Cat Halloween Costumes: Cats Did Not Ask for This

Americans plan to spend $0.92 billion on pet costumes this year.

Mind blown 🤯That’s nearly a billion dollars, and I’d bet my last can of tuna that most cats had no say in it.

Pumpkins, hot dogs and ghosts are among the popular picks. Dogs get the dinosaurs. Cats get whatever they can’t claw their way out of.

I’ve been doing this for sixteen years, so I know how this goes. I’m not against a costume. I’m against a hostage situation.

This is Lumi’s first Halloween with us, and I honestly have no idea how she’ll take it. I have a witch hat and cape I’m dying to try, plus a lion’s mane that has not gone well in the past.

With those gold eyes, I might risk it anyway. I’ll post a follow-up with photos if she lets me. No promises.

Our late great cat Domino had the right idea.

If you want to try one, the ones that tend to work are the barely-there kind: a little pumpkin cap, a pair of bat wings on a light harness, a witch hat. Skip the full-body suits.

And black cats? They’ve got it made.
As the founder of black cat awareness month, these cats are close to my heart, and honestly they don’t need help. A black cat is already the whole costume. If you must, little devil ears or bat wings. That’s it. They look perfect as they as voids.

A few quick safety things, since I’d be a bad cat rescue founder if I skipped them. Make sure your cat feels okay and can get out of the costume fast if they want to. Keep fabric away from candles and any jack-o’-lantern with a real flame. And never leave a costumed cat running around without a human nearby.

Here’s the one thing to take home: keep it minimal, keep it short, and let your cat decide. If they freeze, flatten their ears, or lash their tail, take it off and give them a treat. You get your photo in five seconds and they forgive you by dinner.

For my longer take on costume safety, see Odin, One-Eyed Cat’s Halloween Costume Guide

Now, if you’ll excuse, I have a witch hat to try on a willing cat. Maybe not.

Some tips from Lumi.

1. Something around the neck. A bandana, a little bow tie, or a ruffled collar. Cats tolerate this best because it sits where a collar already would. A deep purple or green looks great against gold or green eyes.
2. The witch hat. Pick one with a soft elastic strap that’s snug but not tight, and skip any stiff brim. The cape can wait until okay with the hat.
3. The princess crown. Cats usually hate these because they sit right on top of the ears. A tiny crown on a soft headband is easier than a rigid one. Leave it for last, and don’t be surprised if it’s a no.

How to try each one: put it near her first and let her sniff it. Then place it on for just a few seconds while she’s relaxed, ideally right after a meal or play. Snap the photo, remove it, and give her a treat. If her ears go flat, her tail starts lashing, or she freezes, take it off right away and try a different piece another day.

Best advice? Try AI Or the old-fashioned Photoshop.

Are you planning to dress up your cat for Halloween? If so, what’s the plan?