How to Design a Cat Costume

Dress yourself or a child as a cat for Halloween or other costume occasions.

With perky ears, a soft nose with whiskers and a long pointy tail, you are well on your way to designing your own cat costume. Costuming is an art in both design and construction, according to Tara Maginnis of the Costumer's Manifesto. There are no boundaries to details that you can include, as long as you keep the basic elements of a cat -- ears, whiskers and tail -- the foundation.

Things You'll Need

• Black long sleeve leotard
• Black tights
• Black headband with ears attached
• Black fur pieces
• Shaggy collar off an old coat
• Black boa
• Face makeup
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Black thread
• Sewing needle

Instructions

1. Attach a thick, shaggy, collar from an old coat to the neck and front of the leotard using hot glue.

2. Reinforce the collar with a loose whip stitch around the edges, firmly attaching it to the leotard.

3. Attach fur to the wristbands of the leotard with hot glue and reinforce it with a whip stitch.

4. Cut the boa to 24 inches and attach it with a whip stitch to the back waistline of the leotard.

5. Alter your design to create the effect of the specific type of cat you would like to be. For example, add glitter trim for a theatrical cat, a tattered and torn black skirt for an alley cat, or a pink felt tummy and a pink hairbow for a nice kitty cat.

6. Add makeup that further develops your type of cat such as glittery eyes for a theatrical cat, a dirty face and black tooth for an alley cat, or a soft white face and pink nose for a kitty cat.

7. Incorporate the headband with ears into your design and style hair according to your theme. If warmth is an issue, cover your hair with a black hat and attach the ears to the outside with hot glue.

8. Add shoes that send a message about your cat. Stilettos shout Broadway cat. A design with ballet shoes elicits the feeling of a softer, gentler cat.

Tips & Warnings

• For a male version, substitute black jeans for black tights.

• Consider the activities that you will be engaging in while wearing your design. If you will be sweating, use lightweight materials and wear a coat. If you will be outside in the cold, design the costume for cold weather.

References

• The Costumer's Manifesto/Costumes.org: Tara Maginnis, Ph.D.
• Cat Anna's Cats Costume Page: Catresea Ann Canivan