Cats have many different ways to regulate their body temperature, and blocking their skin and fur with a sweater can disrupt their body's natural processes. In fact, wearing a sweater could cause your cat to overheat and potentially suffer from symptoms of heatstroke.
Putting specialized clothing on stressed-out dogs is commonplace, but did you know it works for cats, too? Occasionally, putting a calming coat on your stressed-out cat is the best thing you can do to help with behavioral and stress-related conditions.
Some vets also recommend sweaters, or at least a T-shirt, for cats who have been shaved for surgery. In these cases, a sweater could keep a kitty warm and prevent him from licking incisions. We sometimes send older cats home in sweaters after a grooming session if we've removed large areas of their coat.
Corriveau says to ease their stress by starting slow when putting the garment on and giving positive reinforcement (like treats or playtime) to get them used to it. Make sure the item isn't too loose or tight, and only let the cat wear it when you can see them to make sure they can tolerate it.
Whatever you dress your cat in, make sure it has a snug fit. The garment should neither be too tight nor too small, as serious hazards can result from either possibility. Your cat must be able to breath, see, communicate, eat, move, jump, and go to the bathroom without being hindered by whatever they're dressed in.
To a feline's sharp senses, a Halloween costume emanates a pervasive scent that smothers ambient odours. The unfamiliar scent of a costume also masks a cat's personal smell. In a household where several animals coexist, the others can perceive the dressed-up cat as an outsider!
"Their [owner's] clothes often carry their scent, which in the cat world they use to recognize their owners," Dr. Murithi explained. "They would therefore prefer to lay on their clothes as they feel safe and comfortable, as they see the clothes as their own or part of their family."
Your Cat Wants Comfort
Your clothes, you see, have your scent in them, which is calming and familiar. Sometimes, when cats are feeling affectionate, but you are not around, they will search for the next best thing; your clothes!
Your cat's sense of touch is much more heightened than your own. And this is especially true for particular regions of their body, like the base of their tail, their paws, and their belly. So, for them, it likely feels like tiny pins and needles all over their body when you force that adorable outfit onto their body.
Cats Are Mysteriously Attracted to Wool
Much like their fascination with boxes, many cats are naturally attracted to wool. Animal behaviorists aren't exactly sure why this cat-wool attraction exists.
What temperature do cats prefer? Cats thrive in consistent, comfortably warm environments with the option to cool off when necessary.
Cats can most definitely get cold at night if the ambient temperature drops below 60 and 70°F. Anything below 45°F at night is too cold for your cat.
Why do cats freeze when you put clothes on them? If you notice that your cat does freeze up when in costume, this is usually a sign that they are uncomfortable and restricted in clothing. Wearing clothes is not natural for cats, so it may take some time for them to get used to the material.
Though this initially may sound like a strange, abnormal behavior, it's actually quite common both in pets and humans! Often when animals experience anxiety, clothes can help to provide comfort and a feeling of safety that helps to calm them down.
Think food puzzles to engage minds and bodies, vertical space for climbing and surveying their domain, scratching posts, safe outdoor access (like a catio), window perches and interactive play. “Play is an important part of relieving stress,” Delgado says. “It helps cats release those feel-good hormones.”
PetMD also points out that cats are territorial creatures. They claim their turf by marking it with their scent. So when they sleep on top of you, they're actually marking you—and your bed—as theirs. We should be flattered by this behavior, apparently.
Lying next to you, but not on you, doesn't mean your cat is not bonded to you. In fact, sleeping next to you means your cat trusts you enough to be in a vulnerable position while sleeping. Some cats are not comfortable sleeping on their cat parent because they prefer the security of a small buffer zone.
Some clothes and costumes can be restrictive and prevent cats from grooming or running or even make toileting difficult. This loss of natural behaviours and expressions can cause stress, anxiety. There is also a potential danger if clothes or costumes become entangled or tighten.
Cats are naturally drawn to soft surfaces, which is why they love blankets so much. Blankets provide warmth and comfort, and cats often seek out the reassuring touch of a blanket as a form of protection from threats.
Indoor cats can occasionally get cold, too: "Having a cozy place for them to snuggle up with a blanket or in an insulated cat bed can help to prevent this," says Zay Satchu, DVM at Bond Vet in New York City.
Covering the cat carrier with a blanket or towel may also help keep your cat relaxed. Cats like to hide when they're frightened or uncertain and the darkness and covering provided by the blanket will make them feel safe and secure.
Sweater Risks for Cats
“They have their fur coats for a reason,” Sikule says. “(A sweater) would cause some interference, perhaps, in their normal ability to regulate their body temperature.” Wearing a sweater could also impede a cat's ability to move freely, leading to accidents.
One of the most plausible and sweetest reasons why your cat “follows” you even into the bathroom is that he loves you. The cat wants to take advantage of every second of your presence and every possible opportunity to spend time with you! He adores you so much that he will follow you everywhere in the house.
As well as being a method of communication, staring is also a sign of a close bond between you and your cat, as they are unlikely to hold eye contact with someone they don't like or trust.