Life

13 Last-Minute Cat Costume Ideas That Won't Make You Roll Your Eyes

by Maddy Foley
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

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.

J.TOMSON/Amazon

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

Silk Robe, $67, Amazon

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

J.TOMSON/Amazon

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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