Cat ofrenda · Oct 27 – Nov 2
How to make an ofrenda for your cat
A cat ofrenda is a small Día de Muertos altar for a cat who has died. Set it up by October 27, the Day of the Dead for pets, with their photo, fresh water, a few of their treats, a favorite toy, marigolds and a candle — and keep it up until November 2. If other cats live with you, make it cat-safe: no lilies and no open flames within reach.
Updated
What to put on a cat ofrenda
- Curled in a sunbeam, judging you from the top of the fridge — the one that is unmistakably them.
- Fresh each day. Many cats preferred a glass to a bowl; use whichever they liked.
- A few of the treats they came running for, or a spoon of their usual food.
- The feather wand, the crinkle ball, the hair tie they stole every day.
- Placed in front of the photo.
- Fresh, paper or silk. Never lilies — they are dangerous to cats.
- All the glow of a flame, none of the singed whiskers.
- Cats choose the softest spot; give them one on the altar.
- A painted wooden cat or a small alebrije as a companion.
Step by step
Pick a high, quiet spot
A shelf or windowsill — the kind of place they would have claimed.
Lay a soft cloth and set the photo
Their blanket works beautifully.
Add water, treats and their toy
Small portions; this is about the gesture.
Add marigolds (no lilies)
Around the photo, or a few petals leading from the window.
Turn on an LED candle on October 27
In the evening, say their name, maybe the nicknames too.
Keep it up until November 2
Refresh the water and flowers; then keep the photo and collar for next year.
For what each element means and when to take the altar down, see the full pet ofrenda guide.
Cats on the Day of the Dead
Pets of every kind are welcomed on October 27 — the custom is about the love, not the species. Cats often appear in Day of the Dead art as painted alebrijes and catrina-style figures, and plenty of families simply add the household cat’s photo to the family ofrenda. A cat’s altar tends to be small and quiet, which suits them.
Keeping other cats safe around the altar
- Lilies. Every part of the lily plant, including pollen and the water in the vase, is highly toxic to cats. Leave lilies off any altar a cat can reach.
- Candles. Cats jump onto altars and swish their tails over flames. Use LED candles.
- Strings and paper. Papel picado strings, ribbons and tinsel can be swallowed. Hang them out of reach.
- Incense and copal. Smoke and essential oils can irritate cats’ airways. Skip them, or burn them only in a room the cats cannot enter.
- Marigolds and food. Marigolds can upset a cat’s stomach if chewed; human foods like onion, garlic, chocolate and alcohol are toxic. Keep both out of reach.
If you think your pet has eaten something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435, US; a fee may apply).
Frequently asked questions
What do you put on a Day of the Dead altar for a cat?
Their photo, a little water, their treats, a favorite toy, their collar, marigolds and an LED candle. Avoid lilies, which are toxic to cats.
Are marigolds safe for cats?
Tagetes marigolds are not as dangerous as lilies, but they can cause stomach upset and skin irritation if chewed. Place them out of reach, or use paper flowers.
When do cats come back on Day of the Dead?
On October 27, together with all pets. Many families keep the altar up through November 2.
How do you say cat ofrenda in Spanish?
Altar de muertos para gatito or ofrenda para mi gato. Leer en español.