How to Make a Purr-fect Cat Costume for Halloween

These DIY cat Halloween costumes for girls and boys are paws-itively adorable!

diy kids cat halloween costume
Getty ImagesDon Mason

Different Disney princesses and new superheroes may rotate through the costume aisles each year, but cat costumes will always be a Halloween classic. Not only are black cats an emblem of the holiday (right up there with witches and ghosts!), but the kids' costume idea also couldn't be easier to DIY.

The no-fuss look comes together with just a few pieces—including cat ears and a cat tail—whether store-bought or made-from-scratch (see what we did there?). Don't forget the cat makeup!

Cat Halloween Costume for Girls

Getty Images

Talk about a purr-fect last-minute idea that works for all ages. Here's how to re-create this girl's cat costume:

  1. Grab a black t-shirt, tutu, and tights—all of which you probably already have in the closet.
  2. Cut rounded triangles from black felt and slightly smaller rounded triangles from white felt.
  3. Hot-glue the two pieces together as shown and adhere to a basic black headband.
  4. To add a tail to your black cat costume, cut apart a wire hanger, bend as desired, and wrap with a black feather boa, hot-gluing as you go.

    Tip: The makeup can be as minimal or as detailed as you like. Draw on a few quick black lines with black eyeliner for a quick and easy look.

    Cat Halloween Costume for Baby Boys

    Getty Images

    Have you ever seen a cuddlier kitten? This sweet ensemble starts with a white onesie, but older boys could just dress all in black:

    1. Cut triangles from faux craft fur and sew or hot-glue sparkly silver fabric to the front.
    2. Affix to furry earmuffs for cat ears that double as warm wear for what can be a pretty chilly holiday. (Don't DIY? You can also buy a pre-made pair of cat earmuffs for about the same price.)

      Tip: Keep the makeup simple to avoid meltdowns and mess.

      Cat Halloween Costume for Women

      Getty ImagesPavelKriuchkov

      Who says you have to go as a house cat? Take advantage of the all the animal prints currently in stores and pair a leopard- or cheetah-print dress or blouse with a simple set of ears (which you can DIY or buy). Easy, peasy.

      1. Bend black craft wire or pipe cleaners into triangular shapes and wrap the open ends around a black headband for ears.
      2. Throw on a cheetah- or leopard-print blouse or dress.
      3. Using a black eye pencil, draw a wide "V" on the tip of your nose, and line your upper lip (without dipping down into the Cupid's bow). Connect the two black shapes with a thick line.

        If you're feeling ambitious, check out these other cat makeup ideas.

        Plus, How to Make Shoes for Your Cat Costume

        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below