Fashion for furs?

Fashion is the very statement a person presses upon another on the first encounter. But do pets think the same? If a Terrier wears a Fedora hat with leather coat does it press a good impression on the dog or on the owner of the Terrier? If clothes speak for human it must not always be so to animals, they’re dressed just as they are.

Granted an interview with an avid pet lover Regina Helen Tan, a student from UP Diliman with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism, she shares her definition of pet fashion and why she still advocates the banning of animal fashion shows.

Espionage, her Persian cat’s name, has enormous gray eyes with dark orange and brown fur. She lazily purrs away on the bed while Reg, as she is fondly called, shows some of her priceless cat clothes. “She’s been fond of dressing up for three years now. Not on a daily basis though. I think she feels as if there is a need to dress the part on special occasions” Reg chuckles away.

It is unbelievable to learn that there’s more to clothes than the fashion. Style cannot live without comfort “First things first, style and comfort, because without comfort it would’ve been better if I just left her without food to eat.” She says pointing out the irony.

Comfort is categorized in three aspects. The fabric, fit and size. “It's important that the clothes I buy aren't too obtrusive for my pet's movement. She's used to wearing loose outfits like a trench coat that hangs open around her.” Reg says while hanging the cat trench coat up to emphasize the point.

Size is not only a matter of pet small, pet medium, pet large and the like. The most important thing is it does not hinder natural movement. “Size is also important since I don't want my pet to suffocate or have things falling off her body.” she adds.

For animals that have fur for skin it is advisable to use tightly knit fabric as to avoid loose threads and fibers. Also Reg adds that avoiding cotton and wool is best especially in tropical countries.

Color is a trivial thing with pets. But with normal price range for pet clothes from 300 pesos to 1,500 pesos, one would consider all things that may be added to the list.

“But that’s just me, there are more expensive cat clothes” she exclaims.

For dark colored pets it’s good to consider natural color clothes like beige, it also brings the attention more to the pet than the clothes. “Sometimes people look at the clothes more than the pet. I’d like to avoid that. The clothes must complement the pet not the other way around.” She reminds.

That is one of the reasons why she disapproves of pet fashion shows. Not only do these events use animals as a spectacle for fashioning brands or the clothes but they also bring stress. “The atmosphere is too noisy. Camera flashes are used there and the pet is forced to look directly into the light. Clothes are also kept on the pet even when they are no longer comfortable in them.” She sadly shares.

It is best to look at the pet’s needs rather than the owner’s wants. In Espionage’s case, which has posing for pictures as a natural hobby, dressing up at special family occasions brings her closer to home.

‘It’s simple really, you look at your pet if she or he rejects it that means one thing. Put. It. Away.” There is no need for pet fashion consultants or a veterinarians, it’s not science, its nature.