Cats have their own dignity—and their own quirks when it comes to photography. They move just as you press the shutter button; they turn their heads away just when the moment would be perfect. A painted portrait completely sidesteps this problem: using several photos, the artist creates an image that captures your cat not as a snapshot, but in its essence.
Why cats are particularly well-suited for painting
It’s hard to take a good photo of a cat. They rarely look at the camera, rarely sit still, and the lighting indoors is usually poor. A painted portrait gets around this: the artist takes the eyes from one photo, the pose from another, and the expression from a third—and uses them to create an image that is more harmonious than any single snapshot.
This is especially true for cats: their personality often isn’t captured in a single perfect photo, but rather in the sum of many small moments. That’s exactly what a painting captures.
What makes a good cat portrait?
- Die Augen. Especially with cats. The shape of their pupils, the color of their eyes, the intensity of their gaze—you can spot them from ten paces away.
- The typical expression. Every cat has it—that intense, watchful gaze, that contented half-closed expression, that subtle curiosity.
- The coat pattern. Stripes, spots, white paws, a black mask—for cats with distinctive coats, these details tell half the story.
- Die Pose. Lying down, sitting, the classic "loaf" pose—all in play. Ask yourself: which pose does your cat strike?
Photography Tips for Shy Cats
Cats that run away from the camera require a different approach: just leave your phone where it is until the cat ignores it. Candid shots taken from a distance—while they’re sleeping, basking in the sun by the window, or grooming themselves—usually turn out better than staged ones. A photo doesn’t have to be “posed.” It just has to show your cat.
Several cats, or a cat and a person?
Multiple cats from the same household—no problem, even without a group photo. A pair of cat siblings, a cat-and-dog duo, an older pet with a younger one: all are possible. A photo of you with your cat is a particularly personal option—it shows not only the pet, but also your bond.
Reasons to have a cat portrait taken
- In memory of our late cat: Very often, weeks or months after the loss, once the initial grief has subsided.
- A gift for a cat lover: It always works. If you love cats, hang up this picture.
- My own assessment: Some families just want to have their cat in the living room—as a picture, for no particular reason.
- Birthday or adoption day: Just like dogs, they're a staple in many households.
Style — what suits your cat?
For cat portraits, we recommend a realistic style—precisely because the details (eyes, fur pattern) are so defining of a cat’s character. A calm, focused style works better than a wildly expressive one.
Background: A neutral background keeps the focus on the animal; a subtle setting (favorite windowsill, blanket, garden) makes it more personal. Both options are possible.
Format and Price
A cat portrait begins with CHF 306 (30×40 cm, one cat). For a calm pose, 40×50 cm or 50×60 cm is usually ideal—large enough for the eyes, small enough for most living spaces. Multiple cats or a cat with a person: starting at CHF 426. The exact price is determined by the format and frame in the configurator.
Der Ablauf
- Upload photos to Configurator, Select format and frame.
- Künstler malt dein Bild — 2–5 Wochen.
- Freigabe-Foto vor dem Trocknen — Korrekturen sind dann noch möglich, wir liefern erst nach deinem OK.
- Drying, varnish, secure shipping. Lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
My cat has a unique coat pattern—does that come across well?
Yes. Detailed fur rendering is one of the strengths of a painted cat portrait—we work layer by layer and can accurately capture even complex patterns (tortoiseshell, tabby markings, exotic breeds).
A deceased cat — how sensitive is that?
We take great care. We take our time, don't ask for too many details, and will stop the job at any time if you ask us to. Read more in the article A portrait of the deceased.
Several cats, but no group photo—is that even possible?
Yes. Send us several individual photos, and the artist will use them to create a group portrait.
Can we customize the background?
Yes—neutral, a different location, or simplified. Just let us know what you have in mind.
Ready for your cat's portrait?
Upload your photos to the Configurator click here or visit the website Have an animal portrait painted. We have separate guides for other animals: Have a portrait of your dog painted, Have a portrait of your horse painted. Bei Fragen: Contact Form or via WhatsApp.
