Do cats need clothes? What are the purposes and precautions for dressing them?

Cats wearing clothes are just so cute, aren't they?!

Even if you think, "I want my cat to wear clothes too!", some cat owners have had bitter experiences where their cats hated it, struggled, and ran away.

Do cats even really need to wear clothes in the first place?

I would like to take another look at the purposes of cat clothing and the points to note when putting them on to consider when cats actually need them.

When is it necessary to have a cat wear clothes?

Like most animals, not just cats, they don't really need clothes.

However, for cats living with humans, there are times when "clothes" are necessary.

Of course, there is the purpose of fashion, but there are other cases where it is better for a cat to wear "cat clothes."

Cats who need cat clothes

Here are the cases where cat clothes are needed.

◆ Cats that need protection from the cold

Kittens and senior cats are not good at regulating their body temperature, so they may need insulation provided by cat clothes. Also, if the winter is severe or you cannot use heating appliances, it is safe to have cat clothes prepared as a measure against the cold.

◆ Cats that groom themselves until they become bald

When cats feel stressed, they may "over-groom" to the point where their fur falls out. They may lick areas like their belly as if plucking their fur, and if left alone, it can damage their skin as well. Skin protection clothing is sometimes necessary to stop over-grooming or to protect sensitive skin and fur.

◆ Cats with skin problems

If a cat has skin problems such as allergies or eczema, it will be itchy and scratch itself. Cat clothes are necessary to prevent them from scratching until they bleed or licking off topical medications.

◆ Cats that have undergone spaying/neutering surgery

After surgery, cats may wear clothes to prevent them from biting or licking their wounds. More veterinarians are recommending "post-operative clothing" because it puts less strain on the cat than an Elizabethan collar and does not interfere with exercise or eating.

◆ Cats with shedding concerns

Cats have two shedding seasons per year, in spring and autumn. It's that time of year when cat hair is scattered everywhere no matter how much you clean. When you are concerned about shedding, having your cat wear clothes can prevent cat hair from scattering. This is useful when you have guests over, as well as when you go out to the animal hospital or a grooming salon.

Don't force them until they get used to cat clothes

What is the difference between cats that can wear clothes without hating it and those that cannot?

I think it has to do with the cat's "personality" to some extent. Cats that don't mind having foreign objects on their bodies or are easy-going types might accept cat clothes easily.

However, in most cases, "getting used to it" is necessary. Let's learn how to get your cat used to wearing clothes for when the time comes.

The key is to let them get used to cat clothes slowly.
If your cat is suffering from over-grooming or skin problems, you might want to put clothes on them right away, but you must not rush.

The secret to getting them used to cat clothes is to "do it slowly without forcing them." Try not to give them a bad impression of the clothes.

At first, put them on for just a few minutes, and take them off immediately if the cat hates it. Gradually increase the time they spend in the clothes while giving them treats or playing with toys.

Points to note when choosing cat clothes

Although there are various benefits to cat clothes, it doesn't mean that any cat clothes will do.

If you are putting clothes on your cat for cold protection, over-grooming, skin trouble, shedding, or post-operative care, things like stuffed animal suits or cosplay costumes are inappropriate. Flashy decorations like lace or frills will also stress your cat out.

Clothes that are hard to move in, heavy, or stiff will cause your cat to hate them, so try to choose clothes with a simple shape and gentle material as much as possible.

You can rest easy with cat clothes designed specifically for cats

When you go to a pet shop, you will see a row of dog clothes. Even if they are the right size, I do not recommend putting dog clothes on your cat.

Since dogs and cats have different physiques, you might not be able to expect the benefits of wearing clothes. Also, a lack of proper fit can lead to unexpected accidents.

If your cat needs to wear clothes, be sure to choose cat clothing designed specifically for cats.

They are shaped so as not to interfere with the movements of active cats, and use stretchy materials, making them less likely to cause stress to your cat.


▲ Poponeko's "Cat-Friendly Cat Clothes" Series

Summary

Cats do not need to wear clothes all the time, but there are cases where it is better for them to wear them.

Cat clothes are necessary precisely when your cat is in trouble, such as for cold protection, over-grooming, skin problems, shedding, or after spaying/neutering.

That is exactly why you want to choose cat clothes that are as strain-free as possible and made of gentle materials.

However, most cats hate wearing clothes. Instead of forcing them to get used to it quickly, please take your time and value your cat's pace.

Author Profile