Let me guess: you adore cats (you’re in the right place), you’re eyeing up some animal wall art for your space, and now you’re wondering: Do I go for a cat painting or a cat print? I get it. It’s not always an easy choice, especially when each option brings something a little different to your walls.
As someone who spends a lot of time with paint on my hands, I thought I’d walk you through how I think about it when I’m choosing for my own home and what might help you decide for yours.
It all starts with the vibe
Paintings and wall art prints each tell a story, but they do it in slightly different voices.
If you’re after something that feels more like a bold statement, a real centrepiece, then a framed canvas cat painting might be your best friend. There's a sense of depth, presence, and richness that makes the whole thing feel like it's almost breathing.
But maybe you prefer something lighter, more flexible? Then, a framed cat print could be the perfect pick. It brings colour and character without overpowering the room. Easy to hang, easy to move, and still packed with personality.
Let me introduce you to a few favourites
If you're still not sure, let me show you what I mean through some of my favourite feline characters:
Frankie the Cat (Framed Canvas)
Painting Frankie onto wall art canvas felt like the only way to do him justice. The depth of colour, the way the floating black frame adds polish - it all matches his bold, bellowing energy. This one's for you if you want something full of flair.
Bubbles the Cat (Framed Cat Print)
Oh Bubbles. I love her in framed wall art print form. It keeps her looking soft and relaxed, just like her garden days. A lovely choice for bedrooms, home offices, or anywhere you want a bit of calm (and a bit of cheek).
Mr Bojangles (Framed Cat Print)
His print works beautifully in a hallway or living room corner - somewhere he can keep a watchful eye. The premium frame gives him the presence he demands without taking over the whole space.
So, what’s the real difference between a cat painting and a cat print?
Let’s break it down in the simplest, least “artsy jargon” way possible, because let’s be honest, you don’t need a gallery guide; you just want something beautiful on your wall that makes you smile every day.
This is the big one — the showstopper.
It comes fully framed and ready to hang, so no faffing about at the framers.
The colours are rich, velvety, and full of depth; it’s the closest thing to owning an original without me showing up with my paintbrush.
The black floating frame adds a bit of drama and polish. It gives the whole piece of wall art a “this-is-important” kind of feel without being too serious.
Perfect for big blank walls that are just begging for attention, think above a fireplace, over the bed, or in an entrance hall.
Cat Print (Framed or Unframed)
A little more relaxed, but still full of charm. These are printed on thick, museum-quality fine art paper (the kind that doesn’t curl, fade, or go dull with time).
You can get these pieces of wall art framed or unframed, depending on how hands-on you fancy being. The framed ones come in simple, stylish wooden frames, black, white, or natural-to suit your style.
They’re light, easy to hang, and great for mixing into gallery walls or smaller nooks that need a gentle pop of colour.
If you’re just starting to dip your toes into the art world, prints are a fab, budget-friendly place to begin.
My home? A bit of both.
Honestly, I don’t believe in picking sides. I’ve got Frankie on a framed wall art canvas above the fireplace — it’s his favourite spot because he knows everyone can see him.
Then there’s Bubbles, lounging by my reading chair like she’s supervising story time. Her print is calm and colourful, just like her little garden kingdom.
And Mr Bojangles? He’s right there in the hallway, silently judging guests with that classic “get off my sofa” stare.
What I love is that each one fits the space and the cat. That’s the joy of choosing wall art that’s personal; it becomes part of the room, the story, and your day.
A few tips to help you decide
Here’s what I often tell friends and customers when they’re torn:
Think about the space.
Is it a wide-open wall just begging for some character? That’s where a wall art canvas really shines - bold, balanced, and full of presence.
Or maybe it’s a snug little corner that needs a soft touch, like above a bookshelf or beside a bed. In that case, a framed print might be just the thing.
What mood do you want?
Are you going for drama and depth? A canvas can really anchor a room.
Looking for something light, playful, or easy to change around? A print is perfect.
Wall art has this wonderful way of shaping how a room feels, so think about what emotion you want to walk into.
Prints are lighter to hang and easier to move around (handy if you’re someone who loves a seasonal shuffle).
Canvases, on the other hand, carry a bit more visual weight; they say, “I’m here” without being loud about it.
Either way, they come ready to hang, so you can unwrap, pop them up, and enjoy them straight away.
Cat Painting: It’s not just about art. It’s about feeling.
At the end of the day, whether you choose a big, bold canvas or a delicate framed print, it’s all about that one moment:
When you glance across the room and see a familiar furry face looking back at you, cheeky, gentle, mysterious, or full of love.
