How to Make an Easy Cat Costume

Costumes are fun and, fortunately, not relegated only to Halloween. Costume parties can be enjoyed throughout the year, whether for New Year's, birthdays, anniversaries or random occasions. Unfortunately, finding an easy or inexpensive costume outside the confines of Halloween shopping can be difficult and expensive at best. Luckily, it is easy to make a simple and fun cat costume using only a handful of inexpensive items and cosmetics.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat ears
• Black or multi-colored feather boa
• Long-sleeved, black top and pants or skirt
• Pink lipstick or other cream makeup
• Black eyeliner or other cream makeup
• Black nail polish
• Optional: black tights

1. Make or purchase cat ears. They are easy to find in party, hobby and craft stores. Comb the hair back, away from the face, before putting them on.

2. Dress in black. Wear a long-sleeved, black top with black pants. A black skirt with black tights is appropriate for women. Shoes and socks should also be black.

3. Tie a black or multi-colored feather boa around the waist and hide beneath the top. The tail portion of the boa should come out the back of the top at the middle of the back. If a black or multi-colored boa cannot be found, black feathers may be added to a solid color boa using quick set fabric adhesive.

4. Make a cat nose. Using pink lipstick or cream cosmetics, coat the tip of the nose in a creamy, pink triangle. Be sure to make a thick coating as makeup may wear off over time.

5. Draw cat whiskers on the cheeks. For people with lighter complexions, black eyeliner will show up better. For individuals with darker complexions, white or silver cream makeup may be the superior choice.

6. Smooth rough edges on nails and polish with black nail polish. To give it a little more oomph, paint a thin line of bright green polish down the middle of the length of the nail.

Tips & Warnings

• If adding loose feathers to the boa, quick set fabric adhesive is a better choice than hot glue. It is fast and easy to use and leaves no hanging strands of dried glue.
• Red may be substituted for the pink cat nose. Make sure to use a muted or dark red rather than a bright color.
• Some cosmetics may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Be sure to test new cosmetics at least a day or two before wearing the costume to identify adverse reactions.