18 Halloween Costume for Cats That Are Actually Wearable (And Won’t End in a Shredded Cape)

I have a confession: I bought a tiny cowboy hat for my cat, Greg, three years ago. He wore it for approximately nine seconds.

In those nine seconds, I got one blurry photo where he looks like he’s plotting my death, and one very clear lesson about what actually works when you’re putting a Halloween costume on a cat.

Here’s the thing nobody tells you before you spend $28 on a polyester pumpkin suit: cats are not dogs. They don’t want to please you.

They don’t care that you spent three weeks pinning “spooky cat costume inspo” to a secret Pinterest board.

The second something feels weird on their back, they’re doing that dramatic flop-and-roll thing that looks like a dying fish.

But I keep doing it anyway. Every October. Because those five minutes of a cat in a tiny vampire cape? Worth it.

So if you’re here, you’re probably like me. You want the photo. You want the little costume. You want to participate in the $860 million that pet owners are expected to spend on Halloween costumes this year.

You just don’t want to waste money on something that’s going to end up shredded under your couch by October 3rd.

I’ve rounded up 18 Halloween costume for cats ideas that I’ve either tried myself, watched friends try, or seen work on cats who are slightly more cooperative than mine.

I’ll tell you what’s actually wearable, what’s a waste of money, and what to do when your cat inevitably stages a rebellion.

Let’s get into it.

Why Cat Costumes Are Different (And Why Most “Best Of” Lists Are Wrong)

Most pet costume roundups lump cats and dogs together like they’re the same animal in different packaging. They’re not.

A dog will tolerate a costume for the sake of your approval. A cat will tolerate it for exactly as long as it takes to figure out how to remove it with their teeth. This is why the ASPCA recommends not putting your cat in a costume unless you know they actually enjoy it — and most of them don’t.

The costumes that work for cats are the ones that require the least commitment from the cat. Capes over full-body suits. Bandanas over hoods. Wings that strap on with two points of contact instead of a full harness. The less your cat has to “wear,” the longer they’ll wear it.

I learned this the hard way with the cowboy hat. Greg’s tolerance window is about 45 seconds for anything that touches his head. But a cape? He’ll do a cape for a solid five minutes before he remembers he’s supposed to hate it.

The NRF’s data backs this up: pumpkin costumes are the most popular pet costume at 9.8%, followed by hot dogs at 5.4%, then bumblebees, ghosts, and superheroes tied around 3-4%. That’s because those costumes are simple. They slip on. They don’t have twelve straps and a hat that sits weird on the ears.

So when you’re shopping, prioritize simplicity. That’s the single best predictor of whether your cat will actually wear the thing.

The 18 Best Halloween Costume for Cats Ideas

1. Frisco Vampire Cape Cat Costume

Why it works: This is the gateway drug of cat costumes. It’s a satin cape with a stand-up collar and a single hook-and-loop belly fastener. No sleeves. No hood. Nothing on the head. Your cat walks into the room looking like they’re about to demand rent in blood, and you get the photo in under a minute.

How to do it: Put it on right before you want the photo. Not an hour before. Not “so they get used to it.” Right before. Treats immediately after. I use the freeze-dried chicken bits from Trader Joe’s, and Greg will sit through approximately 90 seconds of anything for those.

The trade-off: The stand-up collar can bug cats who are sensitive around their neck. If your cat hates collars, this one might get a paw swipe. But the belly fastener is adjustable, so you can keep it loose.

Pro tip: Size down if your cat is between sizes. The cape should sit high on the shoulders, almost like a bib. If it hangs low, your cat will walk like they’re wearing wet swim trunks, and that’s a whole different photo.

2. Frisco Sushi Cat Costume

Why it works: This is a one-piece costume with a plush shrimp on fluffy sherpa “rice” and seaweed-green adjustable straps. It’s lightweight, which matters because cats overheat fast in costumes. The ASPCA specifically warns about this — cats already have fur coats, so anything heavy is a no.

How to do it: The straps go around the neck and belly, which means two points of contact. That’s the sweet spot for cats. One point of contact and it slides off. Three and they’re doing the death roll.

The trade-off: The sherpa material is cute but picks up every cat hair and piece of lint in your house. By hour two, it looks like a dust bunny with a shrimp on top. Also, if your cat is a licker, they will try to eat the shrimp.

Pro tip: This one runs true to size for most adult cats, but if you have a Maine Coon or a chunky boy, size up. I tried a medium on Greg (he’s 11 pounds) and it was snug around the belly. Not uncomfortable, but you could tell he was aware of it.

3. Glitter Wings Halloween Cat Costume

Why it works: It’s $5 at Target. Two arm straps. Black wings with glitter. That’s it. No belly strap, no neck strap, nothing touching the face. It’s the least invasive costume on this list, which is why it’s also the one I recommend to first-time cat costume buyers.

How to do it: The arm straps go around the front legs. Your cat will lift their paws instinctively, which makes it easy. Then you have about 30 seconds before they figure out they can walk out of it.

The trade-off: It’s not a full costume. It’s wings. Your cat looks like a fairy who got tired and took a nap on the couch. But honestly? That’s kind of the vibe.

Pro tip: This is also the best “everyday” option if you have a cat who tolerates clothing. One Target shopper said their cat “looked spooky and fab” — and it’s simple enough that you can reuse it for photos year-round. I’ve used it for a “fairy cat” shoot in March. No regrets.

4. Frisco Spider Cat Costume

Why it works: Eight fuzzy legs, posable, harness-style design. The harness distributes the weight across the chest and back instead of pulling on the neck. It’s creepy and funny at the same time, which is the exact energy I want from a cat costume.

How to do it: The posable legs are the selling point. You can bend them so they stick out at different angles instead of all drooping. It takes about 10 seconds to adjust them and it makes the photo 10x better.

The trade-off: The legs are the trade-off. If your cat is a chewer, those fuzzy appendages are gone. I watched a friend’s cat systematically remove all eight legs in under four minutes. The harness itself stayed on. The spider became a very confused beetle.

Pro tip: If you have a cat who tolerates harnesses (some do, especially if you’ve done leash training), this is the most wearable full-body costume on this list. The harness-style design is exactly what you want: secure but not restrictive.

5. Frisco Front-Walking Cowboy Cat Costume

Why it works: Your cat’s front legs go into cowhide pants, and the top fastens around the neck. The hat is included. It’s objectively ridiculous. That’s the entire point.

How to do it: This is a front-walking costume, which means the back half of your cat is naked. Some cats find this deeply upsetting. Others don’t care. I’d say it’s a 50/50 split based on the cats I’ve seen wear it.

The trade-off: The hat. The hat is the trade-off. It’s a tiny cowboy hat that sits on your cat’s head for approximately two seconds before they shake it off. If you want the photo with the hat, you need two people: one to hold the cat and one to place the hat and snap the photo in one motion.

Pro tip: Skip the hat and just use the pants. The front-walking pants alone are funny enough, and your cat will actually wear them. If you really want the hat in the photo, put it on the cat’s head while they’re eating. They’ll be too focused on food to shake it off.

6. DIY Black Cat Costume (No-Sew)

Why it works: It costs almost nothing, it’s no-sew, and it takes about an hour to put together. You need black felt for ears, black fabric or faux fur for a tail, a headband, and fabric glue or a hot glue gun. That’s it. You can make it for under $10.

How to do it: Cut two leaf shapes out of black felt for the ears, glue them to a headband. Cut a long strip of black fabric for the tail, stuff it with pipe cleaners or floral wire for flexibility, and pin it to a black shirt or harness with a safety pin. The ASPCA recommends avoiding headpieces, so if your cat hates the headband, just skip the ears and use the tail. A black cat with a tail is still a black cat costume.

The trade-off: The headband. Always the headband. Cats and headbands are not friends. If your cat is chill with headbands, great. If not, you’re making a tail and calling it a day.

Pro tip: Use the leftover felt to make a tiny bow tie. It clips onto the collar instead of the neck, which most cats tolerate better than anything that goes over their head. It’s the difference between “costume” and “accessory,” and accessories have a much higher success rate.

7. Skeleton Glow Reflective Hoodie

Why it works: This is the sneaky pick. It looks like a costume, but it’s actually a hoodie with a glow-in-the-dark skeleton print. It’s $12 at Target. Because it’s clothing rather than a costume, it fits more like a sweater, which some cats tolerate better than strappy costumes.

How to do it: This is a full-body hoodie, which means head-to-tail coverage. That’s a lot for a cat. I’d only recommend this if your cat already wears sweaters or shirts without drama. If they’ve never worn clothing before, start with a cape. Don’t start here.

The trade-off: The hood. The ASPCA recommends avoiding headpieces, and a hood counts. If your cat hates the hood, fold it down. The skeleton print is on the body, so you still get the costume effect without the head restriction.

Pro tip: The glow-in-the-dark feature is genuinely fun for photos. Charge it under a lamp for a few minutes before the shoot, then turn the lights off. Your cat will look like a tiny skeleton ghost. It’s the most “viral” photo op on this list, and it doesn’t require your cat to do anything except exist.

8. Frisco Shark Fin Cat Costume

Why it works: It’s a stuffed faux-leather shark fin with adjustable neck and belly straps. Low-fuss. The fin sits on the back, which is the least sensitive part of a cat’s body. Most cats don’t even seem to notice it’s there.

How to do it: The straps go around the neck and belly. Keep the belly strap loose. The fin should sit centered on the back, not sliding to one side. I’ve seen cats walk around with this on for a solid 10 minutes without trying to remove it, which is basically a record.

The trade-off: The fin is a single piece, so if your cat rolls over (and they will), it shifts. You’ll need to readjust it for the photo. But the readjustment takes two seconds, so it’s not a dealbreaker.

Pro tip: This is my top pick for cats who have never worn a costume before. It’s minimal, it’s not on the head, and it doesn’t cover the body. If your cat tolerates a collar, they’ll tolerate this. It’s the safest bet for a first-timer.

9. Bumblebee Pet Costume

Why it works: The NRF ranks bumblebee as one of the most popular pet costumes at 4%. It’s a classic for a reason. The bumblebee costume is usually a simple body piece with stripes and wings, no headpiece required. Amazon has one for $14.

How to do it: Slip the body piece over the back and fasten the belly straps. The wings are attached to the back, so they stick up on their own. Your cat walks around looking like a very small, very confused bee. It’s perfect.

The trade-off: Some bumblebee costumes have a hood with antennae. Skip those. The antennae will be gone in 30 seconds. The body-only version is the one you want.

Pro tip: The yellow-and-black stripe pattern is high-contrast, which photographs well. If you’re doing a Halloween photo shoot with a black backdrop, this is the costume that pops the most. I’m not saying I’ve thought about this too much, but I’m saying it.

10. Frisco Royal Cat Cape

Why it works: Purple velvet cape. Regal crown. Your cat already rules the house, so this is just making it official. The cape is the same easy-on style as the vampire cape — belly fastener, no sleeves — so it has the same wearability.

How to do it: Same as the vampire cape: right before the photo, not an hour before. The crown is a separate piece, so you can skip it if your cat hates headwear. The cape alone is enough. A cat in a velvet cape looks like they’re about to sentence you to death for not refilling the food bowl. It’s great.

The trade-off: The crown. If you want the full royal look, you need the crown. But the crown is also the first thing your cat will remove. I’d plan for two photos: one with the crown (taken in a two-second window) and one without.

Pro tip: This cape is also the best “couples costume” base. If you have a dog, put them in a matching cape and you have a royal court. If you have two cats, one in the royal cape and one in the vampire cape, you have a gothic drama. The possibilities are endless and none of them require your cats to wear pants.

11. Glow-in-the-Dark Dinosaur Skeleton Costume

Why it works: This one is genuinely cool. It’s a plush dinosaur skeleton with glow-in-the-dark stitching that lights up after dark. It has a 3D skull mask, ribcage spine, and tail design. The glow-in-the-dark feature means you can get a photo that looks like your cat is a tiny prehistoric ghost.

How to do it: Slip the 3D skull mask over your cat’s head, lay the ribcage spine and tail along their back, and fasten the velcro strap around the torso. It’s a three-step process that takes about 15 seconds.

The trade-off: The skull mask goes over the head. That’s a lot for a cat. The ASPCA specifically recommends avoiding headpieces, and this is a headpiece. I’d only try this if your cat is extremely chill about their head. If they’re not, skip the skull and just use the ribcage and tail. You still get the glow effect.

Pro tip: The glow-in-the-dark stitching needs to charge in light before it glows. Put the costume under a lamp for 10 minutes before the photo. It’s the difference between “mildly glowy” and “actually looks like a skeleton ghost.” Also, this costume comes in pink, white, and gray. Gray is the safest for a “spooky” look. Pink is for cats who are spooky but also cute.

12. Frisco Taco Cat Costume

Why it works: It’s a one-piece taco costume with neck and belly straps. The “fixings” on top — lettuce, tomato, cheese — are what make it funny. It’s a cat dressed as food. It’s objectively ridiculous.

How to do it: The straps go around the neck and belly. Keep the neck strap loose. The taco shell sits on the back, so it doesn’t restrict movement. Your cat walks around looking like a walking taco. It’s the most “internet” costume on this list.

The trade-off: The toppings are small pieces that can be chewed off. If your cat is a chewer, those lettuce shreds are gone. It’s not a choking hazard if they’re sewn on securely, but if they’re loose, pull them off before your cat does.

Pro tip: This is the costume that gets the most laughs. If you’re going for “funny” rather than “spooky,” this is the one. I’ve seen it in the wild on a cat named Nacho, and Nacho looked like he was accepting his fate. That’s the energy.

13. DIY Stuffed Animal Costume (TY Beanie Baby Tag)

Why it works: You make a TY Beanie Baby tag out of construction paper and a piece of yarn, and attach it to your cat’s collar. That’s it. Your cat is now a stuffed animal. It costs about $1 and takes five minutes.

How to do it: Cut a heart-shaped tag out of construction paper, write “TY Beanie Baby” on it, punch a hole, and tie it to the collar with yarn. If your cat already wears a collar, this is the least invasive costume on this list. Nothing touches their body. Nothing touches their head. It’s just a tag.

The trade-off: It’s not a “real” costume. It’s a tag. But if your cat absolutely will not wear anything else, this is the one they’ll tolerate. And it’s funny in a “if you know, you know” way.

Pro tip: This is also the best “last minute” costume. If you forgot it was Halloween and your cat has a collar, you can make this in five minutes with stuff you already have. It’s not going to win a costume contest, but it’ll get a laugh.

14. Frisco Banana Split Dessert Cat Costume

Why it works: It’s a banana split. Your cat is the banana split. The body piece is made to look like a banana with scoops of ice cream and toppings. It’s food-themed, which is a whole category of pet costumes that consistently performs well.

How to do it: Same as the taco: neck and belly straps, body piece on the back. The toppings are the fun part, so make sure they’re facing up. If your cat lies down, the banana split looks like it melted. That’s also a vibe.

The trade-off: The sherpa “ice cream” material attracts lint, same as the sushi costume. Also, if your cat is orange, they blend into the banana. That’s not a trade-off, that’s just funny.

Pro tip: This is the best costume for a “food court” group photo. Put one cat in the banana split, one in the taco, one in the sushi. You now have a full meal. I’ve seen this done at a cat cafe Halloween event, and it was the most chaotic and beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed.

15. Bat Wings Costume

Why it works: Bat wings are a classic for a reason. They’re lightweight, they strap on with two points of contact, and they don’t restrict movement. The NRF lists bat as tied for the fourth most popular pet costume. It’s a crowd-pleaser.

How to do it: The wings strap around the chest and neck. Keep the neck strap loose. The wings sit on the back, so your cat can walk normally. If the wings are posable, bend them slightly upward so they don’t droop.

The trade-off: Bat wings are almost always black, which means they don’t photograph well against a dark background. If you’re doing a photo shoot, use a light backdrop. If you’re just taking a photo in your living room, move to a lighter wall.

Pro tip: The bat wings are the best “wings” option for cats because they’re larger and more dramatic than the glitter wings. If you want a “spooky” photo, bat wings. If you want a “cute” photo, glitter wings. If you want both, buy both. They’re both cheap.

16. DIY Crochet Vampire Cat Costume

Why it works: If you crochet, this is the most rewarding option on this list. You make a vampire costume with black and red yarn, a crochet hook, and a little stuffing for the fangs. The pattern can be beginner-friendly, and you can use soft felt for the fangs instead of stuffing for comfort and safety.

How to do it: The costume is a small cape with a collar and a tiny set of fangs. The cape ties around the neck, so it’s the same easy-on style as the store-bought capes. The fangs are optional. If your cat hates things near their mouth, skip the fangs.

The trade-off: It takes time. This is not a last-minute costume. If you’re a beginner crocheter, give yourself a week. If you’re experienced, a weekend. But the result is a custom-fit costume that’s softer and more comfortable than anything you can buy.

Pro tip: Use a soft, washable yarn. Cats have sensitive skin, and scratchy acrylic yarn will make them itchy. Cotton or a cotton-blend is the way to go. Also, make the cape a little longer than you think it needs to be. A vampire cape should drape.

17. Frisco Front-Walking Teddy Bear Cat Costume

Why it works: It’s soft fur, perky ears, and a front-walking design. Your cat’s front legs go into the teddy bear arms, and the body piece sits on their back. It’s the “cute” counterpart to the cowboy front-walking costume.

How to do it: Same as the cowboy: front legs in, top fastens around the neck. The ears are attached to the body piece, so there’s no headpiece. That’s a huge plus. The ASPCA recommends avoiding headpieces, and this one doesn’t have one.

The trade-off: The front-walking design means your cat’s back half is exposed. Some cats find this weird. Others don’t care. It’s a personality thing. If your cat has worn a harness before, they’ll probably be fine.

Pro tip: This is the best costume for a “cute” photo. It’s soft, it’s fluffy, and it doesn’t have any scary elements. If you’re doing a Halloween photo with kids, this is the one that won’t terrify them. The vampire cape and spider costume are for the older crowd.

18. Halloween Pumpkin Bandana & Bow Set

Why it works: It’s a bandana and a bow. That’s it. The bandana goes around the neck like a collar, and the bow clips on. It’s the lowest-commitment costume on this list, and it’s the one I recommend to anyone whose cat has never worn anything before.

How to do it: Put the bandana on like a collar. Put the bow on the collar if your cat wears one, or clip it to the bandana. That’s the whole process. It takes 10 seconds.

The trade-off: It’s not a “costume” in the traditional sense. It’s an accessory. But for a cat, an accessory is often the best you’re going to get. And honestly, a cat in a pumpkin bandana is still very cute.

Pro tip: This is the best option for senior cats or cats with mobility issues. There’s no body piece, no straps around the belly, nothing that restricts movement. If your cat is older and you don’t want to stress them out, this is the move.

Cat Costume Comparison Table

Here’s a quick-reference table for the costumes I’ve covered, sorted by how easy they are to actually get on a cat and keep on a cat.

Costume	Price Range	Wearability (1-5)	Headpiece?	Best For
Vampire Cape	$8–$12	5	No	First-timers, photo ops
Glitter Wings	$5	5	No	Budget buyers, “cute” vibes
Shark Fin	$8–$12	5	No	Cats who hate costumes
Pumpkin Bandana	$5–$8	5	No	Senior cats, low-stress
DIY Stuffed Animal Tag	$1–$2	5	No	Last-minute, collar-wearers
Bat Wings	$10–$15	4	No	Spooky photos
Spider Harness	$12–$18	4	No	Harness-trained cats
Sushi	$12–$18	4	No	Food-themed photos
Taco	$12–$18	4	No	Funny photos
Banana Split	$12–$18	4	No	Group food-themed photos
Royal Cape	$10–$15	4	Crown (optional)	“I rule this house” energy
Cowboy (Front-Walking)	$10–$15	3	Hat (optional)	Funny photos, front-walking tolerant cats
Teddy Bear (Front-Walking)	$10–$15	3	No	Cute photos, kids
Bumblebee	$14	3	Sometimes	Classic costume lovers
DIY Black Cat	$5–$10	3	Headband (optional)	DIY enthusiasts
Glow-in-the-Dark Dinosaur	$15–$25	2	Skull mask	Glow photos, chill cats
Crochet Vampire	$10–$15 (supplies)	3	No	Crafters, custom fits
Skeleton Hoodie	$12	2	Hood	Sweater-tolerant cats

Cat Halloween Costume Safety Tips You Can’t Skip

I’m not going to be the person who tells you not to dress up your cat. You’re here. You’re going to do it. But there are a few non-negotiables that I wish more people talked about.

Check the fit before Halloween. The ASPCA recommends having your pet try on the costume before the big night. If it limits movement, sight, or ability to breathe or meow, it’s too tight. I put Greg’s cape on him for two minutes on October 20th, just to make sure he didn’t freak out. He didn’t. The cowboy hat, I tested in September. He hated it. I returned it. That’s the system.

Avoid dangling pieces. Small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces are a choking hazard. If your costume has sequins, ribbons, or little plastic bits, either remove them before your cat wears it or skip that costume entirely. I’ve watched a cat eat a plastic spider off a costume. It was not a fun vet visit.

Limit costume time. Cats overheat. The ASPCA specifically mentions this — prevent overheating by not keeping costumes on indoors for more than an hour. I keep Greg’s cape on for five minutes, max. The photo takes 30 seconds. The rest is just him existing in the cape while I tell him he’s beautiful.

Keep collars and ID tags on. If your cat is wearing a costume, make sure their collar and ID tags are still visible or at least still on. If they get out, the costume isn’t going to help them get home. The collar is.

Never leave them alone in a costume. This should go without saying, but I’m saying it. Never leave a cat unattended in a costume. If you need to step away, take the costume off. It’s not worth the risk.

How Much Do Cat Halloween Costumes Cost?

Here’s the real breakdown, based on what I’ve seen in stores and online this year.

The $5–$10 tier: Glitter wings, DIY black cat (if you have supplies), pumpkin bandana, DIY stuffed animal tag. This is the “I’m not sure my cat will cooperate” tier. Low investment, high reward. If your cat hates it, you’re out five bucks.

The $10–$18 tier: Most Frisco costumes (vampire cape, sushi, spider, shark fin, taco, royal cape, cowboy, teddy bear), bumblebee, bat wings, Target skeleton hoodie. This is the sweet spot. It’s enough money that the costume is actually well-made, but not so much that you’ll be mad if your cat only wears it once.

The $18–$30 tier: Glow-in-the-dark dinosaur, some premium costumes, custom crochet if you’re buying from an Etsy seller. This is the “I’m committed to this” tier. If you’re spending this much, I’d recommend a costume that doesn’t have a headpiece. The dinosaur is cool, but the skull mask is a gamble.

The “I spent more on my cat than myself” tier: The MetLife survey found that 32% of pet owners report spending more on their pet’s outfit than on their own. I’m not judging. I’m just reporting. If that’s you, you’re in good company.

The average pet owner spends about $30 on a costume and accessories. That’s the real number. You don’t have to spend $50 on a cat costume. You really don’t.

FAQs About Halloween Costumes for Cats

Q: My cat hates costumes. Should I force it?

No. The ASPCA recommends not putting your cat in a costume unless you know they enjoy it. If your cat is stressed, it’s not worth the photo. A festive bandana is a good compromise. Or just put the costume next to them and take a photo. “Cat with costume nearby” is still a Halloween photo.

Q: How do I know if a costume is too tight?

Check around the neck and chest. You should be able to fit two fingers under any strap. If you can’t, it’s too tight. Also watch for signs of stress: flattened ears, dilated pupils, tail twitching, or trying to bite the costume off. If you see any of those, take it off.

Q: What’s the best costume for a first-time cat?

Shark fin or vampire cape. Both have minimal points of contact, no headpiece, and they’re easy to get on and off. The shark fin is the safest bet because it sits on the back and most cats forget it’s there.

Q: Can I leave my cat in a costume while I go trick-or-treating?

No. Never leave a cat unattended in a costume. If you’re going out, take the costume off before you leave. The costume is for photos and supervised time only.

Q: My cat is 15 pounds and the costume doesn’t fit. What now?

Size up. Most costumes come in XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL. If your cat is between sizes, go larger. A costume that’s slightly loose is better than one that’s tight. You can always adjust the straps, but you can’t make a tight costume comfortable.

Q: Do I need to buy a costume, or can I DIY?

DIY is cheaper and often more comfortable for the cat because you can customize the fit. The no-sew black cat costume and the stuffed animal tag are the easiest DIY options. If you’re not crafty, the $5 glitter wings from Target are the best budget option.

Q: What’s the most popular cat costume this year?

According to the NRF, pumpkin is the most popular pet costume at 9.8%, followed by hot dog at 5.4%, then bumblebee, ghost, and superhero tied around 3-4%. But “popular” doesn’t mean “wearable.” The pumpkin costume is popular because it’s simple. That’s the pattern.

The Bottom Line

If I were starting over, I’d buy the shark fin first. It’s the costume that taught me the most important lesson about dressing up a cat: the less they have to wear, the longer they’ll wear it. Greg wore the shark fin for a full 12 minutes. That’s a record. I have 47 photos of him looking mildly inconvenienced but ultimately fine. That’s the goal.

The vampire cape is a close second. It’s dramatic, it’s easy, and it makes your cat look like they’re about to demand you address them by their full title. If you have a cat who tolerates a collar, they’ll tolerate the cape.

And if your cat hates everything? Get the bandana. Put it on. Take the photo. Call it a day. Your cat doesn’t care about Halloween. You care about Halloween. The bandana is for you. That’s allowed.