Dressing up your cat in costume can be a cute and fun way to show off your pet’s personality. But not all outfits are right for cats—and not all cats are into outfits. If you’re planning on participating in National Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14th, consider these pet care tips to ensure your feline friend remains safe and comfortable.

Do:

Prioritize comfort.

Oversized, tight, and heavy outfits can make it difficult for your cat to breathe and may get in the way of their movement. For proper pet care, you should stick to simple, lightweight, and unobtrusive apparel that fits their body size.

Watch for choking hazards.  

Googly eyes, pipe cleaners, buttons, and loose tags are all common clothing elements that may entice your cat. If consumed, these objects may not only cause them to choke but also obstruct their gastrointestinal pathways.

Introduce the costume slowly.

If your cat isn’t used to wearing outfits, a costume may be too unfamiliar for them. To avoid causing stress, have them try a new aspect of the look over the course of several days so that they have time to adjust.

Don’t:

Ignore distress.

If your cat appears distressed for any reason, don’t force them to wear the costume. They may be experiencing a health problem caused by the outfit—such as an allergic reaction or dehydration as a result of being excessively hot. If removing it doesn’t appear to help, set up a pet care appointment with a veterinarian.  

Block ears or eyes.

Although many feline costumes involve hats or masks, these items can block your cat’s ears and eyes, depriving them of access to their senses. This, in turn, may make them more fearful and prone to lashing out.

Leave your dressed-up cat alone.

When your cat is dressed-up, stay by their side until the costume comes off. If left alone in an outfit, your furry friend may end up injuring themselves after getting caught on the furniture or even while attempting to get the apparel off. 

Following these costume tips is just one of the many ways you can help your cat lead a healthy and happy life. For other pet care concerns, turn to the team at All Feline Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Specializing in cats and ferrets, this veterinarian’s office has the experience and resources necessary to address both general and emergency health problems—all within a caring and comfortable environment. To learn more about their services, visit this Lancaster County animal hospital online. For appointments, call (402) 467-2711.