Do Cats and Dogs Like Wearing Clothes?

Some animals seem to love it, some seem to hate it, and some seem completely unfazed by, well, everything in life, but that includes being dressed up. Here's what we know about how dogs and cats react to wearing all the adorable outfits you buy them.

When it comes to the clothed or naked debate, the biggest factors effecting dogs' feelings on the matter are the weather and their genetics. Simply put: Many shorter-haired dogs actually enjoy wearing extra layers in the winter, for exactly the same reasons we humans do. On the flip side, many large, hairy monster dogs get uncomfortably warm when they're dressed up in sweaters.

If your dog is feeling sweater weather, he'll give you some clear clues. If your dog (who is otherwise fine with the outdoors) is resisting your attempts to get him to go outside when it's cold, that's a sign he might benefit from a sweater. If he's shivering or constantly curling in a ball in your house, particularly if you keep the temperature set low, you should definitely consider adding extra layers.

When you're shopping for a dog sweater, whether its purpose is explicitly to keep your dog warm or just to help him look extra adorable in your Christmas card photo, look for a comfortable fabric, like a blend of washable wool and cotton or acrylic, and make sure the sweater fits—it should be snug, but not too tight.

Another reason some dogs dig dress-up? You (and everyone else in the room/house/world) shower them with even more attention than usual when they're getting their costume on. Dogs in general thrive on human attention. For dogs who have come to associate getting dressed up with getting the attention they crave (the bright smiles, the oohs and awws, the Instagram photo shoots, the extra pets), getting dressed up becomes a happy time.

Compression vests are an effective treatment for anxiety in dogs. For dogs who have benefitted from the use of a compression vest, wearing clothes can bring on good vibes and memories of other times when putting clothing-like things on their bodies has been a good thing.

Even a dog who loves (or is at least neutral about) getting dressed up will start to wig out if the outfit is too tight. You know the way you feel when you squeeze into jeans that don't quite fit anymore and you're uncomfortable all day? Now imagine feeling that way and having the self-control of a dog. That's why they go full spaz in tight clothes.

This is another one that might seem obvious, but that you have to be mindful of if your pet seems especially averse to wearing clothes. Poor fit (like a droopy hoodie) or wild accessories (like the googly eyes bouncing off the top of the cute lobster costume) can get in the way of your pet's ability to see, hear, or move, which is enough to freak anyone or anything out.

There really aren't a lot of explanations out there for why some cats might enjoy wearing clothes. If your cat seems chill with being dressed up, you'll have to chalk it up to her specific personality.

Cats are actually really amazing at regulating their own body temperature. This means that, unlike dogs, even short-haired cats don't typically need any help staying warm during the winter months.

Cats are great at getting themselves stuck in weird things and then wildly twisting and getting themselves out. For a cat who particularly loves the art of the escape, taking clothes off becomes a game.

On the other hand, not all cats always enjoy the act of wiggling out of things. Some cats feel stressed out, and even a little trapped, when you put clothes on them, so the panicked meowing and frantic scratching isn't part of the game; it's a genuine cry for help.

Just like with dogs, clothes that make it hard for a cat to use her senses are bound to be unpopular. Poor fit and obtrusive accessories can get in the way of your pet's ability to see, hear, or move, which is understandably uncomfortable.