The Hows and Whys of Kitty Costume Contests

Videos of pets run rampant on social media. Most of us who are online regularly are not strangers to playing a video and seeing a canine decked out in the latest fashions or dressed to match their doting pet parents.

- Michelle Pellegrino

Have cats escaped this phenomenon? Clearly not. Not only are we seeing cat costume contests at more and more shows, but there are now more resources than ever for a cat owner who would like to utilize costumes for their feline friends.

Kitty Dress-up is Not Just for Fun

I am sure many of you are asking yourself "Why would I put my cat in a costume?" Aside from the cuteness factor, there are a few reasons why it's not a bad idea to get a cat comfortable in a shirt, bowtie or even a dress (lace and frills optional). Social Media is one of the first stops a pet buyer is likely to make when researching a cattery. More and more breeders are using props and costumes as ways to set their cats apart from the rest. A picture of a chubby kitten in a tee-shirt can be eye catching, and encourage more outreach and interaction from potential pet parents. Sara Thornton, DVM, of iCandy Ragamuffins, regularly dresses her kittens in costumes, both on social media and at CFA cat shows. She points out that it is a great way to get the kittens used to different sensations and textures, accustom them to all types of handling and help attract the attention of new people to her minority breed. Sara says, "The costumes are a tool that helps open a dialogue with fellow cat enthusiasts so I can educate people on the breed and share the Ragamuffin's history." There are many docile pedigree cats that are usually amenable to wearing a costume, and it can be a great gateway for exhibitors to attract spectators and introduce them to a breed's unique attributes.