Halloween costumes for pets are scary fun—fur real!
Nothing is as cute as a tiny girl dressed in a frilly princess outfit, or a baby decked out in a bumblebee suit. But a pug channeling a hot dog, or a cat in a hat come pretty darn close.
But let’s face facts: We know you’re far more likely to don your poodle in a pumpkin suit than your tabby in a tarantula get-up, so, when it comes to Halloween costumes for your pets, we’ll focus mostly on the canine crowd. Dogs have a sense of humor and love to be laughed at. Laugh at a cat you’re risking a glare at best, but more likely a swat.
The pros at PetSmart, however, say there are a few cats who seem fine with a stylish touch now and then.
“We find pet parents wanting to include more than just the family dog in the fun, which is why PetSmart’s cat hat costumes are sure to be popular,” Ali Hemken, marketing manager of hardgoods at the retailer, says.
Hmmm. We’d want to talk to a few cats to find out about this whole popularity business, but if you have a Zen cat, go for it.
Hemken says it’s not unusual for savvy pet lovers to have a few Halloween treats on hand for dogs who might be hanging out with the family as they make the rounds. So you may want to pick up dog treats with that big bag of chocolate bars, she suggests.
And that’s not the only money folks will be doling out for animals this Halloween. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans will spend around $350 million in costumes for their four-legged friends. We know you’re out there contemplating whether your lab will be a prince or a pauper, so we’ve offered a few suggestions. (And while we listed full price, we found many of these on sale.) Happy (furry) fright night!
Un-bear-ably cute
If you’re not a panda fan, as this feline is, there are several classic hats for your cat, including princess, witch and devil (and if you’re cat isn’t a devil before you try this hat on her, she’s sure to be one after you accomplish the task). PetSmart also offers some fine-looking festive collars for Fluffy if she isn’t keen on hats. Great Choice Panda Hat, $7.99, petsmart.com
Dino-mite!
We’re a little nervous about the fate of that pup, but he seems happy enough about being swallowed up by an extinct beast. Animal Planet Raptor Dinosaur Dog Costume, $24.99, partycity.com
Pumpkin (cutie) pie
All we can say is, how cute is this? Bundle up that papillon or terrier in this outfit, and be prepared for admiring fans to greet you and your pup. Martha Stewart’s Pet’s Pumpkin Dress, $14.99-$16.99, petsmart.com
Shine on
It’s hard to look like rough, tough stuff when you’re sporting a sparkly pumpkin on your back, but this little fella knows he’ll get a whole lot of attention for just a little humiliation. Sequined Dog Costume, $14.99, partycity.com
All eyes on Eeyore
No need to pin the tail on the pug—or donkey. This little guy is happy to give Disney a plug—for a treat or two. Disney Eeyore Costume, $24.99-$26.99, petsmart.com