The order of sewing blankets and other clothes for cats

Many people think that pet clothes are only needed for dogs. This is fundamentally wrong, because recently more and more things for cats and other pets have appeared. Most of the clothes are intended for walking short-haired cats and cats of the "sphynx" breed. They freeze faster than others and need warmth. One of the necessary types of clothing for cats is a blanket after sterilization. This material will tell you how to sew a blanket for a cat after sterilization - a pattern and the sewing process itself.

Features of sewing clothes for cats

One of the features of sewing clothes for cats is the choice of materials. Everything is very individual here, since this particular fabric and this particular style will suit each individual cat. And it's not just about the breed, but also about the color of the fur, the size of the pet, and even the place it occupies in the heart of the owner.

In any case, special attention should be paid to natural materials. It is also possible to use fabrics with a small amount of synthetic fibers. The best options would be: cotton fabrics, linen, wool, viscose. They are pleasant not only for humans, but also for cats. You should also look at the characteristics of the material: how well it is made, whether it fades in the sun, whether it deforms after washing.

Also among the features is taking measurements from cats, which, naturally, differ from dogs, and even more so from humans. Taking measurements from animals is not so easy, since they constantly try to escape.

How to take measurements from a cat

The main measurements that need to be taken are:

• Neck circumference. This is the circumference of the neck at its thickest and widest point. This is usually its base. To ensure an even measurement, the animal must be placed on a flat surface;
• back length. The measurement is taken from the base of the neck to the beginning (root) of the tail. A tape measure placed along the spine is best for this;
• Chest circumference. This measurement is taken around the widest part of the chest – under the front legs.

These measurements are enough for most items, but sometimes additional data is needed. For example, the distance between the paws.

How to sew a post-operative blanket for a cat after sterilization

Blankets after sterilization are not always available for sale in veterinary pharmacies and other pet stores. If there is an urgent need for a postoperative bandage for a cat, you can make it yourself. Looking at any pattern, you can make sure that there is nothing complicated in such a product, since it is a solid piece of fabric with notches for paws and strings for fixing on the cat's body.

Before making a blanket, you need to know the cat's dimensions, which will be reflected in the diagram. Next, a pattern is made, on the basis of which a single piece is made from cotton fabric or flannel.

Choosing fabric for a blanket

The fabric must meet the following requirements:

• be soft and elastic, but not stretch too much;
• do not crumble or fall into pellets, so as not to contaminate the wound, around which it is necessary to maintain sterility;
• be of a single color and preferably unpainted, so that dirt can be more easily noticed.

Velcro or tapes - which is better

The pros and cons of fasteners can be put in a separate section, since the process of their manufacture is always one of the most important. For some animals, Velcro is more suitable, and for others - tapes. This is based on the advantages and disadvantages of any type of fasteners. Among the positive aspects of tapes are:

• can be made from the same fabric as the main part;
• ease of sewing;
• the impossibility for the animal to untie them on its own.

There are also some downsides:

• the animal will cling to some objects in the room with them, play if the length is too long;
• you can overtighten the animal;
• difficulty in untying if the knot is too tight.

Velcro also has its advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages:

• ease of fixation;
• They are more compact compared to ribbons.

Flaws:

• their cost is higher;
• they quickly become dirty with wool;
• easy to unfasten even for the most clumsy animal.

Sewing a blanket from improvised means

Below we will describe how and from what you can make a blanket if you don’t have any suitable material or patterns at hand. No special cutting or sewing skills are required.

A blanket made from tights

The simplest option, which requires virtually no resources. There is only one rule: you need to use clean tights, since the animal needs sterility after surgery and sterilization. It is recommended to use thick tights that will fit the cat's body well.

Blankets made from socks without ties

The product is made from socks or stockings in a similar way. They look for a sock of the ideal size and cut off the front part so that a fabric tube is obtained. The cat's body is pushed into it, fixing its belly.

Blanket made from old children's clothes

Old children's clothing, such as jumpsuits and rompers, is also suitable. You should choose something that fits comfortably on the body and is fixed on it. If you don't have anything like that at hand, you can make a blanket from a regular sleeve of a children's jumper that stretches well.

Towel blankets

The most common option involves making it from a simple cotton towel. A piece of the required length is cut out, and holes are cut for the paws, based on the anatomical features of the cat. Holes are cut in it for the neck, paws and sometimes the tail. The final stage involves creating a cylinder by sewing the ends of the towel together or sewing on ties.

What else can you make for your pet?

In addition to blankets, decorative and warming items are often sewn for cats: tuxedos, skirts, light items for summer and thick ones for winter. Each requires the use of certain materials and basic sewing skills.

Tuxedo

A stylish accessory that will emphasize the elegance of a slender and long cat. This jacket is made according to a simple pattern, but it looks very beautiful, and most importantly, it does not hinder the animal's movements. To make it, you will need:

• white cloth (old shirt);
• black fabric (any cut);
• some red fabric;
• Velcro for fixation;
• tailor's tools such as scissors, chalk, sewing machine or hand sewing accessories.

Airy skirt

If a tuxedo is more suitable for warmth, then a skirt is for going out. Usually these outfits are made for show animals, which appear before the audience and judges in original outfits. Skirts as clothing have become increasingly popular lately. The most important thing is that you will need a few materials and ordinary tools to make them:

• a piece of tulle;
• satin ribbon;
• scissors, needle and thread.

Emergency heating

Sometimes, clothes for a pet are needed urgently and there is not enough time to create patterns, transfer them to fabric and sew. For quick warming, you can use a regular sock. To make, you will need:

• one warm sock;
• scissors;
• chalk.

The idea is to make a vest out of a sock. It is very similar to a blanket, but does not require sterility. A tube with holes for the paws is made from the sock. After that, it is put on the cat.

Summer minimalism

There is no need for warm clothes in the warm season, so summer items are aimed at decorating the cat in a certain style. Such accessories can be ties, bow ties, hats and many others. So, to sew a bow tie you will need:

• collar;
• needle, thread and scissors;
• fabric for a butterfly.

Dress for the Sphinx

With the help of a simple pattern, you can make a beautiful dress for your hairless sphinx cat. The most remarkable thing is that a dress of this kind can be made from just two pieces. First, the main part is made, and then the sarafan, which is sewn to the base.

How to Train a Cat to Wear Clothes

Extra attributes are not natural for animals, even if they perform quite useful functions. If a cat rejects clothes, then at first you will have to do everything to get your pet used to them. There is one rule: it is necessary to accustom the animal to clothes from the earliest years. This very quickly becomes a habit, and the outfit no longer causes rejection.

Thus, a pattern of clothes for a cat is a simple process that does not require deep knowledge of sewing and the ability to handle highly specialized tools. Warm or decorative clothes for a pet can be made in a couple of hours, following precise step-by-step instructions.