Clothing for cats: what is it for, how to choose and how to accustom a cat to the decorations

Surely, many people think that clothes should be purchased only for dogs. This is not actually the case, and there are many different options for cats. First of all, this applies to short-haired and bald representatives. They freeze quite quickly, so you definitely need to take care of their health. The rest will also need insulated clothing. After all, it will protect the animal from drafts and hypothermia, and will also be especially relevant after surgery and for nursing mothers.

What to make for your pet

Cat fashion is different from human trends. It is not beauty that should come to the fore, but the convenience of the outfit. And only after ensuring the animal’s comfort can we proceed to beauty care.

First of all, clothes should be comfortable

When sewing clothes for cats, you need to build on three basic requirements:

quality. The outfit should be as natural as possible. It is better not to use synthetic fabrics and other dubious products for sewing;
simplicity. The costume should not consist of a dozen parts in which the animal will become entangled;
comfort. Even in overalls, the cat remains a predator that needs to hunt, run and jump. The outfit should not hinder the movements of the fashionista.

When choosing an outfit for a cat, the owner should pay attention to the most popular items of the tailed wardrobe.

Table 1. Types of clothing for cats

Outfit element	Image	Benefit
Overalls	Protects your cat from cold and dirt while walking
Sweater	Warms a bald cat on cold winter evenings
Mike	Lightweight outfit for the off-season
Dress	Decoration for a thoroughbred lady
Skirt	An element that gives the cat a feminine look

As a rule, cats do not need hats or shoes. In addition, it will take a long time to accustom them to such outfits.

Material requirements

The coat of most cats keeps them warm even in severe frosts. But there are breeds that simply cannot do without warm clothing, for example, Sphynxes. If it's cold outside and the heating hasn't been turned on in the house yet, your cat may catch a cold and get sick. A cold floor also negatively affects the health of the animal. Even an adult can get sick from hypothermia, but the kitten of a hairless cat especially suffers. In such cases, warm overalls and socks for the paws are suitable for your pet.

Cats are very picky animals, so not every clothing may be suitable. The choice is influenced by the cats' ability to move quickly, jump and lead an active lifestyle. The cat should feel free, nothing should hinder its movements, so as not to lead to injury to the animal.

Clothes are made from materials that are not electrified and do not make rustling sounds. Otherwise, it will interfere and alarm the animal. The most commonly used fabrics are:

Wool - mohair, angora or knitted wool will keep your pet warm. Such fabrics do not cause allergies, “breathe” well and will be comfortable for the animal;
Viscose is a soft hypoallergenic material that absorbs moisture well, is easy to wash and has high wear resistance;
Cotton and linen are natural fabrics that provide excellent thermoregulation. They protect against overheating on hot days, and in winter they will warm the cat at home. The fabric wrinkles quite a lot and can shrink after washing;
Synthetic fabrics are only suitable for photo shoots or public appearances. Daily wear of synthetic clothing can cause allergies, and it is also poorly breathable;
Mixed materials - have the best qualities of natural fibers and synthetics. They are soft, easy to wash, and hold color well.

The top outfit is duplicated with padding polyester. It holds its shape perfectly, is lightweight and washes well in the washing machine. Bolognese fabric, raincoat fabric or any material with moisture-repellent properties can be used as the top layer.

Such clothes protect against overheating and serve as good insulation in winter. It is suitable for cats without hair, especially Sphynx cats. Everyday outfits should be practical and comfortable. And if they have zippers, then when fastening them you need to watch carefully so that the wool does not get into it.

You cannot keep a cat in clothes for a long time, this can lead to overheating of the skin and will not allow you to perform personal hygiene.

Materials for manufacturing are selected according to the following criteria:

The fabric must have high strength. While wearing outerwear, the cat may get caught in it on sharp corners or its claws. Fragile fabric or large knitting may deteriorate;
Material that restricts the animal's movements causes discomfort. The model chosen is light and elastic, but not too loose, so that the cat does not get confused and injured;
The fabric should be easy to clean from dirt and wash;
The material itself and accessories of the outfit should not harm the cat. Clothes with decorations are not suitable for everyday wear. It is necessary to carefully monitor the animal so that it does not bite off or eat any decoration. This can lead to unpleasant consequences.

When choosing clothes, you need to consider its purpose. Little tomboys grow quickly, and after a while you will no longer need purchased clothes for kittens made from expensive fabric.

Taking measurements from the model

To sew cat clothes, you should take individual measurements from the model, which will allow you to draw an accurate pattern. It is not recommended to use universal templates, since even animals of the same breed can differ in size.

Basic measurements for sewing clothes for a cat

For almost any outfit you only need three measurements. Armed with tape, fix the cat in a standing position and take the following measurements:

neck girth . The circumference of the neck is measured at its thickest point - at the base. It is advisable for the cat to stand straight at this moment;
back length . This length is measured from the base of the neck to the root of the tail. To do this, apply the tape along the body, avoiding its bends if possible;
chest girth . The measurement is taken around the body, placing a meter under the animal's front paws.

Some outfits will require additional measurements. For example, determine the distance between the front and rear legs or the “waist” circumference.

How to take measurements from a cat

The obtained values are transferred to paper, entering them into the pattern. When the pattern is ready, it is applied to the animal and adjustments are made so as not to redo the finished outfit later. You can read below about what measurements are needed when sewing clothes for cats.

Taking measurements from a cat

How to choose a cat costume in a store

Clothes for four-legged pets can be bought in the store. The retail chain offers a wide variety of cat apparel. The most common among them:

One-piece overalls with a cutout for the head, paws, and tail. This walking suit retains heat better than others.
An autumn-winter version of jackets that cover the main part of the body.
Sweaters, vests. You can knit such things yourself using patterns, of which there are many on the Internet.
Shirts, pajamas, T-shirts. They are worn in spring and summer, when dangerous ticks are especially active.
Accessories, including: blankets, hats, socks.

The cost of clothing for tailed animals ranges from 140 to 1500 rubles. Costumes for exhibitions and holidays can cost more than 2-3 thousand rubles.

Specialized stores have a large assortment of cat clothing and accessories.

In stores you can buy sets of clothes of different sizes, including for kittens.

Material selection

The material is of considerable importance when choosing an outfit for a cat. Autumn overalls can be made of smooth satin, thin fleece and have a lining. Sweaters are made from wool (usually rabbit, but preferably angora). The material for all kinds of blankets and hats can be linen, chintz, and cotton.

Clothing made from natural wool warms a cat well, but it should not be itchy, so choose outfits made from rabbit or angora down.

You need to choose things with a small number of seams, there should not be many buttons or zippers. Many accessories can rub the animal’s skin, cling to the fur and cause inconvenience, especially for active cats during movements.

How to choose the size

Knowing the right size will make the task much easier. Large and small clothes are equally inconvenient for your pet, and he may simply refuse to wear them.

Are the clothes comfortable?

Any outfit should not cause inconvenience to its owner when worn. To check this, you need to run the wrong side of the product over your cheek. If the clothing does not cause any irritation, then it will suit the cat.

Universal drawing

Most outfits can be made based on just one pattern. To create a universal drawing, you will need a sheet of paper and measurements taken from the animal. Based on the measurements, a pattern is drawn, consisting of a back and front.

All smooth curves are drawn intuitively and corrected after the first fitting. Having drawn the proposed pattern, it is necessary to make allowances for the seams, after which the parts are cut out and the image is transferred to the wrong side of the fabric.

Example of a universal drawing

For convenience, the pattern can be pinned with pins. The drawing is redrawn and cut out. Depending on the fabric chosen, a fastener is used when sewing the outfit. If you choose a knitted stretch material, you won’t need a zipper, since the vest can be pulled over the cat’s head. In the case of non-elastic materials, a fastener is sewn into the back. You can also use Velcro or buttons, but to do this you will have to adjust the back piece, leaving an allowance for the fastener.

The best styles

Modern manufacturers of cat products offer the following types of clothing for these furry creatures:

overalls, which are suitable for damp and cool weather and look like a one-piece cover with slots for the limbs, head of the animal and its tail;
jacket - covers the front part of the body, also warms the cat in a cool room or walking outside;
sweater, vest, blanket - intended for home and walks in the warm season;
a light shirt or pajamas - more suitable for summer and protects against ticks and other parasites;
bodysuits - help the cat during the period after operations;
exquisite outfits in the form of dresses and suits – exhibition pieces and samples for photographs;
body-anti-sex - the name speaks for itself: it does not allow the cat to “take over” the cat and mark the territory, and is also an excellent option for cats after sterilization;
robe - put on the cat after taking a bath or visiting the hairdresser;
fashionable hats and accessories for paws, in which cats pose at photo shoots and exhibitions.

For many of these items you have to pay a tidy sum, therefore, housewives do not buy, but sew or crochet beautiful vests, hats and warm socks. Products knitted in this way are exclusive and interesting. You can knit summer options with lace or autumn-spring denser patterns. Depending on the thickness of the hook, clothing models for cats and patterns for the future outfit are selected. Examples of patterns can be taken from magazines where knitting patterns are presented.

When creating a future outfit, you need to clearly think through how the additional details of the clothing will be located so that the animal does not get entangled in them and moves freely. It is better to refrain from attaching any brooches with sharp corners to the costume, which the animal can tear off and accidentally swallow.

If you don’t have any knowledge of sewing, the easiest option to keep your pet warm is a warm cotton sock. All you need to do is take a sock and cut small holes in it for the paws and head. Next, put the resulting product on the cat.

To choose comfortable clothes for your pet, you need to correctly measure its length, neck and chest volume. For young pets, it is better to reserve a few centimeters.

Of all the existing models, there are several types of the best samples:

A fleece sweater is warm clothing for cats, the loose cut of which does not restrict the animal’s movements, retains heat and does not become electrified. Easy to clean, fleece prevents the product from stretching and shrinking after washing;
Fur-based vests are the favorite clothes of sphinxes. The surface of the product is treated with water-repellent impregnation, and the faux fur retains body heat and prevents the cat from getting too cold;
Plush sweatshirt - clothing for hairless cats and short-haired breeds: Peterbalds, Bambinas, Cornish Rexes, Britons. Absorbs moisture, warms the body well, does not fade under the influence of ultraviolet rays, withstands numerous washings and does not fade;
Terry robes of various styles are a convenient accessory after bathing;
T-shirts - protect outdoors from the scorching sun and various parasites;
Winter types of sheepskin coats - products made from natural sheepskin will not let you feel the severe frost outside. The product is decorated with a collar and cuffs;
For cat lovers, there is a fashion trend, the so-called cat print - cats are depicted on clothes in the form of a three-dimensional pattern. These T-shirts and sweaters look very nice.

Vest without pattern

To sew a vest for a cat, it is not necessary to draw complex patterns. All you need is an old sweater, scissors and some creative inspiration. The model in the picture shows a dog, but the proposed accessory is perfect for a cat of any breed.

Clothing suitable for both cats and miniature dogs

The step-by-step production of such a vest is presented below:

the sleeve is cut off from a knitted sweater;
draw a curved line with chalk next to the cut - on the stomach the vest should be shorter than on the back;
cut off the excess along the marked line and overcast the edge. You can use either an overlocked hand stitch or an overlock stitch;
The future vest is applied to the animal and the location of the holes for the paws is marked. The closer to the narrow edge the holes are made, the smaller the vest collar will be;
Having folded the sleeve in half, reflect the marks for the holes symmetrically and cut them out. You can overcast the edge in any way.

After fitting, the craft is adjusted. If necessary, it can be sutured.

Video - Vest for walking

How to put a sweater on your cat?

Once you are ready to put the sweater on your cat, we recommend gathering the entire sweater into a ring shape. Pull the neck of the garment as wide as possible with both hands and place the sweater ring on the animal's head. Keep your fingers between your cat and the sweater to prevent the sweater from pressing against her head while you put it on. Once the entire ring is around the pet's neck, smooth the rest of the sweater over the entire body, allowing your cat to flex his paws to make it easier to pull his paws through the sleeves or leg holes.

Dress for the sphinx

You can sew an original outfit for a cat using a simple pattern. An example of this will be a wonderful dress created from just two parts.

Step-by-step instructions for sewing a simple sundress

First, using the measurements taken, you will need to cut out the main part. To do this, the fabric is ironed and folded with the right side inward. A pattern is drawn with chalk on the resulting “sandwich” of fabric. In the proposed example, the back length is 26 cm. This value can be changed depending on the required length of the dress. The value equal to 17 cm in the photo indicates the length of the product on the stomach. The first fitting will help determine the length, so the fabric is cut with a margin, and later the excess is cut off.

Pattern of a sundress for a cat

Step-by-step instructions for making a dress for the sphinx consist of several simple steps:

seam allowances are added to the part and the pattern is cut out;
by dividing the folded fabric, you get a dress detail with two cutouts for paws. Having attached the part to the animal, mark the required length and adjust the dress;
the armholes of the sleeves and the bottom of the product can be edged with tape or hemmed by machine, turning the fabric 3 mm;
the part is sewn together. The seam should be on the front of the product;
You can use cuffs from any sweater or a strip of elastic fabric as the neckline of the dress. The rectangle of material should have a length equal to the circumference of the cat's neck. The strip is sewn into a ring and folded in half, after which it is attached to the product.

The dress can be decorated in any way you like. For example, create an applique from fabrics or sew on buttons and other decorative elements.

Video - Denim collar-vest with removable wings for a cat

The tuxedo

You can sew a wonderful tuxedo for your cat as a stylish accessory. Using a simple pattern, you can make a jacket-cape that will not hinder movement and will give your pet comfort.

For work you will need the following materials:

white fabric - an old T-shirt;
black material - any piece of cotton of a suitable size;
a piece of red felt;
Velcro for fasteners;
scissors, chalk and other tailor's little things.

Necessary materials for work

Step 1. To determine the length of the tailcoat, measure the length from the neck to the tail of the cat. A pattern of a white element is cut out of white fabric in accordance with the measurements. For convenience, use a fabric folded in half. You will need 2 of these parts.

Cutting out the details for the tailcoat

Step 2. The first white piece, folded in half, is applied to the black fabric. The dark element should not be the same size as the white one, as the jacket will end up being shorter than the shirt.

Cutting out parts from black fabric

Step 3. You can choose any shape of the vest itself. The main thing is that it is symmetrical.

Combining the details

Step 4. A tie is cut out of red fabric, and a collar is made from a white scrap.

Cut out and apply the tie and collar

Step 5. Next, the parts are sewn together in the following order:

a tie with a collar is attached to the base;
a vest is attached to the upper white part;
the protruding part of the tie is sewn on top;
Velcro is sewn to the elongated neck so that the upper part tightly covers the lower one.

Sew the parts and attach Velcro

Step 6. The future tailcoat will be attached to the pet’s neck and stomach. As a fastener, cut out a rectangular strip of black color and add 0.5 cm to its edges.

Making a fastener

Step 7. The resulting strap is sewn between two white parts of the tailcoat. The length of the belt is determined by the circumference of the pet's chest. It is best to adjust this length during fitting. The edge of the cut belt is lined up. Strong Velcro is sewn onto one end of the tape.

Sewing the tailcoat and fastening

Step 8. The second Velcro piece is sewn on the opposite side of the white piece inside out, as shown in the picture. The fastened strap will go around the animal's chest. To make the tailcoat look stylish, its edge can be ironed and stitched 1 mm from the edge.

Ready-made tuxedo

The finished tuxedo will serve as an excellent cape for a freezing Devon Rex.

Airy skirt

Clothes for cats are needed not only to keep your pet warm, but also for going out into the world. Thus, show animals often appear before judges in exclusive outfits. Skirts are especially relevant in cat fashion, giving femininity and charm to sophisticated breeds.

To create such an unusual accessory you will need:

tulle;
satin ribbon;
scissors.

The easiest way to create a fluffy ballet tutu does not require any drawings or patterns. To sew a skirt, just measure the cat’s “waist” circumference and add 10 cm to this value.

Required materials and work process

The satin ribbon is cut to the obtained length. The tulle is cut into strips 2 cm wide. The length of the strips is equal to the required length of the skirt multiplied by 2.

Next, the tulle strips are folded in half and tied onto a satin ribbon with loose knots, as shown in the photo. The thicker the ribbons are tied, the more magnificent the pack will be. To add volume to the product, the length of the strips can be varied. To create color transitions, tulle of various shades is used.

How to cut and attach ribbons

When all the stripes are tied on a ribbon, the skirt is tried on the cat. The free ends of the tape are tied on the back of the animal and their length is adjusted.

Ready-made skirt

Insulated option for walking

Fashionable clothes for a cat can not only be sewn, but also knitted. A simple vest design for an adult pet will help with this.

To make clothes bring comfort and joy, you need to choose natural threads. Acrylic thread or angora yarn will also work. You will also need knitting needles. Their diameter is determined by the thickness of the yarn, and the recommended tool number is indicated on the thread packaging.

Vest diagram

On a note! Before knitting, it is recommended to wash the threads in warm water and dry them in fresh air. Do not use washing powder with a strong odor. Hairless cats often face skin problems, allergies and other troubles.

Whim or necessity

Sometimes, while on the street, you can see a pet in some beautiful overalls or dress. And there's nothing wrong with that. Maybe the owner has a desire to make his pet more attractive. There are breeds of cats that simply need to wear extra clothing to stay warm. A tight-fitting overall will protect the animal from ticks and other parasites, and a light suit will protect it from overheating and exposure to sunlight .

The owner's desire to dress up his pet can be caused by several reasons. In most cases, clothing on an animal solves some problem and makes the pet’s existence easier. For example, short-haired or hairless cats get very cold even in warm weather. If the animal has suffered damage to the skin, medicine is applied to these places, and protective clothing is worn to prevent the cat from licking the wounds. The wardrobe prevents medicine from entering the body and helps you recover faster.

There are times when clothes are used to stand out in the crowd, showing off a rather expensive piece of your animal’s wardrobe. The fashion for clothes for cats does not stand still; every year new styles and combinations appear, on which you need to spend a lot of money.

Modern fashionistas refuse the assortment of clothing presented in specialized stores and prefer to go to an expensive studio to sew an exclusive outfit for their cat. And this is not only an everyday suit, but also many festive, warm and protective models. In addition, do not stop and purchase jewelry for the cat. After all, a fashionably and richly dressed fluffy cat is a sign of the well-being of its owner.

So it turns out: for some, clothing is a necessity, while for others it is an opportunity to stand out in society. And the fashion industry is developing and thriving, bringing huge profits.

Emergency heating

It happens that you need clothes for a cat urgently. There is not enough time to create a pattern and sew it. This happens when a frozen kitten is nailed to the house in winter. To quickly warm him up, you can make a simple outfit out of a regular sock.

What you will need:

an old warm sock without a pair;
scissors;
chalk.

Sock cat vest

To make a simple vest from scrap materials, you don't need sewing skills. Even a child can cope with this task, since it includes several simple steps:

The sock is applied to the pet and the length of the future product is measured with a small margin (1 cm). Mark the cutting line with chalk;
the sock is folded and ironed, then the excess is cut off;
After this, the position of the holes for the paws is noted. It is important to draw them symmetrically. To ensure that the vest has a wide collar, holes are drawn in the middle of the sock;
longitudinal holes are cut with scissors. If desired, they can be overcast with a hand seam or use an overlocker;
try the products on the cat. You should check whether she is tight in such an outfit. To do this, place your palm under the sock. If the hand fits in freely, the outfit is sewn to size. The neck area is also checked.

An outfit made from a sock cannot claim to be a fashion item in a cat's wardrobe. However, in difficult situations, such a suit can warm a small pet and give him a sense of security.

Video - How to make clothes for a cat with your own hands

Preparing for work

Before you begin, you should decide on the purpose of the pet costume, the frequency of its use and design. Any homemade clothing for cats must include:

comfort: when worn, the pet is comfortable in the outfit, its movements are not constrained;
quality: when making clothes for a cat with your own hands, you need to pay attention to non-artificial materials. Only inserts or trim made of synthetics are allowed. The reverse side of clothing for cats should be completely natural to avoid allergic reactions;
simplicity: simple cut of clothes ─ a minimum of seams and costume items;
practicality: clothes for frequent wear should not lose their appearance after cleaning and washing.

Material selection

You need to decide whether the cat's clothing will be sewn or knitted. In the first case, fabrics, accessories, and finishing are selected. In the second ─ suitable yarn.

Choosing the material for your pet's clothing is the most important part of the work. If the cat doesn’t like it, all efforts will be in vain. It is difficult to force your pet to wear such clothes.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you can first put the selected material or yarn on the cat’s bed. The fabric must first be washed with a neutral detergent. If the surprise on the bedding does not cause protest from the pet, then you can safely start creating patterns, sewing or knitting.

It is better to choose soft, flexible fabrics for cats: knitwear, cotton or linen with a stretch effect. Clothes made from this material are comfortable and will not hinder your pet’s movements. The appearance of things will not suffer from frequent washing.

The finished knitted product must be washed.

Taking measurements

Creating clothes for a pet with your own hands begins with creating a pattern, for which you need to take measurements. It is important to determine the size correctly. The fit of the product on the cat and its comfort depend on this.

To take measurements from the model, you need to take a centimeter tape. To create a universal pattern, it is enough to determine 3 main parameters of the pet:

ОШ – neck circumference. Measured at the base of the neck - where it meets the chest;
OG - chest circumference. Calculate along the widest part of the cat’s body, under the front legs;
DI is the length of the product. Equal to the distance from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.

Based on these measurements, you can design any styles of clothing for various purposes for your cat.

If the product involves sleeves and a collar, then the following measurements are also needed for the pattern:

OT - body circumference. Measured across the stomach, in front of the hind legs;
OPL and OPL are the girth of the front and hind legs, respectively. Calculated based on their widest part;
LSH - neck length from base to ears;
DT - length of the body between the front and hind legs.

When creating a drawing, length measurements are taken in full, and the length of the girths is divided in half. Armed with the numbers, you can safely start cutting out a costume for your pet.

Universal drawing

The figure shows an approximate drawing from which you can create various clothing patterns for cats.

The top image is the back, consisting of two parts. The lower part is the tummy. Half of the part is drawn, a fold runs along the middle line. Semicircular recesses are holes for the pet's paws (armholes).

The DI measurement is laid along the lightning line. Next, a drawing is built from it in accordance with the size of the cat. Line CD is the length along the tummy from the front to the back paw.

Important! A full-size pattern should be made first on paper or fabric. Having sewn the shoulder (AB) and side (CD) seams and leaving a sufficient allowance for the fastener along the upper edge (zipper), you need to do a fitting and adjust the fit “according to the figure” of the cat. After this you can start working.

When cutting the product, remember that clothing for cats should not be too tight. To do this, add 1-3 cm to the pet's girth measurements for a loose fit.

Seam allowances must be made along the contour of the pattern. Their size is adjusted as follows: add 0.5-1 cm along oblique and figured cuts, and 1-2.5 cm along side and shoulder seams. Clothes for a cat should not be too loose.

Required Items

To create clothes for cats with your own hands, you need to prepare a workspace: a table or any flat surface for cutting.

You will also need:

paper or fabric for making a pattern;
yarn and knitting needles or crochet hook if the project involves a knitted item;
fabric: main, lining, cushioning (insulation);
tailor's chalk;
adhesive materials for strengthening oblique and figured cuts;
sewing accessories: buttons, snaps, zippers, Velcro fasteners;
finishing accessories: braid, lace, adhesive applications;
sewing threads;
needle;
scissors;
sewing machine.

Now you can start creating an original, stylish set of clothes for your pet.

Important! For obvious reasons, zippers and Velcro fasteners should not be sewn onto clothing for a fluffy cat. The wool will get stuck in them, the fittings will quickly fail, and the pet will be very uncomfortable. The most convenient and versatile fasteners in this case are buttons and snaps.

Summer minimalism

Cats only need casual outfits during the cold season. In summer there is no need for insulation, but there is a need for a stylish appearance. To add some flair to your cat's image, but not to overdo the outfit, you can make a cute accessory for your pet - a bow tie.

By the way! The textile highlight is also useful for photo shoots when the animal urgently needs to find a home or introduce the cat to the public.

Bow tie for a cat

For sewing you will need:

thick fabric;
collar (you can use a flea collar);
needles, thread and scissors.

To ensure that the butterfly does not interfere with the cat’s enjoyment of life, you need to choose the appropriate size of the craft. Firstly, the product should not be too large. A bulky accessory will disturb the animal while eating and irritate it the rest of the day. Secondly, the craft should not have an intrusive smell, rustle or put pressure on the throat.

Step 1. Cut out a rectangle with sides 25 cm and 13 cm from thick fabric. It is also necessary to prepare a jumper for the butterfly. Its dimensions are 6x4 cm.

Tie details

Step 2. If the cat does not wear a collar, a strip of the same fabric will be useful for the tie, which will become a fastener. Its dimensions are 50x5 cm. A long piece of fabric is folded in half lengthwise and stitched. A fastener is attached to the ends of the tape.

Sew the main part for the bow tie

Step 3. A 25 cm piece is folded in half and stitched into a ring. Next, this part is folded so that the line is in the middle.

We sew a ribbon for a tie and sew on a hook

Step 4. A small jumper section is sewn into a miniature ring by hand, going around the main part. The butterfly is straightened and the jumper is secured in the middle of the craft with a hidden stitch from the inside. A part with clasps or a collar is inserted under the ribbon.

Video - Festive butterfly for a cat

Relevance of clothing for cats

Fashionable outfits are less common among cats than among dogs. This is largely due to the fact that most felines stay at home. In addition, not every cat will allow itself to be dressed in some kind of clothing.

It is worth noting that clothing, first of all, protects cats from rain, dirt and cold. And T-shirts together with an anti-flea collar will help protect the animal’s skin from destructive bites of ticks and other dangerous parasites during walks in the forest, park, or river. For example, when falling from a tree, such an insect will roll down clothing and not get entangled in the fur to cause harm to the animal. Clothing reduces the need for combing and washing the cat.

If an animal is dressed in an interesting, comfortable and warm suit, it will wear clothes with pleasure, because cats love when they are warm. Having realized that he is comfortable, the cat will be less likely to ask to be held and will not distract the owners from more urgent matters. In any case, before purchasing cat clothes, you should think carefully about the advisability of purchasing it in your particular case.

Clothing protects the animal's skin from rain and dirt

Things to consider

Before you put an outfit on your pet, you need to take into account the behavior of the animal. During the period of heightened spring activity, cats are capable of both dirtying their suit and tearing it. There is no way to prevent this.

Cats have an innate instinct to lick their fur, which means that the suit must be removed from them periodically, otherwise a stressful situation will arise for the animal.

If an animal's fur or skin is damaged, it is not recommended to wear clothes on it for a long time. This is explained by the fact that the fabric will block the access of air, and suppuration may occur.

Therefore, the question of the need for clothing and the frequency of its use must be decided by the animal owner himself.

Who needs a suit and why?

Clothes are especially needed for those pets who do not have a warm, long coat. In the absence of appropriate clothing, hairless breeds such as the Sphynx or Devon Rex freeze even in a well-heated apartment (and even more so outdoors in cold weather). And this threatens with dangerous consequences for health.

Other reasons to dress up your pet:

A cat dressed in overalls will feel comfortable on the balcony in bad weather.
Warm clothing will protect your pet from drafts and air conditioning while traveling by car.
After surgery, clothing will prevent animals from licking surgical sutures.
Interesting outfits can also indicate the special status of a pet.
If you put a robe on the animal after the water procedure, the fur will dry faster.
For cats who prefer outdoor walks, clothing will help prevent accidental mating. In addition, passers-by will know that they are dealing with a pet.
Purebred purrs simply need a decent wardrobe. They take part in various exhibitions; a beautiful thing on an animal will definitely emphasize its individuality.

Clothing not only protects the cat from the cold, but also performs many other functions, for example, emphasizing the individuality of the furry creature

How to train a cat to wear clothes

Under natural conditions, cats do not require overalls or dresses. Therefore, the owner will have to be patient to accustom the pet to clothes. The ideal option is to start the procedure from childhood, introducing an element of play into this process . Kids quickly get used to dressing up, especially in winter. They immediately understand the purpose of such a suit.

It is easiest to accustom your pet to clothes in childhood.

If your pet is no longer a child, you should begin to accustom him to clothes through home training. You need to pet him, talk to him kindly and calm him down. Since the first fitting is still stressful for the animal, you should first put on the clothes for only 5-10 minutes, then take off the outfit.

If the cat does not like being dressed and tries to get rid of the outfit, you should not insist, maybe at this time he is not inclined to try it on. It is necessary to do several similar fittings a day until the cat gives an adequate response to the clothes. If the animal’s resistance continues, you can try to use the “carrot” method - drop 2-3 drops of valerian on clothes.

The “whip” method is not suitable to prevent your cat from developing associations of clothing with pain and punishment. Patience and the desire to see your pet dressed will give results in a month or two. The cat will calmly accept the process of putting on clothes before going for a walk. The main thing is to remember: for a cat to be comfortable in clothes, they should not restrict his movements or be too loose.

How to train a cat to wear clothes

Regardless of the breed, most adult cats react violently and negatively to the appearance of clothing in their lives. If the animal has not been dressed up before, it will be extremely difficult to accustom it to fashion. It is better if the first beauty session occurs in childhood. It is easier to teach a kitten not only the rules, but also “manners”. It is recommended to start inoculating the culture when the kitten reaches 1 month. The first outfits should not restrict movement or cause discomfort. It is better to choose natural lightweight fabrics in which the cub will be comfortable to run and play with other kittens.

It's easier to train a kitten to wear clothes

By the way, a cat mother may not understand a stylish look - it will interfere with caring for the baby. Therefore, it is better to carry out the first fittings when the cat is away on business. It is better to switch to constant wear after the kittens are weaned from their mother.

Attention! Kittens are not very clean creatures, so with the decision to dress up your pet, the decision to wash his clothes should also mature. This is especially true for hairless breeds, whose skin secretes a special secretion.

How to choose the right clothes?

Indeed, the type of clothing you choose is more important for the owner than for the animal itself.
Before choosing a clothing style, remember that the type of fabric is critical to your pet's comfort. You must choose the right clothes to keep your cat comfortably warm. When choosing a sweater, think about what you consider comfortable or uncomfortable. Anything that is tight fitting, bulky (especially around the neck) or has itchy tissue that electrifies the animal's fur should be avoided. Since cats scratch themselves frequently, you should also avoid anything tied in a way that could cause your cat's claws to get caught in clothing. Finally, avoid anything with bells, beads, or other danglers, as these can easily become detached or come off, making it unsafe for the animal. You should always supervise your cat when he is wearing clothes, especially during the first few changes.

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Fashion trends in the cat world

Craftswomen and cat lovers never tire of creating new and original clothing models for cats. Every year, unusual outfits for pets of hairless breeds become the rage.

Lace, which is firmly entrenched in the top of the best outfits for cats, does not lose its relevance.

Dress with lace for cats

The sweater is a warm classic for fashionable pets.

Knitted sweater for a cat

Casual outfit for a cat

Festive costume

Clothing for a cat is a way not only to keep your pet warm, but also to give it a unique personality. Even a novice seamstress can sew stylish things for a pet. To do this, it is enough to arm yourself with a creative mood and simple patterns of cat outfits.