12 cat Christmas card ideas: funny, cozy and classy
Last updated November 8, 2026
A good cat Christmas card is mostly about matching the photo to the greeting. A grumpy face needs a grumpy line; a sleepy fireside cat needs something warm. Each idea below comes with the look, the greeting for the front and a signature, so you can copy the whole card or mix and match.
1. The unimpressed Santa
A cat in a Santa hat with a look of total contempt is the most-loved cat Christmas card for a reason. Pick your cat's grumpiest face and let the greeting do the rest.
- Front: “Bah humbug”
- Signature: Regards, Mittens
2. The tree inspector
Every cat believes the Christmas tree was installed for them. Put your cat front and center under the tree, as if they personally approved it.
- Front: “Tree inspected and approved”
- Signature: Love, the Garcias and Head of Quality, Luna
3. The indoor cat in the snow
A cat in a plaid scarf in a snowy landscape, with a greeting that makes it clear this is the closest they will ever get to going outside.
- Front: “Let it snow. I'm staying inside.”
- Signature: From Pepper, warmly, from the radiator
4. The candy cane diva
Bright red and white stripes suit a cat with main character energy. It is cheerful, modern and looks great printed.
- Front: “Season's Purrings”
- Signature: From Mittens, who agreed to nothing
5. The fireside loaf
A cat curled up by a crackling fire is the coziest card you can send. A warm, simple greeting suits it better than a pun.
- Front: “Merry & Bright”
- Signature: Love, Sam, Priya and Biscuit
6. The 1985 family album
Wood paneling, a tinsel tree and warm film grain turn your cat into a vintage holiday snapshot. Great for friends who love a bit of nostalgia.
- Front: “Meowy Christmas”
- Signature: Season's greetings from the Kims (and Waffles)
7. Kitten's first Christmas
A new kitten deserves an announcement. Put the kitten under the tree and make the first Christmas the headline.
- Front: “Kitten's First Christmas”
- Signature: Love, the Parkers and our newest troublemaker, Mochi
8. The one who knocked the tree over
If your cat climbed the tree, ate the tinsel or launched an ornament across the room, own it. A guilty-looking portrait and a short confession.
- Front: “I regret nothing”
- Signature: Love, Oliver (and the humans who swept up)
9. The classic portrait
For the boss, the neighbors or the grandparents, a dignified studio portrait with a traditional greeting never goes wrong.
- Front: “Season's Greetings”
- Signature: Warm wishes from the Johnsons and Cleo
10. Signed only by the cat
Leave the humans off entirely. The cat sends the card, the cat signs the card, and everyone knows who is really in charge.
- Front: “Merry Christmas from the cat”
- Signature: Staff will be thanked in due course
11. The black cat glow-up
Black cats can disappear in dim holiday photos. A warm fireside or candy cane scene gives the fur shape and makes the eyes the focus of the card.
- Front: “Feline festive”
- Signature: Love, Salem and his people
12. Two cards, one cat
Can't decide between funny and classy? Make both from the same photo: a pun for friends and a simple greeting for relatives. Only the words change.
- Front: “Purrfectly merry”
- Signature: Love from our house to yours
Layout tips for a cat Christmas card
- Keep the face big. The cat's face should fill about a third of the photo. Small cats in wide shots get lost at 5x7.
- One greeting, one place. A band under the photo with the greeting in a script font and the names in a smaller serif is easy to read and prints cleanly.
- Never cover the eyes. Keep text off the face and away from busy backgrounds like tree lights.
- Match the tone to the list. Friends get the pun, relatives get the classic. Same photo, two greetings.
Need more words? Browse our 100 pet Christmas card sayings. Need a better photo first? Try our cat Christmas photo ideas for cats who refuse to pose.
Print it or send it
Cards from our cat Christmas card maker download as a 5x7 inch file at 300 dpi, ready for any photo counter or online printer, or to send by text and email. If you are in the US, you can also order printed 5x7 cards in packs of 10 with envelopes, shipped to your door.
Cat Christmas card FAQ
What should I write on a cat Christmas card?
Keep the front short: "Meowy Christmas", "Season's Purrings", "Bah humbug" or "Merry & Bright" all read well under a photo. Put a longer joke or your family's names in the signature, and let the cat sign if you like, such as "Regards, Mittens".
How do I get a Christmas photo of my cat if they won't pose?
Work with your cat instead of against them: an empty gift box by the tree, a nap on the tree skirt or window light on a cushion. Or start from any clear everyday photo and turn it into a festive portrait, no posing needed.
What size should a cat Christmas card be?
5x7 inches is the standard size for photo Christmas cards in the US and fits standard A7 envelopes. Our cards download as a 5x7 print-ready file, and US customers can order printed packs with envelopes.
Can I put two cats on one Christmas card?
Each portrait features one pet today. With two cats, you can make a portrait of each and send two versions, or use a real photo of the shared nap for one card and a portrait for the other.