When it comes to dressing your pet up for Halloween, you don’t have to limit your costuming efforts to dogs. Many cats love to dress up and be a part of the spooky season festivities too! While the process of finding a Halloween costume for your cat can seem overwhelming at first, there are plenty of options out there that will allow you to pick the best costume for both you and your cat's needs.
Our article tells you more about what to think about when choosing the best Halloween costume for your cat and gives you an overview of the most popular cat Halloween costumes of 2024.
What to Think About When Choosing a Halloween Costume for Your Cat
As you start to think about which kind of Halloween costume would best suit your cat, it's important to keep the following factors in mind. These factors can help narrow down the many costume options out there and ensure that you choose a cat Halloween costume that perfectly suits your cat's needs and comfort levels.
Type of Costume
The type of costume you choose is very important to keep in mind, as some cat Halloween costumes will be full-body clothing, while others will simply be a hat or collar accessory. The type of costume you choose depends on what your cat would be okay with wearing, as many cats tolerate hats and collar accessories well, but full-body costumes can cause more of an issue.
You should also keep in mind that many costumes are designed for dogs, but cats can wear small and sometimes medium sizes of these costumes too. By selecting costumes that are designed for dogs, you can generally have a wider range of options for how to dress up your cat for Halloween.
Size
The size of your cat's Halloween costume is very important to keep in mind, as you want to make sure that the costume is well-fitted, but not too small or too loose. Costumes that are too large can cause excess fabric that leads your cat to trip or slip out of their costume, while costumes that are too small may lead to breathing issues and general discomfort.
You may want to take the time to measure your cap with a tape measure and compare these measurements to any size chart that you find alongside the cat Halloween costume you are interested in buying.
Your Cat’s Comfort
Your cat's comfort is very important to keep in mind, as your cat's comfort levels and experience with wearing costumes help you determine the type of Halloween costume your cat would be happiest in. If you are worried about how your cat will interact with their Halloween costume, you can always start small with a hat or collar accessory and work up to a full body costume with plenty of positive reinforcement, treats, and affection to let your cat know that a full body Halloween costume is nothing to be afraid of.
Budget
Keeping your budget in mind while you shop for a cat Halloween costume is essential, as you don't want to spend more money than you have set aside for the Halloween season. However, it's important that you also find a costume that is of good quality within your budget, as saving money for the sake of saving money can result in costumes that are poor quality, prone to falling apart, or unsafe for your cat to wear.
Always shop at reputable pet costume websites and don't hesitate to return a costume that you suspect is unsafe for your cat to wear.
Safety and Materials
You should always be thinking of your cat's safety when choosing a cat Halloween costume, and this can also mean checking the materials that your cat's Halloween costume is made from. You may need to verify that materials are non-toxic, and you should look for any items that would be easy for your cat to chew off and swallow.
If your cat shows signs of discomfort or indicates that they will be attempting to eat their Halloween costume, you may want to go with a simpler costume and ensure that your cat is monitored constantly while they are wearing their outfit.
The Most Popular Cat Halloween Costumes for 2024
Our team researches popular dog products to provide reviews and insights. If you choose to purchase using the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support our work at no additional cost to you.
There are many different popular cat Halloween costumes to choose from today, and it can be difficult to navigate through all of these costumes to find the best options around. Below, we give you an overview and a review of our choices for the most popular cat Halloween costumes of 2024.
1. The Grim Rea-Purr Cat Shirt
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Simple to put on and perfect for spooky photos, the Grim Rea-Purr Cat Shirt is a clever and fun cat costume.
Key Notes
Machine washable, cotton material, multiple sizes
The Grim Rea-Purr Cat Shirt is a fun and clever way to dress your cat for the Halloween season. This comfortable cat shirt is made from cotton and totally machine washable, so it can withstand all of the different antics your cat may put it through. Plus, this shirt comes in multiple sizes, so the smallest kittens to the largest cats can wear this costume easily.
Keep in mind that some cats may not enjoy the feel of a full-body costume, and it may take some time for your cat to get used to wearing this shirt.
Pros
Cons
2. Pet Krewe Spider Collar Cat Costume
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
A perfect Halloween accessory, this Spider Collar cat costume is great for adding a simple bit of spookiness to your cat’s look.
Key Notes
Easily adjustable collar, spooky spider design, great for beginners
The Pet Krewe Spider Collar Cat costume features a spooky spider design with classic Halloween colors. This collar has an easily adjustable elastic that is designed to fit most cats, and the fabric is comfortable. You can also put this collar costume over your cat’s regular collar to make sure they are still identifiable and safe even when in costume.
While this costume is great for beginners to cat costumes, some very playful and rambunctious cats may attempt to play with the collar’s pieces. You should monitor your cat closely while they wear this costume.
Pros
Cons
3. Yummy World Avocado Headpiece for Cats
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4.5 out of 5
Why we like it
A funny Halloween hat, this costume is entertaining for cat owners and cats alike, and it deviates from more classic spooky and scary cat costumes.
Key Notes
Tie closures, soft polyester material, fun headpiece costumes
While there are plenty of cats named after food, now you can dress your favorite furry friend up like food as well! The Yummy World Avocado Headpiece is an avocado-shaped hat for cats that allows your cat to peek out of the middle of the avocado. This costume is fastened with tie closures at the back and has a soft polyester material that is safe for cats to interact with.
If your cat is not too experienced with costumes, this headpiece costume may be a little too large and unwieldy for them to be comfortable with at first. It can also be difficult for some cats to walk in this costume, making it essential you give your cat time to adjust and adapt to the costume.
Pros
Cons
4. Pet Krewe Cowboy Hat Pet Costume
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This Cowboy Hat Pet Costume is a great choice for all cats, and it is easy to wear and get a great fit thanks to the adjustable chin strap.
Key Notes
Simple, stylish, and easy to wear for most cats
Some of the best Halloween costumes around are simple and easy to wear, such as this Pet Krewe Cowboy Hat Pet Costume. This hat can be slipped onto your cat’s head and there is an elastic chin strap that you can adjust to ensure a safe and snug fit. The Cowboy Hat Pet Costume is great for both new and experienced costume wearers, and it can be worn alone or with other costumes.
Take note that some cats really do not like the feeling of chin straps, so if your cat tries to remove the cowboy hat costume, this is not the Halloween costume for them.
Pros
Cons
5. Pet Life Captain Snuggles Pirate Pet Costume
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This Pirate costume gives the hilarious appearance of your cat walking on two feet and is great for Halloween events.
Key Notes
Two-piece costume, multiple sizes available, great for photos
The Pet Life Captain Snuggles Pirate Pet Costume is a classic Halloween costume that your cat will look adorable in. This costume is designed for dogs, but cats can easily wear smaller sizes of this costume. The pirate costume is a two-piece assembly, which could be more difficult for some cats to wear, but this costume does give the fun appearance of your cat walking on two feet.
This costume has hook and loop closures that fasten around the neck and belly of your cat, and you can use the measurement chart to pick the right size. Take note that this costume is best suited for experienced cat costume wearers.
Pros
Cons
6. Pet Krewe Tuxedo Collar Costume
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 3 out of 5
Why we like it
This Tuxedo Collar Costume is a simple one-piece costume that is perfect for cat owners and cats who are new to the cat Halloween costume world.
Key Notes
Simple one-piece costume, adjustable closures
You’ve always known your cat was pretty fancy, but now is your time to show off their high tastes and impeccable style. This Pet Krewe Tuxedo Collar Costume is designed for dogs, but cats may be able to wear the costume as well. It is simple and fancy, with adjustable closures to ensure a great fit.
And while this costume is simple and classic, some cat owners may want a spookier Halloween costume. Very small cats may also have trouble wearing this costume, as it tends to run a little large.
Pros
Cons
Your Guide to Buying Cat Halloween Costumes
Buying a cat Halloween costume can seem confusing, and you may have several questions arise during this process. Our guide to buying cat Halloween costumes below will answer the most frequently asked questions about obtaining a Halloween costume for your cat.
How Do I Get My Cat Used to a Halloween Costume?
Getting your cat used to a Halloween costume can seem like a challenge, as many cats don’t easily take to wearing clothing and hats. However, with plenty of patience and positive reinforcement, your cat may easily learn how to wear a Halloween costume and enjoy their time dressing up.
The best way to get your cat used to a Halloween costume is to start in small doses – allow the costume to sit out around your home for a few days so your cat can sniff it and warm up to the idea of it. Give your cats lots of treats as you dress them in their costume and allow them to wear it for short periods of time so they get used to the feeling of it. While your cat is wearing the costume, give them lots of treats and attention, as this will help them associate wearing their Halloween costume with positive feelings.
Eventually, your cat will be able to wear their Halloween costume for longer periods of time and you can work your way up to full-body costumes or costumes that may be suited for more experienced cats.
How Early Should I Buy My Cat’s Halloween Costume?
How early you buy your cat’s Halloween costume depends on when you need them to wear the costume. If your cat has never worn costumes before, you may want to purchase your costume a few weeks ahead of any planned activities or photographs. This gives your cat plenty of time to warm up to the idea of the costume and to try the costume on for short periods of time, making sure that they are comfortable in it.
As a general rule, purchasing your cat’s Halloween costume a few weeks before Halloween is the best way to go. Always make sure that you leave plenty of time for fittings and returns, especially when ordering your cat’s Halloween costume online.
Is It Safe to Dress My Cat In a Halloween Costume?
It is safe to dress your cat in a Halloween costume as long as you make sure to take proper precautions with the type of costume you are using and your cat’s comfort level. You need to make sure that any Halloween costume you purchase for your cat fits them properly and does not leave them at risk of tripping or having visibility issues.
You should also always monitor your cats while they are in costume and make sure that they are not showing any signs of distress. Make sure that your cat does not chew at parts of their costume or get stuck in their costume, as this can cause serious panic, injury, and negative feelings towards wearing costumes and clothing.
How Do I Make Sure a Costume Is Safe For My Cat?
Before allowing your cat to wear any kind of Halloween costume, it’s important that you make sure the costume is safe. This means that you will need to check the costume for any pieces that could be chewed off, materials that might be toxic to your cat, and other issues regarding sizing and comfort.
Monitor your cat’s behavior and comfort levels when you first put the costume on them, and always buy your Halloween costumes from a reputable and legitimate seller. This helps to reduce instances where materials used to create the costume, or the overall design of the costume, are unsafe for animals.
What Are the Signs That My Cat Is Stressed?
When your cat is wearing a Halloween costume it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and comfort. You should make sure that your cat is not stressed or unhappy at any point while wearing their costume, as this could lead to them lashing out, developing aggressive behaviors, or causing injury to themselves and others.
Signs that your cat is stressed or unhappy include ears flat back to their head, cowering, growling, or swatting at people with their paws. If your cat is very uncomfortable in their costume, they may attempt to wiggle out of the costume themselves, something that can cause injury if they get stuck on any collar pieces or head pieces.
As soon as you notice that your cat is not having a good time in their Halloween costume, you should take steps to remove them to a calm, safe place and remove their costume as soon as possible.
The Best Cat Halloween Costume For Your Feline Friend
Dressing your cat up for Halloween is something that many cat owners dream about. After all, there’s nothing more entertaining than seeing your furry friend dressed up for spooky season. However, it’s important to make sure that any cat Halloween costume you purchase fits well and doesn’t leave your cat uncomfortable.
The recommendations in our article will give you a great starting point as you browse the most popular cat Halloween costumes of 2024 to find the perfect outfit for your feline friend.