My Pet World: If pets could choose to wear a costume on Halloween, would they?

Cathy M. Rosenthal, Tribune Content Agency on Oct 28, 2026

Every October, otherwise dignified dogs suddenly find themselves dressed as hot dogs, bumblebees, dinosaurs and superheroes. Cats get stuffed into pumpkin costumes or photographed wearing tiny witch hats, often with an expression that suggests someone will pay for this later.

We humans think it's adorable.

But have you ever wondered what our pets would choose if they got to pick their own Halloween costumes? My guess is most dogs would choose something that comes with treats, while most cats would vote to skip the costume entirely. After all, why mess with perfection?

The truth is some pets tolerate wearing costumes while others seem to enjoy dressing up. They’re relaxed, take treats and happily soak up the attention.

But some clearly want no part of it.

If your dog freezes, lowers his body, tucks his tail or keeps trying to remove the costume, he’s telling you he’s uncomfortable. A cat who disappears under the bed at the sight of her bumblebee wings has made her voice heard too.

Costumes aren’t the only part of Halloween that can be overwhelming for pets. The doorbell rings, strangers appear in costumes, and the front door opens and closes all evening. Even a normally calm dog or cat may get spooked and bolt, so keeping pets away from the front door is a good idea. And before taking your dog trick-or-treating, consider whether he’ll actually enjoy the crowds, costumes and unfamiliar dogs walking in the neighborhood.

Candy, of course, is one part of Halloween our pets shouldn’t share. Keep chocolate, anything containing xylitol, discarded wrappers, candles, electrical cords and glow sticks out of reach.

Mostly, though, just pay attention to your pet. Put your Labrador in the hot dog costume if he seems happy wearing it. Take the picture. Hand out the treats. Have fun. But every once in a while, ask yourself: If my dog or cat got to choose, what would they be doing right now? They may want to greet every trick-or-treater while dressed as a taco. Or they may prefer to sleep upstairs until all those strange-looking people go home.

Either way, let your pets choose how to spend the holiday.

Dear Cathy,

I am following up on a letter I wrote in July about my 13-year-old cat, Gracie, who had started urinating on rugs in the house. My husband died unexpectedly in September 2025, and afterward, Gracie and her littermate, Georgie, became withdrawn and increasingly attached to me. You suggested that Gracie’s inappropriate urination and increased attachment might be related to grief. After medical testing, our veterinarian found no UTI or other new health issues.

I added a third litter box in the area where Gracie had been urinating most often and stopped using scented litter deodorizer. I also continued using the pheromone diffusers you recommended and had the soiled rugs professionally cleaned and removed from the house.

The third litter box was a game changer. Gracie now uses all three boxes regularly and hasn’t had another accident. With time, both cats also seem to be adjusting to my husband’s passing. I make sure each gets individual attention, and they seem more tolerant of each other.

My question is whether – and how – I should reintroduce the rugs. Should I be happy with our success and leave things as they are, or is there a safe way to return the rugs to their usual places? I would love to get back to our old household routine, but I don’t want to undo the progress we’ve made.

— Jean, Wethersfield, Connecticut.

Dear Jean,

I rarely get to hear how things turn out after giving advice, so it is great to hear Gracie is doing well. There’s no reason you can’t get your home back the way you like it. Just let Gracie set the pace. Since she is using all three litter boxes, leave them exactly where they are.

As for the rugs, even though they were professionally cleaned, I would treat them with an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet urine to remove any lingering odors. Then, I would put them back, one at a time, over a month’s period, starting with one she didn’t urinate on as frequently. Save her favorite target for last.

If she urinates on any of them again, remove them all, clean the area, and give her more time before trying again. If it happens repeatedly, that is her way of telling you the rugs are better off stored away.

Whatever you do, though, keep that third litter box. She has made it clear she approves of that particular home improvement.

_____

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)