The Best Cat Apparel

While dressing your cat up in a sweater or t-shirt is an excellent way to make a fashion statement, there are many practical reasons for purchasing apparel for your feline friend. From keeping them from licking a wound to protecting them from cold weather, cat clothes can keep them comfy all year long. Beyond practical reasons, dressing up your cat for special occasions is a lot of fun. With all of that in mind, we've rounded up some of the best cat apparel on the market.

What to Look For

We kept the following three questions in mind as we searched for the best cat apparel on the market: Is it made from breathable material? Is it comfortable? Does it allow cats to move around freely? During our research, we found several cat clothes that fit these criteria to varying degrees. Our favorite was the cat sweater from Jnancun, which fits snuggly but is loose enough to allow cats to move around unobstructed. We also really liked the cat shirts from Tealots because they’re made of breathable cotton and suitable for use all year long. Keep reading to learn about the rest of our favorites and discover the right one for your cat.

Jnancun Knitted Cat Apparel

Cuddle up

Reach for this sweater to give your cat warmth and style.
Best Overall

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Wrap your cat up in this cozy sweater from Jnancun to keep them warm during cold weather. The sweater’s snug, knit material is easy to take on and off your cat. Plus, its loose turtleneck design is perfect for kitties who don’t like tight-fitting collars around their necks. It’s available in various colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your feline’s personality.

Pros:

  • We were impressed by how well this sweater stretches, giving cats enough room to move around freely without feeling constrained.
  • This sweater is an excellent option for senior cats that are sensitive to cold weather, providing enough warmth to help keep them comfortable.  

Cons:

  • The turtleneck may be too large for smaller cats.

Tealots Sleeveless T-Shirt Cat Apparel

Cool as a cucumber

Your cat will love snuggling up in these t-shirts year-round.
Runner Up

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These t-shirts from Tealots are an excellent option for cat parents looking for a basic shirt for their cats. The comfortable cotton shirts provide your pet with an extra layer of warmth on cool days. Plus, they’re breathable, so they don’t get as hot as a sweater, decreasing the chance your kitty will overheat while wearing them.

Pros:

  • We love that these t-shirts help keep cats from licking wounds and scratching their skin.
  • These t-shirts fit snuggly, so cats have a hard time wriggling out of them.

Cons:

  • They run small, so you may want to buy a larger size.

Dotoner Recovery Suit Cat Apparel

Safe and sound

Protect your cat's skin and sensitive areas with this comfortable recovery suit.
Best Protection

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If your kitty has recently had surgery, you’ll want to invest in a recovery suit to ensure they heal properly. The recovery suit from Dotoner is made to cover wounds and sensitive areas on your cat’s torso while preventing them from pulling out stitches, chewing their skin, or licking medication. The comfortable design allows cats to move unhindered while protecting their skin.

Pros:

  • We love that this suit is made from a thin, breathable fabric, so cats can wear it year-round.
  • This suit allows your pet to sleep comfortably and move easily while preventing them from bothering wounds as they heal.

Cons:

  • The velcro tab on the top of the suit is large and stiff.

Pupteck Cold Weather Cat Sweater

Ready to play

Cold weather's no match for this knitted sweater coat.
Best Hoodie

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This sweater from Pupteck will help keep your furry friend warm when temperatures drop. It’s cozy and has a stylish hoodie to keep your kitty’s head and ears warm in colder weather. There’s also a hole along the back seam, so you can attach a leash if you want to take your cat outdoors while wearing it.

Pros:

  • We especially like that the fabric is soft, comfortable, and doesn’t itch, making it suitable for cats with sensitive skin.
  • The sweater is extra long, reaching the cat’s tail and giving them full-body protection when it gets chilly.

Cons:

  • This hoodie may be too big for smaller cats.

Expawlorer Plaid Cat Sweater

Cold weather ready

This stylish plaid pullover will keep your cat warm and toasty.
Best Fleece

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If you want to help your cat stay warm in style, you can’t go wrong with this plaid cat sweater from Expawlorer. It’s made from breathable fleece, keeping your kitty comfortable throughout the day. It’s also durable, so if your kitty is rambunctious or likes to pull at clothing, you won’t have to worry about it coming apart. 

Pros:

  • We think this sweater is an excellent choice for cats prone to overgrooming because it keeps them from aggravating scabs and bald spots.
  • This sweater fits loosely enough that your feline has complete freedom of movement while wearing it.

Cons:

  • It isn’t available in sizes for very large cats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats benefit from wearing clothes?

Cat apparel gives your furry friend extra protection during extreme weather. Their natural coat isn’t always enough to protect them as the temperatures drop, and your central air may make them even colder. However, a shirt, hoodie, or sweater is often enough to keep them comfortable.

Are there any risks for cats wearing clothes?

If you ensure your cat is wearing appropriate apparel for the weather, there are few risks involved. But to be safe, you should check on your cat wearing a sweater to be sure they aren’t overheating. Choosing apparel that fits well and allows your cat to move freely is also best.

About the Author

Lynnae grew up with pets all her life, so she has firsthand experience on how to best take care of your favorite companions. This teacher by day and writer by night has a mission to make sure all pets have what they need to live long and healthy lives.

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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.