Dogs usually steal the spotlight when most people think of pet photography. Their enthusiastic personalities and willingness to please make them the go-to companions for family portraits or outdoor photoshoots. But let’s not forget our feline friends. Cats—graceful, curious, independent, and often outrageously photogenic—deserve as much camera time as their canine counterparts.
As an award-winning UK family and pet photographer, I’ve had the pleasure (and the challenge!) of working with cats of all personalities. Contrary to the popular myth that cats can’t be “directed,” with the right approach, a cat photoshoot can be just as successful—and even more magical—than a dog’s. Whether you’ve got a fluffy lap cat, a sleek indoor explorer, or a feisty kitten with bags of personality, here is a comprehensive guide and my top tips for capturing the best from your cat on a photoshoot.
1. Embrace the Cat Mentality: Patience Over Purr-fection
SCats are not like dogs—and that’s not a bad thing. Dogs often respond eagerly to commands and cues, whereas cats dance to their tune. This means your approach needs to be more fluid and patient. Expect the session to take longer and include lots of breaks, pauses, and perhaps some spontaneous naps.
Let your cat lead the pace of the shoot. Rushing or trying to force poses will likely backfire. Instead, embrace a documentary-style approach. Some of my most beautiful cat portraits and photos of cats have come from simply observing and capturing their natural behaviours and unique personalities.
2. Safety First—Always
WBefore we discuss lighting, angles, aperture or treats, let’s address the most important factor in any pet photoshoot: safety.
Cats are naturally more cautious and territorial than dogs, so the location and environment must be thoughtfully considered. Here are some key safety considerations:
- Familiarity: I recommend keeping the shoot at home for nervous or indoor-only cats. They’ll feel more relaxed, crucial for natural expressions and body language.
- Secured Outdoor Spaces: If you want to explore the outdoors, use a cat-safe garden, enclosed patio, or designated catio. These spaces allow natural light without the risk of escape.
- Harness Training: Cats can be trained to walk in a harness! It might take time and patience, but many cats adapt well to harnesses and leads, especially if introduced slowly from a young age. A harness opens possibilities for stunning outdoor portraits, from blooming spring gardens to autumn woodland walks.
Important Note: Never allow your cat to roam freely during a photoshoot in unfamiliar or unsecured areas. Even the most confident cat can bolt if startled.
3. Timing is Everything
Cats operate on their schedules. They have favourite nap times, play times, and Zoomie hours. When planning your shoot:
- Choose when your cat is usually alert and active, not during their usual nap slot!
- Avoid after-meal slumps when your cat may be sluggish.
- If you want a mix of sleepy and playful shots, plan the session and be camera-ready to overlap slightly with both ends of their natural cycle.
Cats are creatures of habit, so working around their daily rhythm increases your chance of capturing those magical moments, resulting in better photos.
Stairs are fun
4. Prepping Your Cat for Success
Preparation makes all the difference. Here’s how to set the stage for a smoother experience with your cat photography:
A. Grooming
Even short-haired cats benefit from a quick brush before a shoot. This will remove loose fur and dandruff, ensuring a cleaner, glossier look. For long-haired breeds like Maine Coons or Persians, grooming is even more crucial to avoid mats and tangles on camera.
B. Claw Check
Trim their claws the day before—this can reduce snagging if you’re using props, blankets or costumes (although the latter are optional and should always be comfortable for the cat).
5. Use the Right Props (or None at All)
While cats might not sit in baskets or wear tutus on command like dogs, some tolerate or even enjoy interacting with props.
Here’s what works:
- Favourite toys: Wand toys, feather teasers, or jingly balls are fantastic for capturing action shots.
- Cosy blankets or cushions create texture and comfort while encouraging your cat to settle.
- Boxes or tunnels: We all know the universal cat law: If I fit, I sit. These can make for amusing and endearing compositions.
Avoid anything that could stress your cat—hats, tight costumes, or anything restrictive should be off-limits unless your cat is already used to them and shows zero discomfort.
6. Light It Right
Lighting can make or break your cat photos. Because cats’ fur reflects light differently depending on colour and texture, attention to detail is key.
- Natural light is your best friend. Window light, especially during golden hour (after sunrise or before sunset), adds a beautiful softness and glow to fur.
- Avoid harsh flash, which can startle cats and cause red-eye or flat lighting. If artificial lighting is needed, use diffused, continuous light sources to keep things calm and flattering.
For black cats, side-lighting and backlighting help define their features. For white or ginger cats, soft shadows add depth and warmth.
7. Focus on the Eyes
Cat’s eyes are captivating, hypnotic, expressive, and often jewel-like in colour. For impactful portraits and the best photos:
- Focus your lens on the eyes, even if the rest of the shot has a shallow depth of field.
- Try capturing different expressions: curious, sleepy, alert, playful.
- Shooting from their eye level adds intimacy and emotional connection to your images.
If your cat has unusual eyes—like heterochromia or deep copper tones—these can become the focal point of the entire image.
8. Know When to Click the Shutter
Unlike dogs, who often hold a pose, cats are fleeting in their movements. You have to anticipate with your camera settings rather than react. Here’s how:
- Use burst mode to capture sequences, increasing your chances of catching “the one.”
- Be ready when they first encounter a toy or prop—that split-second curiosity is gold.
- Keep your camera nearby at all times during the shoot. Cats can go from lounging to leaping in an instant.
Patience is rewarding. If you’re alert, a cat yawning, stretching, or rolling into a burst of light can all create visually stunning compositions.
9. Consider the Composition
Great cat portraits aren’t just about the cat—they’re about how the cat fits into the scene.
- Use negative space to draw focus to your cat, especially if they’re lounging in an open space.
- Include textures and backdrops—wooden floors, woollen throws, or a sunlit window to add richness.
- Frame naturally: Doorways, archways, and window sills create intense compositions.
Avoid clutter. The simpler the background, the more your cat stands out.
10. Celebrate Their Personality
Each cat has a personality. Some are shy and sweet, others are mischievous and bold. A good cat photoshoot should reflect that individuality.
- Is your furry friend a little diva? Capture those queenly stares and regal poses.
- Got a clumsy kitten? Showcase the playful energy with motion shots or candid tumbles.
- Is your cat a shadow, always curled on your lap or shoulder? Then, lifestyle shots featuring the bond between you and your cat are just as important.
The key is not to force them into being something they’re not, but to tell their story through your lens to create those great photos.
11. Post-Shoot Love & Treats
Always end a cat shoot on a positive note. Plenty of treats, strokes, or quiet cuddles help your cat associate the experience with comfort and fun. You may not realise it, but you cat lovers are conditioning your cat for future shoots, making each one easier and more successful.
Stop if your cat seems stressed or overwhelmed during the shoot. There’s always another day. A happy cat is the most photogenic cat.
12. Booking a Professional Cat Photoshoot
If you’re considering a professional session for your cat, choose a photographer experienced with pets, specifically cats. The right photographer will know how to read feline body language, create a calm environment, and coax those magical moments without pressure to keep your cat’s attention.
When I photograph cats, I allow extra time, tailor the session to the cat’s temperament, and work with you to plan outfits, backdrops, or settings that reflect your cat’s role in the family. After all, cats are not just pets—they’re our companions, therapists, comic relief, and quiet soulmates.
Final Thoughts: Cats Deserve the Spotlight Too
It’s time to rewrite the rulebook that says only dogs belong in professional pet portraits. Cats are just as worthy of the lens—and when captured well, they shine like stars.
Whether curled in the sun, scaling a garden fence, or playfully batting a feather toy, cats bring elegance, humour, and undeniable charm to the camera. With the right preparation, patience, and respect for their space, your cat’s photoshoot can be a treasured memory for years.
So, if you’ve been on the fence about booking a session for your whiskered companion, take this as your sign. Let’s give your cat the photoshoot they deserve—because it’s not just dogs who deserve all the adoration.
Are you thinking about a photoshoot for your beloved feline? I’d love to help you create lasting memories with your family members. Contact me today to chat about your ideas, home setting, or even harness training tips—I’m always up for a cat-ch-up to discuss cat photography tips.
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