Is it ok to dress your cat up for Halloween?

Now that spooky season is upon us, it’s only natural to wonder how we might include our much-loved family felines in the festivities and fun. After all, historically, cats have long been associated with Halloween! 

For a lot of people, dressing up in costume has become an integral part of Halloween celebrations – an activity they might want their cat to be included in, too. However, the majority of our feline friends aren’t so keen on the tradition of dressing up for Halloween. 

So, we’re exploring the reasons not to dress your cat up for Halloween, and alternative ways to let them join in without resorting to putting them in a costume…

Please note: In our discussion of ‘costume’, we’re not including medical vests or special clothing for hairless cats – both of which could improve feline welfare, dependent on an individual’s situation.

Dressing up your cat could cause them discomfort

Unlike their canine counterparts, cats are less inclined to find joy in ‘looking cute’ for their human family; even for Halloween.

Along with the risks of injury (e.g. costume decorations could be choking hazards), costumes can cause cats to experience discomfort. 

As pet parents, it’s our responsibility to care for our cats by meeting their needs:

• For a suitable environment and place to live.
• For a suitable diet.
• To exhibit normal behaviour patterns.
• To be housed with, or apart from, other animals.
• To be protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease.

Body language is an essential form of communication for cats that can be jeopardised by a costume, as well. 

Therefore, our cats must never wear a costume that restricts their ability to breathe comfortably, hear properly, move comfortably, and carry out natural behaviours like:

• Eating.
• Drinking.
• Sleeping.
• Sitting.
• Laying down.
• Walking.
• Playing.
• Jumping.
• Running.
• Toileting.

Important: Even though it may seem tempting as an alternative to costumes, please don’t use any paint or dye on your cat – due to risks of allergic reactions and toxic ingredients.

Signs your cat is uncomfortable in a costume

Here are some of the signs to look out for if a cat is uncomfortable in a costume:

• Rolling over in an attempt to remove the costume.
• Rolling on their back and staying still.
• Twitching or swishing their tail from side to side.
• Avoiding eye contact.
• Hiding.

Dressing up your cat might cause them stress

While wearing a costume could cause your cat to feel uncomfortable, it may also make them feel anxious or stressed.

Additionally, celebrating Halloween creates a change in routine for cats. From trick or treaters knocking the door repeatedly to a home environment covered in scary decorations, it can all be a bit much for our feline friends.

Unfortunately, a stressed or anxious cat is an unhappy cat. So, if a costume causes any emotional distress for your cat, it’s best that they don’t wear one.  

Signs your cat is stressed

• Freezing on the spot.
• Running away.
• Puffing their fur and arching their back.
• Not making the litter tray in time.
• Destructive behaviours, e.g. scratching furniture.
• Overgrooming.
• Changes in eating habits.
• Meowing more than usual.
• Hissing.
• Biting or scratching.

Please speak to a vet if your cat’s behaviour suggests they’re stressed or anxious.

Alternatives to dressing up your cat

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for your cat to enjoy spooky season without the worry of wearing a costume!

You could put a (quick release) Halloween print collar on your cat or attach a Halloween-themed bandana to their usual collar – if they’re happy for you to do so. 

Here’s some extra inspiration for alternative ways to ensure your feline friend has a positive Halloween experience…

Outfits of characters with cats

Instead of dressing up your cat, you could choose your costume based on a character who has a feline sidekick! For example:

• Jon and Garfield (from the ‘Garfield’ series).
• Alice and the Chesire Cat (from Alice in Wonderland).
• Shrek and Puss in Boots (from the ‘Shrek’ film series).
• Lisa or Bart and Snowball II (from The Simpsons).
• Cinderella and Lucifer (from the animated film, Cinderella).

Make cat-safe treats 

Another way to help your feline friend feel included in the Halloween fun is to create some super special treats for them!

Check out our recipes for 10 pet-safe pumpkin treats, to find the ‘pawfect’ spooky treat for your cat. 

Remember: Chocolate and sweets are toxic for cats, so you’ll need to keep your Halloween treats far away from your feline friend.

Enjoy Halloween with your cat’s safety in mind

For some cats, Halloween celebrations can be overwhelming without a costume being added to the mix. 

Although we’ve discussed signs of stress already, it’s also important to know how to calm your cat down if they’re upset by changes to their routine and home environment.

Luckily, there are several steps you could take to help your best fur-iend feel happier throughout spooky season:

• If you’re hosting a Halloween party, provide your cat with a quiet, safe space to hide in case they’re frightened.
• Prevent cats from running away by keeping them in a comfortable room (with a cosy bed, food, and water) if you’re expecting to greet lots of trick or treaters.
• Make sure your cat’s microchip details are up to date, in the event they escape your home in the chaos of Halloween.
• Use battery-operated candles in pumpkins instead of real candles, to lessen the risk of injury.

Only use pet-safe Halloween decorations – for example, decorations that don’t contain toxic chemicals and aren’t small enough to become a choking hazard.

To access expert advice leading up to Halloween, from RCVS-registered vets and vet nurses, at any time, from anywhere, you can download the Joii Pet Care app!