Some influential celebrities like to dress up their cat companion. They do it for personal reasons unconnected with the welfare of their cat (possible exception: the hairless cats). Essentially it looks interesting and is fun to do. The trend has prompted criticism from cat behaviourists and health professionals including the well-known cat charity Cats Protection.
Personally, I see the fun in it. And cats can look awfully cute when dressed up. But I hate to see it to be honest. I looks wrong to me. It demeans the cat and is disrespectful as far as I am concerned. It is an extension of cats being humanised and becoming little human members of the family. That’s nice but cats need to be respected as cats.
How do they feel when clothes are put on them? Overheated? Uncomfortable? Confused? Anxious? It can be hard to know because we can’t get into the head of our cat companions. We can guess and we can observe and decide that they don’t mind being dressed up because their behaviour indicates that assessment.
But you might be misled by the natural ability of the domestic cat to suppress their feelings. I am a ‘purist’ or naturalist. I believe in cats living a life that is as natural to them as possible within the unnaturalness of the human environment. I believe this because if you metaphorically speaking scratch the surface of the domestic cat you’ll see a wildcat lurking beneath. We need to serve that animal as best we can.
Here is an infographic which summarises some of the downsides of dressing up domestic cats.
Some added, expanded info:
Dressing cats in clothes, especially by celebrities, can be controversial for several reasons, including ethical, practical, and societal concerns:
1. Animal Comfort and Stress
- Unnatural for Cats: Most cats dislike wearing clothes as it restricts their movement and feels unnatural. Clothes can cause stress, anxiety, and discomfort.
- Risk of Overheating: Cats regulate their body temperature through their fur, and clothing can interfere with this process, potentially leading to overheating.
- Physical Risks: Clothes might catch on furniture or objects, increasing the risk of injury.
2. Ethical Concerns
- Exploitation for Publicity: Some view dressing pets as a form of exploitation, especially when celebrities use them for social media content or promotions.
- Loss of Dignity: Critics argue that animals deserve to be treated as sentient beings, not props for human amusement or marketing.
3. Influence on Public Behavior
- Encouraging Trends: When celebrities dress their pets, it may encourage fans to do the same, even when it’s unsuitable or harmful for their own animals.
- Misguided Purchases: People might buy pet clothing without considering whether their pet is comfortable wearing it, leading to unnecessary expense and potential harm.
4. Misrepresentation of Animal Needs
- Confusion About Care: Celebrities showcasing dressed-up pets might promote the idea that animals need clothes, overshadowing the importance of genuine pet care, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and medical attention.
- Cultural Pressure: The trend can shift societal expectations, making pet ownership seem more about aesthetics than responsible care.
5. Environmental Impact
- Fast Pet Fashion: An increase in demand for pet clothing can lead to waste and environmental damage if the products are cheaply made and discarded quickly.
6. Detracting From Real Issues
- Focus Shift: Celebrity pet fashion can distract from important animal welfare issues, such as adoption, spaying/neutering, and combating animal cruelty.
In summary, while some cats may tolerate clothing (such as lightweight coats for hairless breeds in cold climates), dressing them up purely for entertainment or aesthetic purposes often raises significant concerns about animal welfare and societal influence.
More: Russia thinks that dressing up as a cat makes you a slave
