Halloween is a great occasion not only to don carnival costumes ourselves, but also to arrange a cool photo shoot for our four-legged (and feathered) pets. The internet is overflowing with adorable photos of dachshund hot dogs and bat cats, and your pet can become the star of the evening too!
The main rule: the holiday should be a joy. Below we've gathered the best costume ideas for different pets and life hacks to make sure your furry (or feathered) monster feels comfortable and looks a hundred percent.
β¨ Secrets of the Perfect Halloween Look for Pets
1. Comfort above all. If the animal is trembling, trying to take off the outfit, lying down on its side or hissing, the costume isn't to its liking. Take a couple of shots and take it off right away.
2. Freedom of movement. The costume must not press on the throat, chafe the armpits or restrict the joints. The pet should be able to walk, run and sit down easily.
3. Reliable hardware. Buttons, rhinestones and plastic eyes must be sewn on very well. It's best to use hook-and-loop fasteners or soft ties.
4. Excellent visibility. No masks covering the eyes, and no collars restricting breathing.
5. Test drive. Put the costume on a couple of days before the holiday for 5β10 minutes. Give a treat, play. The animal should associate the new outfit with positive things.
6. Glowing accents. If you're walking your dog on 31 October, add reflective strips or an LED collar to the costume so your monster glows in the dark.
πΆ Ideas for dogs: From classics to creativity
Dogs usually take to clothing most easily, so here you can give your imagination free rein.
1. The classic "Hot Dog" π
How to make it: Take an elongated box (or sew a "bun" out of yellow felt), cut holes for the paws and head. You can put a brown vest on the dog to represent the sausage.
The special touch: You can attach a removable "filling" to the "bun" with hook-and-loop fasteners (drops of ketchup and mustard made of felt).
2. Super Dog π¦ΈββοΈ
How to make it: A bright superhero cape with hook-and-loop fasteners around the neck is all you need. You can add a badge with the letter "P" (Pes/Dog) on the chest.
The special touch: It looks perfect on dachshunds, corgis and bulldogs.
3. A bee or a ladybug ππ
How to make it: A striped vest, or a red one with black polka dots. You can attach lightweight wings made of wire and organza to the back.
The special touch: Add funny antennae on a soft headband that attaches to the collar.
4. "Caution: a very friendly dog" π
How to make it: Simply hang a stylish Halloween-themed tag on the harness: "Caution: licks to death," "Addictive," or "Monster inside (requires scratches)."
π Ideas for cats: Minimalism and elegance
Cats don't like anything that restricts their movement or gets in the way of their tail. Forget tight jumpsuits β go for lightweight accessories.
1. A bat π¦
How to make it: Use a lightweight harness. Sew black wings made of felt or thin fleece onto the back of the harness. The wings should be soft and not hinder the cat from walking gracefully.
The special touch: You can add a lightweight headband with little ears on the head.
2. A lion or a jellyfish π¦
How to make it: A jabot collar made of a faux ginger mane that fastens around the neck like a dickey. Or a jellyfish hat with tentacles (ribbons) that attaches to the harness and hangs dramatically along the back.
3. A pumpkin bandana π
How to make it: The simplest and most elegant option. Buy or sew a triangular bandana with a carved pumpkin print.
The special touch: You can add a tiny lightweight witch's hat that snaps onto the bandana with a single button (if the cat starts scratching, the hat comes off easily).
4. "SchrΓΆdinger's Cat" π¦
How to make it: Don't dress up the cat! Dress up its carrier or the box it likes to sit in. Write on the box with a marker: "SchrΓΆdinger's Cat. Alive / Dead / Hungry." Take a photo when it curiously peeks out from there.
π¦ Ideas for parrots and birds: Tenderness and fragility
Birds are very sensitive, and their wings and little feet require gentle handling. No fabrics wrapped around the body!
1. A pirate π΄ββ οΈ
How to make it: A tiny bandana, carefully tied around a foot (without pulling tight!). Or a microscopic tricorn hat that simply rests on the head while the parrot sits on its perch (perfect for a photo lasting a couple of seconds).
2. A mini ghost π»
How to make it: Take a piece of white, semi-transparent tulle or gauze. Gently drape it over the back of a parrot sitting on your hand, without touching the wings or tail.
The special touch: Cut slits so that the ghost's "eyes" look straight into the lens.
3. A "pumpkin" parrot π
How to make it: If the parrot doesn't like being touched, use props. Sit it next to a miniature toy pumpkin or make it a perch decorated with decorative autumn leaves and little cobwebs.
πΉ For rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits)
These animals are terrified when their movement is restricted.
* Best costume: None.
* Alternative: Create a themed decoration for their home. Hang garlands of paper pumpkins on the cage bars.
* For the photo: Sit your pet in a toy car shaped like a pumpkin, or place a tiny wreath of flowers and dried herbs next to it.
𧡠Life hacks for lazy owners
1. Children's clothing is your best friend. Old bodysuits, rompers and baby cardigans are perfect for dogs and cats. They already have openings for the paws and the head. Just make a neat slit for the tail!
2. Velcro. If you sew it yourself, use Velcro instead of buttons and zippers. This makes it easy to adjust the size and to take the costume off instantly if your pet gets bored.
3. The transformer bandana. Sew an ordinary triangle out of fabric. For Halloween you can paint it with special textile paints in the shape of a spiderweb, and after the holiday use it as a stylish kerchief for every day.
The main tip: Halloween is a noisy and bright holiday. If your dog is afraid of loud sounds, and your cat hides under the bed from guests in masks, don't force them to take part in a noisy party. Set up a quiet room for them with their favourite toys, and do the costume photo shoot during the day, in a calm setting, generously rewarding your pet with the tastiest treats.
Have a merry, bright and unforgettable Halloween, you and your furry monsters! ππΎπ»
