5 SURE STEPS ON HOW TO GET YOUR CAT TO WEAR A COSTUME

Let’s face it, we all love costumes and dressing up, even more so when your beloved pet gets to join in on the fun! Cats are widely known to be picky with wearing foreign items and clothing, although not all. Increasingly the cat costume trend is picking up, and it seems more and more cats are accepting and allowing of wearing these festive costumes. We can thank social cat influencers on Instagram such as @zappa_the_cat and @waffles_the_cat for setting the bar when it comes to cats in costumes.

While there is no magical spell to get your cat to wear an awesome costume, these 5 steps will increase the chances by encouraging the behavior and acceptance of wearing cat costumes. Your fierce feline will be strutting the streets in the latest superheroes and pop culture icons in no time. Be sure to check out the largest selection of cat costumes here at Pet Costume Center!

1. Make Sure the Costume Fits.
This is most important. A costume that is too small or too large will never be comfortable for your furry feline. Comfort is key if a cat will decide to keep it on. Something that is too tight will be extremely uncomfortable and prevent your cat from moving freely, while something too large will not stay on properly and pose a risk to your cats safety. A baggy costume may have loose pieces that will get in the way of walking, jumping, and climbing.

Generally a cat will wear a X-Small or Small size for a comfortable fit. If your cat is on the larger side (dang those extra treats), a Medium size would be best. It is extremely important to measure your cat to decide which size will fit best. You should measure your cats back length, chest, and neck. Check out our video on how to measure your dog for a brief idea (same measurement principles apply to cats). Use these measurements to decide sizing based on the costume size charts provided.

2. Choose the Right Type of Costume.
Nobody knows your cat like you do. You may be able to predict whether a full costume or accessory will work best. Costumes come in all shapes and sizes, with some being more complex than others. Simple is usually the better choice with cat costumes. If this will be your cats first time in a costume, try going for a one-piece costume, or “walking” costumes that always seem to work best with first time cat-cosplay. As an example, The Star Wars Princess Leia Costume is designed as a “walking” costume meaning that it gives the appearance of a mini Princess Leia walking across your living room, except with your pets cute face! This type of costume may be best because it is only one a one-piece body suit that hangs and fastens from the neck, without any fabric or pieces draping over the back or hind legs. If your cat is comfortable with clothing, you may want to go with a full costume like the Puss In Boots Costume, complete with a cape, scarf, paw cuffs, ruffle collar, and hat.

3. Allow Time for Your Cat to Get Used to the Costume
What is this alien thing?? That’s what your cat will be thinking in it’s head, unless it actually is an alien costume which in that case, your cat needs to go to Harvard. Now.

This new costume you just got in the mail is something your cat may not be familiar with. Have your cat get used to it by laying it next to her. Let her sniff and touch it until she realizes this item is no threat. Placing a few favorite treats on top of the costume will help. Shortly after, try gently placing the costume on top of her playfully for a few seconds, without actually putting it on. If your furry feline is doing great, make sure to show love and reinforcement with plenty of treats. Treats will help tremendously here to reward any positive actions, such as allowing the costume to touch her and be placed onto her fur. This step should be repeated over a few days for your cat to internalize these behaviors.

4. Once Comfortable, Put the Costume On.
This step is crucial! Make sure you let her play with her favorite toys and have her favorite treats on hand while wearing the costume. This will allow her to become distracted from the fact she has a costume on, and allow her to move freely while wearing it. Full acceptance of the costume may take anywhere from a few minutes, to a few days, to a few weeks. It is important to start your costume search early to allow your furry feline to get used to the costume in time for the holiday.

5. Take Pictures!
Cat costumes are a great way to include your cat in the family fun, and allows for some oh-so instagramable pictures sure to get loads of likes. It is important to keep in mind that cat costumes should only be worn with your supervision. A pleasant costume experience for your cat will allow years of cat costume fun ahead.

This probably goes without saying, but be sure to take LOADS of pictures of your cat in that oh-so-stylish costume. The internet just doesn’t have enough of em’.