Dressing up cats and dogs is a common practice, and if you’re the lucky owner of a successful feline or canine influencer, it’s pretty lucrative. Sometimes, it’s more entertaining to view photos and videos of animals than ones with humans, and I’ll admit that a Bulldog dressed like a biker in the 1950s is amusing.
However, animals are not free to choose whether they want to wear clothes. Some don’t seem uncomfortable, but most, even the ones featured in online ads for pet products, look sad and irritated. I don’t think it’s cruel to dress up pets for photos or special occasions as long as they only wear the clothes for a few minutes.
Pet Fashion
Several photos are hilarious, but I don’t like seeing painted horses, turtles, or pets that look miserable. I don’t dress my cat because I think Olga is attractive enough without wearing apparel, and I prefer not to have my arms torn to shreds. Since it took her a while before she even allowed me to pick her up, I doubt she would want an ushanka or beret on her head.
While I understand the entertainment value of fully clothed felines, I’ve never understood why some people are so fascinated by them. The pet apparel industry is booming, and several pet owners think making their cats look fashionable is essential, which is what the industry tries to promote.
Costume Issues
Winter jackets and other cold-weather gear are needed when walking pets in frigid conditions, and they’re usually designed to fit the animal’s anatomy. On the other hand, commercial pet costumes, especially those for Halloween, are designed to amuse rather than fit comfortably. They make cats look cartoonish or like injured, unhappy creatures with ill-fitting clothes.
It may seem okay to annoy our felines for a few hours on Halloween, but cats can be creepy without costumes, and they’ve always been associated with the holiday. They don’t need a Dracula robe or Michael Myers mask to look or act like psychopaths. They’re naturally insane and more expressive when not burdened by poorly made fabrics.
Olga’s Natural Style
I enjoy watching Olga when she’s energized and clownish, and wearing clothes would only slow her down. She’s au natural in holiday pictures and isn’t wearing a Santa hat or ugly sweater. She’s following my fashion trends; I’ve been accused of being a humbug for not wearing festive gear.
Some cat owners want their cats to look like them, and goofy clothing helps them achieve that, but I’ve never wanted Olga to look like me. I would have to shave her head, spray-paint her fur, and give her a fake beard. Those inhumane actions would result in a comical-looking cat, but she wouldn’t be happy or as pretty as before.
The only appropriate attire for Olga is a blood-stained butcher’s apron because of her slicing and dicing skills, but I wouldn’t force her to wear one, even for a laugh.
- Read his previous article: Is Your Cat a Loud Groomer? Olga Certainly Is!