How to Take a Great Cat Photo (With Just Your Phone)

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Cats are among the most photographed animals in the world, and also some of the hardest to photograph well. They move at the wrong moment, turn away just as you tap the button, or decide the camera is far more interesting than posing. The good news is that you don’t need an expensive camera. With a phone, some light and a little patience, you can take photos of your cat you’ll love.

Start with good light

Light makes the biggest difference to any photo.

• Use window light. Soft daylight from a window flatters fur and brings out eye color. Many cats already love sitting in a sunny window, so meet them there.
• Avoid harsh midday sun falling directly on your cat. It creates hard shadows. A sheer curtain softens it.
• Turn off the flash. Flash startles many cats, causes glowing “laser eyes” and flattens fur. If it’s too dark, add a lamp or move closer to a window instead.
• Shoot in the morning or late afternoon. Cats are often more active at dawn and dusk, and the light is warmer then too.

Get down to their level

Most cat photos are taken from standing height, looking down. Crouch, sit or lie on the floor so your phone is level with your cat’s eyes. This one change makes photos feel more personal, and it shows your cat’s face rather than the top of their head.

You can also try:

• Shooting from slightly below when your cat is on a shelf or perch, which makes them look grand
• Getting close for a portrait that fills the frame with their face
• Stepping back to show your cat in their favourite spot, such as a bed, a box or a window ledge

Focus on the eyes

Eyes bring a photo to life. Tap the screen on your cat’s eye to set focus before taking the shot. If your phone has a portrait mode, it can blur the background nicely, but it sometimes struggles with whiskers and fluffy fur, so take a normal shot too.

Be quick: use burst mode

Cats change position constantly. Burst mode (holding down the shutter button on many phones) takes a series of photos in a second or two, so you can pick the best one afterward. It’s perfect for yawns, stretches, pounces and that perfect head tilt.

On many phones you can also turn on a “live” or motion photo setting, which lets you pick the best frame from a short clip.

Let toys and treats do the work

• Attract their attention with a crinkly sound, a feather or a wand toy held just above your phone. Your cat will look straight toward the lens.
• Get action shots with a moving toy. Playing first and photographing during the game is easier than asking for a pose.
• Use a treat to reward patience, and keep sessions short.

Have a helper wave the toy while you take the pictures if you can.

Be patient and respect their mood

The best cat photos happen when the cat is relaxed. Photograph them doing what they naturally do: sleeping in a sunbeam, grooming, watching birds or curling up in a box. If your cat walks away, flattens their ears or flicks their tail, it’s time to stop. Our guide to reading your cat’s body language can help you spot when your cat has had enough.

Never hold a cat in place or wake them up just for a photo. A few short sessions over a week work better than one long one.

Black cats, white cats and tricky coats

• Black cats look great in bright, soft light. Avoid dark backgrounds, and tap on the cat’s face so the phone exposes for the fur. A light-colored blanket behind them helps.
• White cats can lose detail in bright sun. Use soft window light and lower the exposure slightly by sliding your finger down after tapping to focus.
• Tabbies and patterned cats look best with a plain background, so the pattern stands out.

Set the scene

Clear away clutter, like cables, laundry and dishes, from the background. A plain wall, a cosy blanket or a sunny window makes a simple, attractive setting. Favourite spots work best because your cat chooses to be there anyway. A window perch, a hanging basket bed or a cardboard box can all become a natural “studio.”

Holiday photos and costumes

Cat photos make wonderful holiday cards and personalized ornaments. A few safety notes:

• Keep props simple and safe. Skip tinsel, ribbon and small ornaments, which cats can swallow.
• Only use costumes if your cat genuinely tolerates them. Most don’t. A festive blanket or bed in the background works just as well.
• Keep it short, and reward your cat afterward.

A little editing goes a long way

Your phone’s built-in editor is usually enough. Crop to bring your cat into focus, straighten the horizon, and adjust brightness a little. Go easy on filters so your cat’s fur and eyes keep their natural color.

Props that make great photo spots

Toys that encourage natural play are perfect for action shots, and a favourite bed gives you an easy setting.

• The Electric Cat Toy moves in unpredictable patterns, which is good for catching pounces on camera.
• The Cat Mattress Cradle is a rattan hanging basket bed for cats up to 16 pounds, and makes a natural, cosy photo spot.

Cat photo FAQ

Why does my cat look away from the camera?

A direct stare can feel like a challenge to a cat, and the phone may make a sound. Try a toy held just above the lens, and look away yourself between shots.

What camera settings should I use?

On a phone, turn off the flash, tap to focus on the eyes, and use burst mode for movement. That covers most situations.

My cat always looks blurry. Why?

Usually low light. Move closer to a window or switch on a lamp. More light lets your phone use a faster shutter.