Dressing as a cat is one of the most popular Halloween moves. It's easy, it's recognizable, and it's conducive to a thrown-together lewk. But if you're looking for a bit more feline panache, check out these last-minute cat Halloween costume ideas that are actually unique, and still get you to the party on time.
Dressing up in costume has long been an important part of celebrating Halloween, and it dates back to the holiday's roots as a Gaelic harvest celebration called Samhain. Back then, people believed that ghosts were able to enter the human realm when the seasons changed from summer to fall — so, in an attempt to avoid the wrath of angry ghosts, people dressed up in disguises and left food outside their doorways.
Samhain traditions evolved in Ireland over several centuries, although their solidification as what we identify as Halloween happened when Irish immigrants brought their traditions into the United States. By the '50s, Halloween had become a commercially successful American holiday. Today, it's a multi-billion dollar industry, with the average American shelling out $84 for costumes and candy last year and over two-thirds of the population taking part in the celebration.
And although 2016 marked the end of an 11-year popularity reign for top costume — princess was dethroned by superhero — animal costumes, particularly cats, remained as one of the top three most popular costumes. It makes sense — grab a tail and some ears, and you're ready to go.
But while cranky ghosts may be fooled by a simple cat costume, your peers may be a bit harder to impress. Don't worry — I've got you covered.
Meat Cat
The ideal cat costume for 30 Rock fans? "You take a hot dog, stuff it with some Jack cheese, roll it in a pizza — you've got Cheesy Blasters! Thanks, Meat Cat!"
Retro Rewind Classic 80s Sunglasses, $9, Amazon
Happylifehere Long Fur Cat Ears and Tail, $19, Amazon
Next Level Men's Fitted V-Neck, $10, Amazon
Cat-Dog
Everyone's favorite '90s cartoon which, admittedly, is a bit unsettling in the bright, unforgiving light of adulthood.
Slim Fit Turtleneck, $15, Amazon
Happylifehere Long Fur Cat Ears and Tail, $19, Amazon
Grumpy Cat
Live your grumpy truth by waiting until the last minute and throw together a Grumpy Cat costume.
Slim Fit Turtleneck, $15, Amazon
Black Cat Ears, $4, Amazon
Snazaroo Face Paint Set, $7, Amazon
Salem From Sabrina The Teenage Witch
As Sabrina the Teenage Witch's sidekick, Salem Saberhagen was a male witch trapped indefinitely in the body of a li'l black cat. *Cue snarky comment.*
Black Cat Ears, $4, Amazon
3/4 Sleeve Velvet Leotard, $31, Discount Dance Supply
Meowth From Pokémon
The small, feline Pokémon with human-like tendencies and a love of anything shiny, Meowth is a low-cost, high-impact costume option for feline and anime fans alike.
Meowth Cat Mask, $8, Etsy
Slim Fit Turtleneck, $15, Amazon
Keyboard Cat
I mean, yeah, you'll have the keyboard song from the Keyboard Cat video stuck in your head permanently, but... worth it?
Snowbella Plush Cat Ear Clips, $20, Etsy
Smelly Cat From Friends
Hot take: "Smelly cat, smelly cat/ What are they feeding you?" is the unofficial soundtrack to Friends.
Fish Skeleton Dangle Earrings, $27, Jet
Hanes Ecosmart Fleece, $7, Amazon
Fashion Plush Cat Ears, $6, Walmart
Garfield
If you hate Mondays and to do lists but love lasagna, then snarky Garfield the Cat is perfect for you.
Snowbella Plush Cat Ear Clips, $20, Etsy
Slim Fit Turtleneck, $15, Amazon
Stouffer's Lasagna, $4, Amazon
Hello Kitty
Which Hello Kitty will you be? OG Hello Kitty? Spring Flower Hello Kitty? Vacation Hello Kitty?
American Greetings Hello Kitty Ears, $6, Target
Denim Overall Dress, $56, ASOS
Dickies Juniors' Crew Neck T-Shirt, $10, Amazon
The Aristocats
Though ideally The Aristocats is a group costume, Marie, with her infamous line, "Ladies do not start fights, but they can finish them," is perhaps the most recognizable.
BAOBAO Fur Ears Headband, $3, Amazon
Pre-Tied Bow Tie, $10, Amazon
Capezio Short Sleeve Leotard, $18, Amazon
Cheshire Cat From Alice In Wonderland
No, you probably can't disappear your whole body except for your too-wide smile. But you can perch in corners and grin spookily at people, just like the real Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.
Pink and Purple Cheshire Ears, $20, Etsy
Buckle Down Suspenders, $12, Amazon
HDE Women's Striped Tights, $8, Amazon
Cat In The Hat
The Cat in the Hat is evidence that, sometimes, too much fun can be had.
Dr. Seuss Hat, $14, Amazon
JISEN Formal Tuxedo Gloves, $6, Amazon
SYAYA Women's Bow Tie, $10, Amazon
Grizabella
The saddest, raggediest cat you could possibly pick — Grizabella The Glamour Cat from the musical Cats: The Musical.
DEESEE Curly Gradient Wig, $9, Amazon
Faux Fur Hooded Overcoat, $79, Fashion Mia
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