Cats hate clothes! How to get your cat used to wearing cat clothes

"I want to dress my beloved cat in cute clothes!" You might have bought something with great enthusiasm, only to find your cat freezing in place or rolling around trying to take it off. Has that ever happened to you?

While you see cats stylishly dressed on social media, the reality is that most cats aren't good at wearing clothes.

This time, we will address the common owner's concern, "My cat hates clothes!" and thoroughly explain the true reasons why cats dislike clothing, along with steps to help them get used to it with minimal stress.

Does dressing a cat cause stress?

In conclusion, wearing clothes is an instinctively stressful act for cats. In a survey conducted by Poponeko, 81.8% of cat owners who had experience dressing their cats reported that their cats "disliked it."

However, this does not mean that you should "never dress your cat."

• Protecting post-operative wounds (as an alternative to an Elizabethan collar)
• Protecting skin problems and preventing licking off topical medications
• Preventing skin problems due to excessive grooming
• Cold protection for senior cats and short-haired breeds (such as Sphynx)
• Dandruff prevention due to dryness

There are many situations where clothing is necessary to protect your cat's health.

The important thing is to prioritize "your cat's comfort" over "human ego," choose clothes that cause minimal stress, and help them get used to it in gentle steps.

Why do cats dislike clothes?

Why do cats dislike wearing clothes? Understanding the reasons can help us find solutions.

1. Because their full body sensation is blocked

Cats are natural hunters. Their senses are very keen and finely tuned.

Since their fur and whiskers act like sensors, when these sensations are blocked by clothing, they feel an anxiety similar to being blindfolded.

Some cats freeze in a state of tension, while others become unable to move, as if their legs have given out, the moment they put on clothes.

2. Because they cannot groom themselves

For cats, grooming serves important functions beyond just "keeping clean," such as "calming themselves" and "regulating body temperature."

When wearing clothes, they cannot lick the areas they want to, nor can they transfer their scent to their bodies. This can lead to significant frustration.

3. Because their joint movement is restricted

A cat's skin is stretchy, and their body is built for agile movements.

However, wearing clothes made of non-stretch fabric, heavy clothes, or clothes with sleeves can restrict the range of motion of their shoulder blades and hip joints. Cats feel great fear when they perceive that they "cannot jump as usual" or "cannot escape quickly."

How to choose cat clothes that your cat will dislike less

To help your cat get used to clothes, the first step is to choose "cat clothes they will dislike less."

Using dog clothes as a substitute is not recommended. Always choose clothes specifically designed for cats that fit their body shape.

Choose a sleeveless design

Types with sleeves that pass through the front legs interfere with your cat's shoulder movement. If it's your first time dressing your cat, try a tank top style or a sleeveless cat outfit.

Choose a material that feels good to the touch

Choose cat clothes made from materials that are pleasant to the touch and highly elastic. For cats prone to skin problems, lightweight and soft cotton is recommended.

Choose simple clothing

Buttons, hoods, and frills are just bothersome for cats. Also, costume-type or cosplay outfits cannot be used for cold protection, post-operative wear, or skin protection. While they are fine for commemorative photos, they often lack comfort.

Choose clothes that fit well

If cat clothes are too small or too large, they will cause stress to your cat. Measure your cat's size and choose clothes that fit their body.

For information on how to measure cat clothing sizes, please refer to the following:

 Reference:

How to Measure Cat Clothing Sizes

No forcing! 5 steps to help your cat get used to clothes

Suddenly putting clothes on your cat is a recipe for failure. Don't rush; take it step by step.

Step 1: First, let them sniff the clothes

First, place the cat clothes near your cat's bed or blanket for several days, letting them use it as a pillow or mat, so that the cat's own scent and the house's scent transfer to the clothes.

This changes their perception from "an unfamiliar-smelling object" to "something from their own territory" and "something not to be feared."

Step 2: Gently place it on their body

When your cat is relaxed, gently place the cat clothes on their back. If they don't show any aversion, give them a treat and praise them. Associate "clothes = good things."

Step 3: Dress them for a short time

It's time for actual wearing. Choose a moment when your cat is in a good mood and quietly put on the clothes. First, put their head through, then their arms, so it's not too difficult to dress them. Quickly dress them and immediately distract them with their favorite treats or toys.

Take it off after just a few minutes (or even seconds), before your cat starts to notice it. Make them understand that "they can take it off quickly, and they get treats."

Step 4: Gradually extend the time

While observing your cat, gradually extend the wearing time to 5 minutes, then 10 minutes. If your cat freezes or shows signs of irritation by twitching its tail, stop immediately.

Step 5: Wear it in daily life

Success is when your cat can walk and sleep without discomfort. However, leaving it on constantly can cause matting and skin problems. Be sure to take it off periodically to allow for grooming time.

Summary

It's a normal, instinctive reaction for cats to dislike clothes.

However, there are times when even such cats need clothes. Cat clothes can be helpful for cats that engage in excessive grooming, cats that have undergone surgery, cats undergoing treatment for skin diseases, and cats that have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

Being gradually accustomed to "cat clothes" in preparation for such times can be considered a way to protect your cat's health. For this reason, it's important to proceed slowly and patiently, at your cat's own pace.

"Poponeko" cat clothes: easy to wear and less disliked

Cotton T-shirt for cats

Cat Warm Clothes for Cats

Cat Skin Protective Suit (Coverall) / Post-operative Suit (Rompers)

Poponeko's cat clothes are made from soft-touch, highly elastic fabric, making them perfect for sensitive cats. They also feature a simple, three-dimensional design that allows for easy movement, minimizing stress for your cat.

They are recommended for cats wearing clothes for the first time or for cats who strongly dislike other cat clothes.