Pets Adviser

Photo courtesy thesophisticatedcat.com

Cat sweaters, cat dresses, kitty wigs… Is it true? Can cats wear clothes? The answer may surprise you.

According to the Sophisticated Cat, billed as a luxury cat boutique based in Chicago, “Couture has finally gone to the felines…. Many cats enjoy the coziness of the clothing and enjoy the closeness with their owners when being dressed and the center of attention.”

There have been several cat fashion shows lately, including a charity catwalk in August 2008 at the Algonquin Hotel in Midtown New York City, complete with $20 “Purr-tinis.” According to the New York Daily News, “cats dressed in everything from an Elvis costume to a sequined satin dress.”

Of course, if you’re anything like me, you must be wondering how much of this is just plain hooey. I mean, have you ever tried to put a cat in a crate? Now imagine trying to slide a satin dress on same cat. Not happening.

Carla Reiss, founder of Meow Wear, possibly the first cat fashion house, says, “I do not believe in everyday use of apparel for cats unless there is a good reason for it.” If your cat gets chilly during cold weather, a sweater may be necessary, Reiss says. Or perhaps a garment may be helpful to keep the cat from licking a surgical wound.

But let’s face it: Most cat owners just think these clothes are cool. And full of attitude. Or cattitude.

Cat t-shirts at the Sophisticated Cats, which cost $15 to $18, range from the anti-canine “Cats Rule, Dogs Drool” and “The Dog Did It” shirts  to “Savvy Tabby,” “Fat Cat” and “Tiger at Heart.” For the alley cat on the prowl, there’s the “I Chase Tail” tee.

Other clothes for cats include a cat tuxedo bow tie, cat pajamas, cat fleece vests, kitty sweaters, cat bath robes, quilted vests and Oxford sweaters. Why should dogs have all the… um, fun?

Now, about those cat wigs. They should be on only for a precious few human-supervised moments. There are ear holes designed for cats, as well as a strap you can adjust. They are washable; just soak them in water with “wig shampoo” for a few minutes, then towel-dry without wringing the wig. The wigs cost around $35. Your cat will look utterly ridiculous, yes. But perhaps that is the point?

Are cat clothes safe? For starters, make sure there are no loose sleeves or extra material. “Cats are not fond of sleeves or any garment that is burdensome to them,” Reiss says. And, hey, if your cat doesn’t seem to want to wear the clothes, don’t force it. That’s just cruel.-