Cat Costume
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The cat is the go-to last-minute costume, and it’s one of the top three adult costumes in the country. Ears, a tail and some eyeliner whiskers and you’re done. That’s the appeal, and also the reason so many people do it badly.
What Makes It Work
Ears are everything. A sturdy pair of cat ears on a headband that matches your hair color is what sells it. Black is classic, but orange tabby, white and calico ears look great and stand out from the crowd.
Keep the outfit simple and in one color family. All black is the default: a black top, black leggings or jeans, maybe black boots. A tail that’s wired so it curves up looks much better than one that drags on the floor.
The face finishes it. Draw whiskers, a small triangle nose and a winged eyeliner “cat eye.” Gloves or a faux-fur collar are nice extras if you want to dress it up.
What People Get Wrong
Treating it as a zero-effort costume and showing up in whatever you wore to work with ears on. It reads as last minute because it is. Commit to one color head to toe and do real makeup. The other miss is a limp tail. Run a pipe cleaner or wire through it.
Buy It or Build It?
Ears, tail and whisker kits run about $10 to $25. Full jumpsuit costumes run $30 to $60. Most people should just buy the accessories and build the rest from their own closet.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I draw cat whiskers on my face?
Use black liquid eyeliner or face paint. Draw a small triangle on the tip of your nose, a line down to your upper lip, then three thin whiskers on each cheek.
What can I add to make a cat costume less basic?
Pick a specific cat: a calico with patchy face paint, a Siamese with brown ears and blue eyeliner, or a cartoon black cat with a big bow. Specific always beats generic.
Is a cat costume good for a group?
Yes. A group of cats in different colors and breeds is easy to coordinate, and it photographs well.
What's the best cat costume for kids?
A hooded fleece jumpsuit with ears on the hood. It’s warm for trick-or-treating and the face paint is optional.
Next up: Witch Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.