It’s that time of year again when the leaves start to change color, the days get shorter, and everyone gets excited about Halloween. This holiday is a favorite for many people, including cat owners. If you’re planning on dressing up your cat in a costume this year, make sure to follow these dos and don’ts.
Admit it — most of us have done it. An adorable sweater, a stylish jacket, or even a silly Halloween costume, the majority of pet parents have tried to play dress-up with their four-legged friends. With Halloween fast approaching, we’ve got some tips for cat parents who choose to join in the festivities and bring out your fur friend’s inner diva…
Sure, most cats don’t need to wear clothes. There are exceptions, of course – the hairless breeds regularly wear them to stay warm in winter, or a cat that’s recently had surgery may need to wear clothing to protect an incision site.
Whatever your reason for playing dress-up with your kitty, it’s important to proceed with caution and use some positive reinforcement so you don’t upset your cat.
When it Comes to Cat Costumes, Keep it Simple
Unless your cat is accustomed to wearing elaborate outfits, keep it simple, realizing that cat clothes might feel strange, make funny noises, and rub them in ways they aren’t used to. If you’re going to put a costume on your cat, ditch the elaborate dresses and opt for something easy like a bow tie, hat, or simple t-shirt.
Get the Right Size
Always make sure anything you put on your cat is properly sized to fit! This is true of both collars and clothes. Make sure the outfit your cat wears isn’t too tight (or too loose!) and doesn’t impede his ability to jump, move, or breathe.
Start Early
Get your cat used to the idea of wearing a costume early by leaving it out on the floor. After a while, lay the clothing across your cat’s back for a few moments to get her used to it. Be sure to reward your kitty with treats or playtime so he associates the costume with positive things!
Now It’s Time!
After your kitty has had time to get used to an article of clothing or costume, now you can try dressing her in it. Immediately after you put something on her, let her play with her favorite toy or chase after some high-reward treats. She’ll soon realize the outfit isn’t going to paralyze her and she can move around freely in it.
Never Leave a Cat Unattended in a Costume
If you’ve got clothes on your cat, never, ever leave him unattended. Cats should only wear clothes under your supervision to make sure nothing happens. A cat left alone in clothes might try to get out of them and end up wearing a shirt around his waist or pulling his leg out of an arm-hole. Neither of these scenarios is any fun for a cat!
Watch for Signs of Stress
Some cats will tolerate wearing clothes with no problems at all (in fact, some seem to like it!), while others will freeze and flop over, hide, or even scratch and paw at their duds. If it’s clear that your kitty is uncomfortable, take the clothes off. While a cat in a costume is cute, it’s simply not worth stressing her out.
With a little preparation and common sense, you can keep your kitty safe and stress-free this Halloween. Follow our dos and don’ts to make sure your cat has a fun (and spooky) time! Remember to always have fun and be safe while celebrating – we don’t want any horror stories about cats dressed up as witches or vampires. Have a Happy Halloween!
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