The 23 Best Halloween Costumes for Cats of 2023
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Because your cat is just begging to dress up like a pumpkin
People / Alli Waataja
We can’t think of anything cuter than a cat in costume. With Halloween right around the corner, we pulled together some of this year’s best costumes so you can pick the right one for your festive feline. Cats and clothing do not always go so well together, but if your feline will tolerate a festive getup, the cuteness can be overwhelming.
If they can't tolerate an adorable outfit, it's best to give up your costume mission as soon as your cat shows signs of distress. "Watch for early and subtle [behavioral] changes, such as a change in the position of their ears (no longer up, but off to the side or flat down on their head), flicking of their tails, and piloerection (hair raised)," says Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, medical director of Behavior Vets of New York. "If you see this, it's best to stop the costume party, as your cat is saying, "Please stop." She adds that many cats modeling costumes on social platforms or websites have likely been through extensive training to do so. In other words, don't expect your Mr. Whiskers to smile nicely for the camera the first time you try to dress him up.
Marissa SanFilippo, DVM, MS, of Small Door Veterinary in New York also cautions against elaborate costumes for most cats. "However, some cats don't mind wearing a little bandana or bowtie, which could be Halloween-themed and quite festive," she says. But you should still take precautions with spirited accessories. "I'd advise not leaving the costume on for long periods of time and ensuring that they're supervised for the duration," she adds.
The good news is that costumes come in all shapes and sizes, including show-stopping ensembles for well-trained cats with big personalities and minimally invasive pieces for our more resistant friends. Whether you’re looking to dress your cat from head to toe or you’re just looking for a distraction on the internet, we’ve got you covered.
These are the top 23 Halloween costumes for cats of 2023. Enjoy.
Pumpkin Season: Frisco Pumpkin Dog & Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
This costume is good for cats who will tolerate body costumes, or for those who will wear hats
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who won’t wear body costumes or hats may not like this one
What’s more classic than a pumpkin halloween costume? This adorable costume will make your feline look gord-geous (see what we did there?) this Halloween. The costume comes with a jack o’ lantern vest, a matching pumpkin stem cap, and a chin strap to keep it secure on your pet’s head.
Price at time of publish: $8.99 (orig. $14.99)
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Washable: Hand wash cold only | Materials: Polyester
Dracarys: Zelobely Dinosaur Wings for Dogs Cats
Who It’s Good For
The harness-like fit is perfect for cats who don’t like costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who need mobility to fit in small spaces
Transform your kitten into a ferocious, fire-breathing feline with these harness-like dragon wings — perfect for cats who may not love a larger full-body costume.
Price at time of publish: $4.59 (orig. $5.99)
Size: One Size | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: Felt
Hot Dog and Cat: Frisco Hotdog Dog & Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
If your cat will wear a full body costume, this adorable hot dog will be a great fit
Who It’s Not Good For
If your cat won’t wear a full body costume, skip this
If you enter your cat into a costume contest wearing this adorable outfit, they’ll certainly be the winner. Relish on the side, please.
Price at time of publish: $8.99 (orig. $14.99)
Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL | Washable: Hand wash cold only | Materials: Polyester
Cowboy (or Meow-boy!): Thrills & Chills Cowboy Dog & Cat Costume Set
Who It’s Good For
If your cat won’t tolerate a full-body costume, then this hat and bandana set is a great option that will likely bother them less
Who It’s Not Good For
There isn’t any slot for ears in the hat, so if your cat has larger ears, the hat may not stay on their head
Cowcat? Kittyboy? Whatever you call it, it’s undeniably cute. This simple yet effective costume comes with a hat and bandana — perfect for cats that don’t tolerate full-body costumes.
Price at time of publish: $14.99
Size: S/M, L/XL | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: Polyester
Witchy Kitty: Thrills & Chills Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Cat & Kitten Harness & Leash Combo
Who It’s Good For
This harness and costume-combo is perfect for a cat owner who wants to take their cat outside trick-or-treating with them
Who It’s Not Good For
If you don’t have an indoor-outdoors cat, then you may not need a harness
This witch costume and leash is as practical as it is adorable. The harness is made to look like a witch’s dress, with purple frill and detailing. The leash is detachable, so your cat can also wear the harness as a stand-alone costume.
If you typically walk your cat outside on a leash and are thinking about taking them with you while you trick-or-treat, this harness might be exactly what you never knew you needed until now.
Price at time of publish: $19.99
Size: Cat, kitten | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: Polyester
Cat Cafe: WaffleStash Meowbucks Apron
Who It’s Good For
The harness-like fit is perfect for cats who don’t like costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who need quick shipping
This barista only serves glasses of milk. I mean, come on. This is adorable. Etsy always comes through with unique picks, and this cat costume is no exception. If your cat needs this outfit, order it now, since shipping takes a few extra days.
Price at time of publish: $14.50 for a size small
Size: S, M, L | Washable: Yes | Materials: Not listed
Grandma Cat: Frisco Front Walking Granny Dog & Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats okay with sleeves
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who don’t like hats
It’s always cute when kids dress up as their grandparents, but it’s equally cute when cats do, too.
Price at time of publish:$9.59 (orig. $15.99)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL | Washable: Hand wash with cold water | Materials: Polyester, Synthetic Fabric
Food on My Mind: BisquesBoutiqueShop Croissant Hat for Cats Croissant Hat for Cats
Who It’s Good For
Cats who don’t like body costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who don’t like headpieces
Be the snack you want to see in the world! This croissant headpiece is perfect for cats who don't like full-body costumes.
Price at time of publish: $22.97
Size: One Size | Washable: Not listed | Materials: Felt
Yeehaw, Cowboy: Bootique Cowboy Costume for Cats
Who It’s Good For
The harness-like fit is perfect for cats who don’t like costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who need mobility to squeeze in small places
Kitty up! This non-invasive cowboy costume transforms your cat into a horse and is perfect for cats who aren’t willing to cooperate with larger costumes.
Price at time of publish: $7.50 (orig. $14.99)
Size: XS, S/M | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: Not listed
Taco Cat: Frisco Taco Cat and Dog Costume
Who It’s Good For
Food lovers
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who won’t tolerate a bulky costume
If your cat will put with a bulky costume, this taco suit from Chewy is sure to be a hit.
Price at time of publish: $10.19 (orig. $14.99)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL | Washable: Hand wash cold | Materials: Not listed
Pretty in Pink: Legendog Princess Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats who don’t like invasive costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who don’t like hats
Dress your cat up as the princess she is year-round with this adorable pink tiara and neck piece.
Price at time of publish: $13.97
Size: One size | Washable: N/A | Materials: Wool, Lace
Witch's Sidekick: Bootique Witch Costume for Cats
Who It’s Good For
Cats who tolerate hats
Who It’s Not Good For
Large cats
If your cat will tolerate a hat, keep it classic with a witch’s hat and cape costume.
Price at time of publish: $7.50 (orig. $14.99)
Size: XS, S/M | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: N/A
My Little Monster: Hyde & Eek! Boutique Monster Halloween Dog and Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats who tolerate a full-body costume
Who It’s Not Good For
Anxious cats or cats that don’t like costumes
This furry ensemble also comes in a matching costume for your little human monster, as well as your dog monster.
Price at time of publish: $12.99
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: Polyester
Related: The 15 Best Cat Litter Boxes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
The Doctor Will See You Now: Delifur Doctor Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Those looking for a lightweight, non-invasive costume
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who weigh more than 16 pounds
We all know how smart cats are. It’s about time we give them a medical degree.
Price at time of publish: $13.49
Size: XS, S, M, L | Washable: N/A | Materials: Polyester Fiber
Cupcake Cutie: PurrsAndStitches Cupcake hat for cats
Who It’s Good For
Cats who prefer headpieces
Who It’s Not Good For
Those who need quick shipping
If your cat isn’t ready for a full-on costume, this cupcake headpiece is an adorable alternative.
Price at time of publish: $16.49 for 8 inches
Size: 8, 10, 12 inches | Washable: N/A | Materials: Handmade Knit Hat
Bats n’ Cats: Bootique Bat Costume for Cats
Who It’s Good For
Cats who tolerate harnesses
Who It’s Not Good For
Large cats
Nothing gets you in the spirit like a cat dressed as a bat. Plus, this costume is basically an eccentric collar, so your cat might actually wear it.
Price at time of publish: $5 (orig. $9.99)
Size: XS, S/M | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: N/A
Happy Cow: Frisco Happy Cow Dog & Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats who tolerate full-body costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who don’t like hats
Introducing the cutest cat on the farm: this cow cat.
Price at time of publish: $10.19
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: N/A
A Beautiful Butterfly : Coppthinktu Butterfly Wings for Cats
Who It’s Good For
Those who are looking for a budget-friendly costume
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who need mobility to maneuver small spaces
This non-invasive, budget-friendly costume is not lacking in cuteness. It may be especially well-suited for cats who like to climb high surfaces.
Price at time of publish: $6.88
Size: One size | Washable: No | Materials: Felt
Walking Werewolf: Frisco Front Walking Werewolf Dog & Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats who tolerate a full-body costume
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who don’t like headpieces
Transform your feline into a werewolf with this furry, fuzzy, full-body suit. It also looks suspiciously like a scarecrow, so if you’re doing a Wizard of Oz-theme ensemble, this would also work well.
Price at time of publish: $11.93 (orig. $15.99) for size small
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: N/A
Set Sail: Namsan Sailor Costume for Cats
Who It’s Good For
Cats who won’t wear a full-body costume
Who It’s Not Good For
Large cats
Your cat might not like to swim, but they’ll be ready to set sail with this cute hat and bandana.
Price at time of publish: $8.99
Size: Small | Washable: N/A | Materials: Polycotton
Related: The 10 Best Cat Trees of 2023, Tested by Cats
Catcula: StylieHandmade Dracula Cat Dog Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats who don’t like hats
Who It’s Not Good For
Kittens or high-energy cats who might get caught in the cape
This dracula cape is perfect for cats who like to bear their fangs and hiss at their enemies.
(But, again, if they are hissing at you when you try to put this cape on, don't force it.)
Price at time of publish: $17.50
Size: One size | Washable: Yes | Materials: Cotton, Satin
Stegosaurus: Frisco Stegosaurus Dinosaur Dog & Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
Cats who love costumes
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who won’t wear a full-body suit
This dino suit is for the wild and feisty felines who make life feel a bit like Jurassic Park.
Price at time of publish: $13.79 (rig $22.99)
Size: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL | Washable: Spot clean only | Materials: N/A
Surfing Squirrel: Hyde & Eek! Boutique Surfing Squirrel Rider Dog and Cat Costume
Who It’s Good For
This harness-like costume is perfect for cats who don’t like full-body suits
Who It’s Not Good For
Cats who need room to maneuver small spaces
A squirrel surfing on your cat’s back? Why not! This costume would make a great accessory for any family dressing up as sea creatures or mermaids.
Price at time of publish: $10
Size: XXS/XS, S/M, L/XL | Washable: Yes | Materials: Polyester
How to Pick the Right Halloween Costume for Your Cat
Know What Your Cat Will Tolerate
Dressing your cat up for Halloween should be a fun experience, so if it causes your cat stress, it’s not worth it. If you know that your cat doesn’t love clothing, choose a costume that resembles a collar or harness rather than a full-body suit. "However, even in this case, remember that cats can strangle themselves if their collar snags on something and they panic, so it's best if these collars are used only under strict supervision and removed if they are alone (even for a short period of time)," says Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, medical director of Behavior Vets of New York.
In addition to the body part of the costume, think about whether your cat will be okay with things like a headpiece or large accessories on their backs, like the Surfing Squirrel costume. If they’re going to fight you to put the costume on, then a Halloween costume for your cat might not be in the cards for you this year.
Think About Size
Just like human Halloween costumes, cat costumes come in a variety of sizes — from extra-extra-small to extra-large. Make sure the costume you choose fits your cat appropriately, since it could be uncomfortable or even dangerous if it’s too big or too small. Most retailers provide dimensions in the costume descriptions, so you can be sure to choose the right size.
Match the Theme
If you’re hosting friends or family for the holiday, consider matching your cat’s costume to your party’s theme or even your own costume. It doesn’t have to be an exact replica of your costume — your cat’s costume could be an addition to yours, such as a barista and a cappuccino, a sailor and a mermaid, Spongebob and Gary, or even a fun-colored collar that compliments your outfit — the possibilities are endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some funny cat costumes?
A grumpy cat dressed up as another animal — such as a cow or a dinosaur — is always a fun option, and the squirrel surfing on a cat’s back costume is sure to make you giggle.
Is it safe for my cat to wear a costume?
It’s probable that your cat isn’t used to wearing a costume, so be sure to keep an eye on them when they are dressed up. They could potentially snag the costume and injure themselves. "Additionally, cats also may try to ingest any strings or fabric off of the costume, which is potentially very dangerous for them," warns Marissa SanFilippo, DVM, MS of Small Door Veterinary in New York.
Most costumes are meant for short-term wear, so be mindful of how long your cat has been wearing the costume, and remove it if they appear uncomfortable or anxious. Cat costumes are great for a few pictures, but it’s not a good idea to let your cat roam around in a costume all night. If you’re not sure about the safety of a costume, consult your veterinarian.
Take Our Word for It
Missy Schrott Boylan is an awarding-winning journalist who specializes in writing lifestyle and pet content. She has also written for The Spruce Pets, Apartment Therapy, and The Canine Review. This story was most recently updated by staff writer Cai Cramer, who added fresh picks inspired by her own two foster cats. Expert insight was provided by Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, medical director of Behavior Vets of New York and Marissa SanFilippo, DVM, MS of Small Door Veterinary in New York.
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