Here are 22 funny photos of cats wearing clothes. Does this count as kitty torture?! Maybe not, but it’s a fine line, folks!
In these pets photos you’ll find cats wearing dresses, costumes, Elvis wigs and more. Oh, the things people will do to their poor pets for a quick laugh! (Okay, okay, we admit we get a chuckle out of this too…)
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Cats in Clothes
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.”
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.
Wigging out. Photo courtesy thesophisticatedcat.com
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 kitty gets chilly during cold weather, a sweater may be necessary, Reiss says. Or perhaps a garment may be helpful to keep your pet from licking a surgical wound. But let’s face it: Most cat owners just think these cat clothes are cool. And full of attitude. (Or cattitude.)
Cat T-shirts at the Sophisticated Cat, 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 apparel includes a tuxedo bow tie, pajamas, fleece vests, sweaters, bath robes, quilted vests and Oxford sweaters.
Gettin’ Wiggy Wit’ It
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?
Is it safe for cats in clothes? 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.
A Personal Story of Kittywear
Now, allow me to share a personal story on this subject. One day, while I was sitting in the waiting area of my veterinarian’s office, I noticed a young woman walking in with her big gray tabby. I had to take a second look. The cat was wearing a jogging suit. He had little sneaker-type booties too.
This poor kitty was sitting on the floor shaking its paws as if trying to kick his shoes off. It reminded me of a video that I had seen many years ago. A kitten walked across some masking tape and got it stuck to his feet. Each movement caused the kitten to shake its feet to try to remove the sticky stuff.
The owner picked the chubby tabby up onto her lap. She adjusted his sneakers and said, “Malcolm, you know you must wear your shoes in public!” She turned to me and said, “He just hates getting dressed to go out.”
I smiled and nodded politely. Then I looked down at my Maine coon, who was wearing nothing but the feline fur coat he has worn all his life. I seriously had to consider… Was my pussycat embarrassed that he was naked? Was he secretly hoping that I would take him shopping for some clothes? Honestly, I think my boy was laughing at Malcolm.
I decided to ask my vet if his cats got dressed up. After giving me a strange look, a smile came across his face. “You met Malcolm, didn’t you?” We both laughed. He explained that his pets wear their natural coats.
Cats have natural oils in their coats that maintain healthy skin. If the oils are absorbed by the materials in the clothes, the skin can become dry and problematic. Booties can cause the kitty to overheat. They are never a good choice. And kitty wigs? C’mon, people.
