, you can ensure that all of your cat health questions are answered with unlimited visits and follow up appointments all from the comfort of your own home. Access online vet care, get customized treatment plans, and have prescriptions delivered right to your doorstep. Learn more about Dutch by making an appointment with one of our 100% licensed vets today.

FAQs

Should you celebrate your cat’s birthday?

Birthday parties are a fun way to celebrate and bond with your cat. Just be sure to consider your cat’s personality and think about how they’ll most enjoy their day — even if it means giving your cat some "me" time.

What day do I celebrate my cat's birthday if I don't know when they were born?

Celebrate the anniversary of the day they came into your lives. This can be the day you adopted your cat from the animal shelter or you can simply pick a date that works well for you. Your cat will enjoy the party all the same no matter when you plan it.

What do cats like to do on their birthday?

Every cat is a little different. Some cats live for treats. Some cats love their toys. Some cats love to get their treats from their toys. But if you have a happy relationship with your cat, your presence is the best gift you can give your cat. 

Cat looking at a pet-friendly birthday treat

Final Notes 

Celebrating your cat’s birthday is a great way to bond with your cat and show them just how much you care. Remember, ensuring your cat’s health and happiness is an everyday job. With Dutch, pet care is simplified thanks to our convenient online telemedicine platform.

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Kate Elden, DVM

Frequently asked questions

Dutch is an online veterinary telehealth service. With a membership, pet parents get unlimited video consults with licensed vets for up to 5 pets, plus prescription medication shipped to your door in most U.S. states. Members can treat 150+ common conditions without leaving home, typically for less than the cost of a single in-person vet visit.

Sign up with your pet's information and book a video consult with a licensed vet at Dutch. The vet reviews your pet's symptoms, medical history, and any photos you share, then recommends a treatment plan. If medication is appropriate, it's prescribed and shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. Members get unlimited follow-up consults at no extra cost.

Our vets can provide care and prescriptions for more than 150 issues — and over 90% of cases can be treated virtually. 

The vet can diagnose your pet based on your description of their symptoms, their medical history, seeing them during your video call, and, if needed, through uploaded photos and videos. They may ask you to do a few simple checks during the call. We also offer a number of at-home lab test kits for dogs and cats.

The health and safety of pets is our top priority. In the rare case that a vet determines a pet needs to go to a local clinic, they’ll provide a referral and offer advice on how to care for them until they can be seen. 

Some things that require in-person care include emergencies, wounds that need stitches, and issues that require blood work, imaging (X-rays or ultrasounds), or surgery.

Our vets are always available for second opinions and follow-up care after in-person vet visits — so you don’t have to navigate health issues alone.

You and your pet will have a 10-minute video call with a licensed veterinarian. Here’s what to expect:

Before the call

When booking the call online, you'll be asked a few questions about your pet. Depending on the issue, you may need to fill out a longer questionnaire about their symptoms or share photographs of them so our veterinarians can better understand what’s going on. You’ll then pick an appointment time. Make sure your pet will be with you at that time — the vet will need to see them on the call.

During the video call

One of our vets will talk to you about the symptoms your pet is experiencing, ask you questions, review your pet’s medical history if you’ve provided it, look at your pet on camera, and answer any questions you have. They may ask you to perform some simple checks on your pet, like raising their gums, if needed.

After the call

The vet will send you a message with a custom treatment plan to help your pet feel better, including a link to buy any recommended prescription or over-the-counter medications. Place your order and we’ll ship it free. If you have any questions, you can message your vet anytime or book another appointment with the same vet to follow up.

Vets at Dutch are licensed to provide care in most U.S. states. Coverage expands as new state licenses are added. The current state availability list is on the membership plans page on dutch.com.

Dutch is an annual membership service. At $132/year ($11/month), the annual membership covers unlimited video consults for up to 5 pets and is designed to cost less than a single typical in-person vet visit. Prescription medication costs are separate and shown transparently at checkout before any purchase. Detailed pricing is on the membership plans page.

Yes, in most states. Vets at Dutch can prescribe medication after a video consult that establishes the required vet-client-patient relationship. Prescriptions are shipped directly to your door, typically within 1-3 business days. State licensing and federal telehealth rules apply.

Same-day video consults are available in most states. After signing up, you can book an appointment that fits your schedule, including evenings and weekends. For non-emergency situations that need urgent attention, the intake questionnaire helps the vet prioritize the right care path.

Yes. Every vet at Dutch is a licensed veterinarian credentialed in the state where they provide care. Many have years of clinical practice experience alongside telehealth expertise. Medical oversight is led by Dutch's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kate Elden.

Dutch isn't pet insurance itself. It's a membership for direct telehealth care. Many major pet insurance plans reimburse for telehealth consults and prescription medication. Dutch can provide an itemized invoice to support reimbursement claims with your insure provider

Vets at Dutch offer convenient video consults from home, well-suited for non-emergency conditions, prescription refills, allergy and anxiety management, and follow-up care. In-person vets remain essential for vaccinations, surgical procedures, diagnostic imaging, dental procedures, and emergencies. Many pet parents use both: Dutch for routine and chronic-condition care, in-person for hands-on needs.

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