Halloween Costumes for Cats and Dogs

By Jennifer Copley (Last Updated 1 October 2011)

If you want to dress your cat or dog for Halloween, make sure the costume is safe. It shouldn’t be too tight, particularly around the neck, it shouldn’t be heavy, and it shouldn’t prevent your pet from moving freely. No part of the costume should cover the animal's nose, mouth, or eyes, and there should be no small pieces that your pet might pull off and choke on.

Pets shouldn’t be kept in costume for very long – just long enough to take photos. If the cat or dog will be in costume for more than a few minutes, don’t choose a costume that has flowing pieces which might drag through kitty litter if the cat needs to use the litter box or dirt if the dog needs to go outside. Pets should not be left unsupervised in costumes, particularly outdoors.

Dogs tend to be a lot more tolerant of costumes than cats. Dressing a cat in a costume isn’t recommended unless you have a very laid back cat that isn't likely to find the experience frightening or humiliating. If you’re fortunate enough to have a tolerant cat and want to dress him up, there are a number of places that sell costumes specially made for felines.

The San Francisco Chronicle hosts a large photo gallery of pets in costumes.

For free pumpkin carving templates, free Halloween photos and clip art, Halloween recipes, Halloween history, costume ideas, and more, visit the main Halloween page.