There’s nothing wrong in dressing up your cat as long as he/she is comfortable in the outfit. This is why it’s necessary to introduce clothes for cats right from the kitten stage. You cannot expect your adult cat to be okay with wearing clothes just out of nowhere. They’re fussy creatures, aren’t they? So how to choose the right cat clothing for your feline? This article is all about that.
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Right Cat Clothing for Your Feline?
1. What Are Your Options?
Online stores like PetClever offer plenty of options when it comes to costumes and clothing items for cats. The wide range of products currently up for grabs is definitely created to make your feline companion look even more adorable. And that too without leaving out comfort!
Wanting your cat to wear fun clothing is not such an uncommon occurrence by the way. So you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that many cat parents do this. Some do it for a memorable Christmas photo. While some others do it for no reason at all. So it doesn’t really matter why you want to clothe your cat.
What your options depend on the type of cat you have. For example, the sphynx breed absolutely requires cat apparel. It’s necessary for the feline to wear clothing since it has no hair at all. Now I know that their body’s thermo-regulation keeps them generously warm. Even so, if the weather is harshly cold, bald cats might feel a little better with some clothing on.
2. What Factors Are Important?
The thing about cat clothes, only the good ones though, is that they’re designed for ensuring comfort throughout the wear. No amount of irritation, stress, or discomfort should be a part of this experience. And if it is, then please don’t put your cat through the whole thing. Simply ditch the idea of dressing him/her up.
Fit
Yes, you want your little feline companion to look even more adorable, right? But not at the expense of your cat not being able to move, jump, walk, or see comfortably. No amount of restraint is worth the effort.
So don’t go for a too snug fit. Make sure there’s enough room in there for your cat to move and run around freely.
Material
The choice of fabric is also very important. It’s because if the material is cheap, the whole idea of picking the right clothing becomes counterproductive.
Crinkly fabrics or fabrics with an unpleasant, chemical-like odor tend to put off cats. So you’re looking at a lot of trouble at the time of clothing your feline. Therefore, make sure an unpleasant or strong scent is not a part of the experience. Speaking of which, even weird sounds might scare your kitty away. So keep that out of the picture too when dressing up your cat.
Instead select a comfortable, soft material. It feels smooth against the coat of your pet.
Safety
Safety hazards are a priority here. Meaning things like poking wires, tiny plastic parts, etc. are to be checked out. Too complicated or intricate designs are often uncomfortable to wear. So please don’ forget to eliminate such concerns.
Your goal is to make your cat look adorable. But you don’t want to endanger your precious pet while doing so, now you do.
I would just like to add one more thing. Not many cats like the idea of wearing clothes. So if he/she is getting petrified at your every attempt, then it means you’ve got to lose the clothes. You can also try positive reinforcements for motivating your feline to relax while you’re busy turning him/her into a fashion icon.
Benefits of Clothing for Cats
There’s no denying the fact that most people dress up cats just to make them look more adorable and cuter. Now there’s nothing wrong in doing this. Cats might actually feel more comfortable when clothed. Be it in a dress, hoodie, sweater, or shirt!
So don’t immediately dismiss the idea of buying or stitching an outfit for your cat. Just think about the wonderful opportunity the little creature might miss out on.
1. Thermal Protection and Warmth
Cats have a natural layer of a fur coat for warmth, right? And more often than not, this barrier is more than enough to protect them from the cold winter months. But sometimes they might feel more comfortable and relaxed with a little extra warmth. Even when indoors with the central heating system of your home powered on. Winter mornings can get chilly!
This is when you can think of dressing up your feline buddy is a basic cat-specific hoodie, sweater, or shirt. It’s the quickest and easiest way to provide extra warmth against that cold. So long as you pick a clothing item that’s designed using slightly thick wool and cotton blend, you’re doing everything right.
You can choose cotton hoodies, t-shirts, dresses, and sweaters. But don’t prioritize looks. Rather go for something that offers both warmth and comfort above all else. Feel the material, if you can, or read about it. The fabric should be a soft and thick kind.
2. Fashion Statement
Thermal protection and warmth aside, clothes on cats simply make them look even more charming. Imagine your cat wearing a funny shirt. I’m sure it would make you smile. No matter how horrible your mood or day has been.
Cat clothing items, more often than not, are always cute in terms of visual appeal. There’s no need for you to add layers or bring in accessories. Don’t overdo it, as that might make your feline feel very uncomfortable. Just stick with basic, traditional shirts or sweaters for cats. Even these are more than enough to attract compliments and adoration.
3. Bonding
Not many cat parents know this but dressing up also strengthens your bonding experience with your cat. Making time for your feline companion doesn’t always come easy. Sometimes you just end up feeding your pet and providing water. That’s all.
Cats, much like dogs, love receiving attention from their owners. It’s what keeps them happy and healthy. When that doesn’t happen, problems like depression and aggression kick in.
So how do you like the idea of spending some time dressing up or just bonding with your feline? They’ll certainly love you for it.
Conclusion
Now you know how to choose the right cat clothing for your feline. Once again, don’t prioritize looks. Your cat should feel comfortable in the outfit you’ve picked for him/her. And if keeping the cat warm is your goal, then make sure the fabric is a thick blend of wool and cotton.
The rest you already know. So have fun and don’t add unnecessary layers or accessories. Let the experience be fun for you feline companion too.
Sources:
1. http://www.cat-clothes.com/how-cats-can-benefit-from-wearing-clothes/
2. https://medium.com/@meowsmy6/follow-the-guide-to-know-how-to-get-the-best-clothes-for-your-cat-d4431fc90fd0