Being a cat parent is one of the greatest blessings at times. Their cuteness overload can often be hard to resist. Admit it; you have seen those posts on social media of people dressing up their cats in all sorts of outfits. You have found yourself thinking about the different outfits that would look great on your cat. I know I have considered it. The real question is, do baby clothes fit cats? How do I determine what size is best for my feline friend?
Yes, baby clothes can fit cats, depending on their length and weight. Most cats can wear clothes that fit 0 – 3-month-old babies. Larger cats weighing 9-12 lbs can wear up to 3 – 6 months size baby clothes.
Now that you know baby clothes can fit your cat let us look at the distinct size options, the benefits, and the drawbacks of putting baby clothes on cats.
How can I determine what size baby clothes fit my cat
The first step in deciding what size baby clothes to get your cat is measuring their length in correlation with their weight.
When you are measuring the length of your cat in terms of clothing size, you must measure from the base of the neck, along their backbone, to the base of their tail. Figuring their weight can be figured by a quick veterinarian checkup appointment, or by weighing yourself, weighing yourself while holding your cat, then determining the difference to determine their individual weight.
Once their measurements are taken, it is all about the length to weight ratio:
| Length (base of neck to base of tail) | Weight | Size of baby clothes |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 inches | 3-4 lbs. (1-2 months old) | Preemie – modified baby clothes |
| 4-5 inches | 5-8 lbs. (4-5 months old) | 0-3 months size |
| 6-7 inches | 9-12 lbs. (6 months to adult average) | 3-6 months size |
What are the benefits of putting baby clothes on a cat
Depending on the condition of your cat and the breed, baby clothes can help with keeping cats from reaching open wounds or even help certain breeds of cats get through colder weathered months.
Although clothes can be a bother to cats, they can also be a comfort or benefit your cat. For example, cats that have been recently spayed or neutered, or cats who have open wounds or stitches, will often try to lick and nibble at their wounds.
Some veterinarians recommend baby clothes rather than ‘the cone of shame’ after surgery. Cones may keep your cat from licking their sutures, but they also restrict normal cat behaviors and routines, such as eating, drinking, and grooming themselves. Ergo the alternative: baby clothes, which allow for most full-body movements, with minor restrictions on their daily activities.
Even hairless or short-haired cats can benefit from baby clothes in the wintertime. Just like humans, cats with little to no fur, such as the Sphynx cat, require extra layers to help protect them from the plummeting temperatures that come during the winter months.
Do cats enjoy being dressed up
No, typically, cats do not like being dressed up, as it is unnatural for them; however, it is possible to train them to be comfortable in clothing.
From my personal experience, I have not tried clothes on my cat, but I did try a cat harness to assist me in transporting my furry companion back and forth to the vet. Let us say it was an exciting experience, to say the least. She immediately began rolling around, rubbing her back on everything she could to get that harness off. At this point, the harness was not tightened to her body, but she was not interested in trying to wear it.
Since then, I have attempted to train her to wear it by letting her smell the harness, rewarding her with treats, and teaching her that her harness is a good thing. She will now tolerate it for short periods.
The important thing to remember is certain clothes will restrict a cat’s movement, causing them great stress. Even if your cat tolerates clothes, most cats like to climb things. Clothes can become dangerous if they get caught on objects while your cat is doing their typical cat things. You would not like it if someone put you in a straitjacket. Imagine how a cat might feel, especially if they have never worn clothes before.
Can my cat be trained to wear baby clothes
Yes, it is possible to train your cat to wear baby clothes.
There are a few things to remember when preparing your cat to wear clothes.
Start slow
When you begin training your cat for clothes, you can start with a collar and then move into a baby sweater. If your cat is not accustomed to wearing anything, I can tell you from experience that jumping straight to a onesie or a full-body outfit will not end in your favor. Keep it simple and loose fit so you do not risk stressing your little feline friend out. Keep in mind some cats’ temperaments are different from others.
Make sure you get the right size for your cat
You do not want something that is way too big for your cat because then you risk it getting caught on things when your cat is climbing or playing as cats do. An outfit that is too small will restrict your cat’s movements and make the experience more stressful than it should be.
Start training them while they are young
The best way to train any animal is by starting to train them while they are young. You can begin training with their favorite treats or toys after you get them dressed. This teaches them that wearing baby clothes is a normal part of their routine and that they are safe.
Reward your cat
Make playing dress-up fun by rewarding your cat with their favorite toy or treat after you get them in their fancy baby clothes attire.
A couple of tips to remember when dressing your cat are never to leave your cat unattended as they could hurt themselves or get stuck or caught by their clothing and watch your cat for any signs of stress or abnormal behavior. Stop if you notice your cat is highly stressed out. Some clothes may be more comfortable to them than others.
Final Thoughts
Baby clothes can certainly fit cats. Dressing your cat up in warmer clothes for the winter or holiday-themed outfits can be a fun experience for both you and your pet if they are adequately trained and prepared for it. All it takes is the right size outfit and a bit of training and patience.
FAQCats
My name is James, and welcome to FAQCats!
Along with our team of cat owners, expert pet enthusiasts, and pet professionals, we aim to write engaging helpful, engaging content about cats. At FAQCats we strive to provide content that’s accurate and fun to read. Our team writes about everything related to cats; even the most complex of topics. Through extensive research and caring for our own fur-pals, we’re able to provide something cat owners worldwide will love. Have a look around, and leave us feedback anytime!
