Every October the internet fills up with cats in costumes, and every October a lot of cat parents buy one that their cat refuses to wear. The good news: most of that comes down to fit and how you introduce it. Here is how to choose a Halloween costume your cat will actually keep on long enough for the photo.
1. Measure before you buy
Cat costumes are sized by body measurements, not by breed or age. Grab a soft measuring tape and measure:
- Neck: around the base of the neck, where a collar sits.
- Chest: around the widest part, just behind the front legs.
- Back length: from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
Compare these with the size chart (see our full cat costume size guide). If your cat falls between two sizes, choose the bigger one. A costume that is slightly loose is comfortable; one that is tight gets pulled off in seconds.
2. Pick a costume that leaves your cat free to move
The costumes cats tolerate best have a few things in common:
- They sit on the body like a little shirt or cape, without covering the ears, eyes or whiskers.
- They leave the legs, paws and tail free.
- They use soft fabric with no stiff seams under the legs.
- They close easily, so you are not wrestling your cat to get it on.
3. Introduce it slowly
Leave the costume near your cat's favourite spot for a day so it smells familiar. Then put it on for a minute or two with treats, and take it off before your cat gets annoyed. A few short, positive sessions in the week before Halloween make the big night much easier.
4. Keep it safe
- Never leave your cat alone while it is wearing a costume.
- Remove anything your cat can chew off and swallow.
- Check that your cat can breathe, walk, jump and use the litter box normally.
- If your cat flattens its ears, freezes or keeps trying to get out of it, take it off. A photo is not worth a stressed cat.
5. Get the photo fast
Have your phone ready before the costume goes on. Use a toy or treat above the camera to get your cat looking up, and shoot in short bursts. Natural light near a window works best. More ideas in our cat Halloween photo guide.
Our favourite cat Halloween costumes this year
Killer Doll costume: striped shirt, blue overalls and a knife prop. Turns the sweetest cat into the creepiest little villain on the block. Sizes XS to XL.
Nun costume: a hooded black and white habit with a cross. For the cat who has always acted holier than everyone else. Sizes XS to L.
Both fit cats and small dogs. Have two cats? Buy any two costumes and save 15%, applied automatically at checkout. See all cat Halloween costumes.
Order by October 14 for Halloween delivery.