A Content Creator's Guide to Taking Pictures of Your Cat!

How to Take Pictures of Cats 

Find the Lighting

When taking pictures of your cat, using natural lighting is the best way to capture their real life charm. 

• Use soft, diffused daylight near windows for flattering, shadow-free shots.

• Avoid using the flash, it can startle cats and cause a 'glow' on the image due to the reflective part of their eyes.

• If natural daylight is not sufficient, position the light source behind you to avoid any shadows.

Get on Their Level

To make you cat the focus on the shot, getting on the level can give you great results, snapping your kitty in their natural environment. 

• Crouch or lie down to shoot from your cat’s eye-line for more engaging photos.

• Try different angles, go overhead for a curled-up nap, or low for action shots.

• Focus on eye level, sharp and clear eyes make for captivating images.

Vary Angles and Perspectives

Experiment with different ideas for your cat photography by using fun angles and perspectives to see which ones you and your cat like best. 

• Take close-ups of paws, whiskers, or their face from above.

• Experiment with different poses, such as sleeping, playing, or interacting with toys.

• Make sure all your cat fits in the frame, with some space around the edges to capture any movement.

• Frame your cat with objects, such as through chair legs or by window frames.

Timing Is Everything!

• Capture their daily routine – Photograph your cat during their favorite activities, like playing, stretching, birdwatching or lounging. Consider which shots you want to take depending on the time of day. Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light and energy levels. 

• Be patient - Let your cat lead the session and wait for natural poses or expressions. Make sure to keep sessions short and sweet to avoid stress. Kittens can be easily distracted and less cooperative compared to adult cats, so be extra careful and patient, taking more breaks when capturing their beauty. 

• Wait for the moment – For videos, record your cat's vocalizations to add another layer of fun and engagement. Aim for concise videos that are easy to watch. Capture moments as they happen rather than trying to force them.

Choose the Right Location

When brainstorming cat photography ideas, the location can make all the difference. It’s important to choose the right one!

• Familiar spaces work best, so try and photograph your cat in places they already love, such as windowsills, beds or favorite nooks.

• If your cat is used to a lead or harness or has access to a secure garden, natural settings can be stunning but always supervise and ensure the area is safe.

• Give your cat time to become accustomed to the space if it is not a usual spot they frequent.

Props and Backgrounds

There are many pictures online of cats wearing clothes, but dressing up cats can cause them stress and discomfort. Instead, use props and backgrounds to highlight their personality. 

• Keep it natural – Use cozy blankets, cardboard boxes, or favorite toys to add interest to the shot without overwhelming your cat. 

• Background matters – Choose a clean, uncluttered background to keep the focus on your cat. However, consider the mood you want to convey as a colorful and bright background might work for a livelier shot. 

• Use props and toys – Engage your cat with toys, treats or other items to capture natural poses and interactions. Use Happy Snack by FELIWAY® during your photography sessions to give your cat a delicious and calming reward for their star quality!

Don't Be Afraid to Edit

Another tip for cat photography is that editing a picture after it’s taken can enhance your final results, making it more engaging. 

• Use editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast and sharpness.

• Add music or sound effects to enhance the viewing experience.

• Explore the settings on your smartphone, for example, burst pictures can increase your chance of getting the perfect shot.

• A zoom lens is a good choice for getting close to your cat without disturbing them or you can crop it to appear closer when editing.

Keeping Your Cat Happy and Relaxed

When taking pictures of your cat, it’s important to keep them happy and relaxed. A happy kitty makes for the most purr-fect natural shots that people won’t be able to resist!

• Use treats and toys – Reward your cat with treats or play to keep the experience positive. Using toys is a great way to direct their gaze or encourage playful poses. 

• Watch for stress signals – Signs of stress , such as tail flicking, flattened ears, or walking away, mean it’s time to stop. Always prioritize your cat’s comfort over getting the perfect shot. 

• Create a calm environment – Minimize noise and distractions. Loud camera clicks or flashes can startle your cat, so either take your time with positive reinforcement to get your cat used to it or avoid flash photography. To create the ultimate calm environment, have FELIWAY® Optimum plugged in the room you are filming or photographing your cat to help them feel calm and comfortable. 

For more advice on cat photography ideas and tips, explore the rest of our FELIWAY® blog, and don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter! We’ll keep you up to date with tips, insights, and product news designed to support your cat’s happiness.