Penny-The inside of the gourd can be painted with acrilics then sealed with a water base polyurethane.As long as you aren't using it for "wet" foods it will be safe and easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.Another method would be to use an oil such as Tung oil(food grade)or even vegetable oil,to coat the inside of the gourd.I would imagine when our ancestors used gourds as eating vessels and for water and such,they probably coated the inside with animal fat!LOL Just be sure whatever way you decide that the gourd is thoroughly cleaned,scraped and sanded smooth before applying the paint,sealer or oil.........Lillie

Thank you for getting back to me on the gourd basket. Great info you gave me.
I know it has been a long time for me to reply but we were on holidays. :0)
I think I will try the tung oil. My cats are really large but animal fat...hummm...NA! LOL
Thanks once again.
Penny