Cat Portrait: Custom Cat Portraits from Photos of your Pet

Commission a Cat Portrait: Personalise a Portrait of Your Pet

A cat portrait is more than just an image. It’s a memory made permanent, a small way to personalise the love you feel for your pet.

Whether you want a soft watercolour or a bold custom cat portrait, this article explores why these portraits are gaining popularity and how to get one made for your feline friend.

We’ll look at the different styles, how portraits from photos work, what it’s like to commission a portrait in the UK, and how to make sure you get a beautiful work of art you’ll want to hang with pride.

Article Outline:

1. Why are cat portraits so popular right now?

2. What makes a good portrait of your cat?

3. How do custom cat portraits from photos work?

4. Can you personalise a cat portrait to match your cat’s character?

5. What to expect when you commission a cat portrait in the UK

6. Canvas or paper - what’s the best medium for a cat portrait?

7. What kind of styles can you choose from?

8. How much does a cat portrait cost in the UK?

9. Why artist Zoe Star Hilton would love to paint your cat

10. Is a pet portrait the perfect gift for cat lovers?

1. Why are cat portraits so popular right now?

A portrait of your cat offers something a photo doesn’t: a lasting, handcrafted tribute. People often feel that their pet is a true member of your family, and a painted cat portrait is a way of marking that bond in a visible, personal way.

In the past few years, interest in custom cat portraits has grown in the UK. As more of us work from home and spend time with our pets, we’re noticing those small things - the way your cat sits in a sunny spot, or curls into a ball on the sofa. A painted portrait captures more than a pose - it can hold emotion.

2. What makes a good portrait of your cat?

A great portrait needs to do more than just look like your cat. It should capture the energy, personality and spirit of your feline friend. That means paying attention to fur texture, expression, posture and colour.

The best artists bring skill, patience and intuition. They look past the surface of the image and bring feeling into the artwork. The result should be a piece of art you’ll be happy to hang on your wall, and maybe even treasure for life.

3. How do custom cat portraits from photos work?

Many people choose to have their cat portraits from photos. It’s convenient and means your cat doesn’t have to sit still for hours. The process usually starts with sending in a few clear pictures that show your cat’s face, fur and usual expressions.

The artist will then choose the best reference image and begin your custom cat portrait. It takes time - from the initial sketches to the final brushstrokes. If you choose a canvas version, you’ll end up with a timeless portrait you can hang or frame.

This option is perfect if your beloved cat has recently passed away, or if you want to remember a specific moment, such as your kitten's early days.

4. Can you personalise a cat portrait to match your cat’s character?

Yes, and it’s often the most rewarding part of the whole process. When you commission a portrait of your cat, you can choose colours, background, size and even the mood you’d like to reflect.

Artists can personalise elements to reflect your pet’s unique traits. Maybe your cat always wore a red collar, had one ear folded, or loved sleeping on a blue blanket - small touches like these add heart to the portrait. It becomes more than just an image. It becomes them.

5. What to expect when you commission a cat portrait in the UK

In the UK, commissioning a cat portrait is a straightforward and personal experience. Most artists offer a step-by-step process, starting with a consultation, then collecting reference images, and finally sharing progress as the portrait is painted.

Timeframes vary, but a typical portrait might take 2–4 weeks. You’ll often be shown a sketch or outline before the full painting begins. Some artists also offer framing or digital options depending on your preference.

Prices range depending on size and style, but a good cat portrait is an investment in something that will last a lifetime.

6. Canvas or paper - what’s the best medium for a cat portrait?

You’ll need to decide whether you want your cat portrait on canvas, watercolour paper, or something else entirely. Each medium brings its own qualities.

• Canvas gives texture and depth. It’s sturdy and can be hung straight away.

• Watercolour portrait on paper has a softer, more fluid feel.

• Digital options are also growing, though traditional media still offer more warmth and tactility.

It depends on where you plan to hang your portrait, and the style you like. Some people choose canvas for its durability, while others prefer the softness of a paper-based portrait.

7. What kind of styles can you choose from?

Not all cat portraits are the same. You can choose from hyper-realistic styles to loose, expressive brushwork. Some artists lean into colour and abstraction, while others keep things detailed and delicate.

Artist Zoe Star Hilton’s style combines fine art skills with a vintage aesthetic. She often draws inspiration from nature and emotional expression, bringing an organic quality to her portraits that many cat owners connect with deeply.

When you’re choosing a style, think about your cat’s character. A sleek, poised maine coon might suit bold lines. A shy indoor cat may look better with muted tones and softness.

8. How much does a cat portrait cost in the UK?

A portrait of your cat can start from as little as £50 for a small sketch and go up to several hundred pounds for a full-size, framed canvas. It depends on the size, complexity, and the artist’s experience.

Some artists offer different packages, such as head-only or full-body portraits, with or without backgrounds. You might pay more if you want multiple pets in one pet portrait.

Most people feel the cost is worth it, especially when you’re commissioning a portrait of a beloved pet or giving a gift for cat lovers. You’re paying for more than the paint - it’s the time, skill and care that go into making a lasting memory.

9. Why artist Zoe Star Hilton would love to paint your cat

Artist Zoe Star Hilton has a reputation for creating soft, expressive cat portraits that hold emotion. Based in the UK, she works closely with each client to make sure the result feels familiar, personal and quietly moving.

She takes her time with each portrait, drawing from your photos and descriptions to build a sense of your beloved cat’s character. Her 5 star reviews often highlight how comforting the results are—especially when created in memory of a recently passed away pet.

10. Is a pet portrait the perfect gift for cat lovers?

A cat portrait is the perfect way to show you understand someone’s bond with their pet. Whether for a birthday, memorial or just because, it makes a thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift for cat lovers.

It’s especially meaningful for someone who’s lost a beloved cat or wants to celebrate a kitten they’ve recently brought home. A portrait done with care is something they’ll keep forever.

Add a frame or a hand-written note, and you’ve got a personal, lasting treasure that shows genuine thought.

Summary: What to remember about cat portraits

• A portrait of your cat can be a lasting treasure that captures their unique presence.

• Cat portraits from photos are easy and effective, especially when done by an experienced artist.

• You can personalise the style, colours and background to reflect your cat’s character.

• Mediums like canvas or paper each bring their own strengths.

• Costs vary, but the result is a piece of art that’s worth keeping.

• Artist Zoe Star Hilton creates heartfelt portraits with care, character and craftsmanship.

• A custom cat portrait makes a touching gift for cat lovers.

Thinking of getting your portrait today? It could be the most meaningful thing you hang on your wall this year.

Cat Portrait by Zoe Star Hilton