Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga.
Dressing up cats and dogs is a common practice, and if you’re the lucky owner of a successful cat or canine influencer, it can be quite lucrative. Sometimes, it’s more entertaining to look at pictures and videos of animals than the ones with people, and I’ll admit that a Bulldog dressed like a 1950s biker is hilarious.
However, animals are not free to choose whether they are like wear clothes Some don’t look uncomfortable, but most, even those featured in online ads for pet products, look sad and irritated. I don’t think it’s cruel to dress up pets for photos or special occasions as long as they only wear the clothes for a few minutes.
Pet Fashion
Some pictures are funny, but I don’t want to see painted horses, turtles, or pets that look miserable. I don’t dress up my cat because I think Olga is attractive enough without clothes, and I’d rather not have my arms ripped off. Since it took him a long time before he allowed me to pick him up, I doubt he wanted an ushanka or a beret on his head.
While I understand the entertainment value of cats dressed up, I’ve never understood why some people are fascinated by them. The pet apparel industry is booming, and some pet owners think that making their cats look fashionable is important, which is what the industry is trying to promote.
Clothing Issues
Winter jackets and other cold weather gear are needed when pets are out walking in cold conditions, and they are often designed to fit the animal’s anatomy. On the other hand, commercial pet costumes, especially those for Halloween, are designed to entertain rather than fit comfortably. They make cats look cartoonish or look like wounded, lonely creatures with ill-fitting clothes.
It may seem okay to annoy our cats for a few hours on Halloween, but cats can be creepy without costumes, and they’re always associated with the holiday. They don’t need a Dracula robe or a Michael Myers mask to look like a psychopath or act. They are naturally crazy and more expressive when not weighed down by poorly made fabrics.
Olga’s Natural Style
I enjoy watching Olga when she’s lively and clownish, and wearing a dress would only slow her down. He’s a natural in holiday photos and isn’t wearing a Santa hat or an ugly sweater. She follows my fashion trends; I was accused of being a humbug for not wearing festive gear.
Some cat owners want their cats to look like them, and silly clothes help them achieve that, but I never wanted Olga to look like me. I’ll have to shave his head, paint his fur, and give him a fake beard. Those inhumane actions will result in a funny-looking cat, but he will never be as happy or as beautiful as before.
The only appropriate attire for Olga would be a butcher’s apron stained with blood due to her cutting and dicing skills, but I wouldn’t force her to wear one, not even for a laugh.
This article is part of a series by Christopher and Olga.
