How to Make DIY Black Cat Costume Easy Halloween Idea

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

3:30 AM

How to Make DIY Black Cat Costume Easy Halloween Idea

Learn how to Make DIY Black Cat costume!

Whether you need a last minute idea or want something easy to make for the kids, this easy cat costume comes together with just a few supplies and lots of cuteness factor.

Looking for a DIY cat costume that is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for a Halloween party?

With cat ears made from black felt, a fluffy cat tail, some simple face paint, and a monochromatic outfit, you’ll have a great option ready in no time.

This project is flexible—you can make it no-sew with fabric glue and a hot glue gun, or sew it with a sewing machine for a more polished finish.

Supplies Needed for Black Cat Costume:

affiliate links

Black felt (for little ears)
Black fabric or faux fur (for the cat tail)
Headband or hair clips
Fabric glue or hot glue gun
Piece of cardboard (or white card stock)
Black pipe cleaners or floral wire (to shape the tail)
Safety pin (for attaching tail)
Craft knife and scissors
Black eyeliner/face paint
Old t-shirt, black leggings, or a black dress for the black cat costume base
Red cotton fabric or green fabric (if you want to add playful pops of color like bow ties)

FREE CAT EAR PATTERN DOWNLOAD AT THE END OF POST!

Supplies Needed for Black Cat Costume: affiliate links Black felt (for little ears) Black fabric or faux fur (for the cat tail) Headband or hair clips Fabric glue or hot glue gun Piece of cardboard (or white card stock) Black pipe cleaners or floral wire (to shape the tail) Safety pin (for attaching tail) Craft knife and scissors Black eyeliner/face paint Old t-shirt, black leggings, or a black dress for the black cat costume base Red cotton fabric or green fabric (if you want to add playful pops of color like bow ties)

Step 1: Make the Cat Ears

Cut out two leaf shapes of black felt, making sure the right sides face out, folded in half these should make a triangle.

Cut out 2 pink triangle pieces, slightly smaller than the black felt for the front of the cat ears.

Cut 2 triangle pieces out of thin cardboard (like from a cereal box) to add stability to the ears.

Begin by marking the headband where you want the ears to sit, typically you want them closer to the ends of the headband than the center.

I probably should have done mine out a little wider.

For structure, sandwich a triangle of piece of cardboard between the felt layers, leaving a seam allowance around the edges.

Repeat for both ears.

Fold the ear in half to crease the center line, then run a bead of hot glue right down the center of the ear piece, with the cardboard on the top, as pictured.

Place the headband on the hot glue line right in the center of the felt ear.

Then add more hot glue around the felt ear and press the 2 halves together making one cute and sturdy cat ear.

Careful here, the hot glue can seep out of the edges if you aren't careful!

Now repeat the cat ear gluing process for the other ear.

I love wrapping the felt around the headband because it ensures there will be no costume malfunction...a single flap of felt could easily have issues.

Now hot glue on the pink inner ears on the front of the cat ears.

Press them firmly and let the hot glue cool.

These darling little kitten ears are finished!

You could make them in every color and make a whole litter of cats!

Step 2: Create the Cat Tail

Full tail making tutorial at this post.

Cut a long strip of black fabric or faux fur...OR completely omit the tail.

Fold along the long edge with right sides together.

Sew (or glue) the seam, leaving the open end of the tail for stuffing.

Insert a long piece of floral wire or black pipe cleaners inside for flexibility.

Pin the tail to black leggings with a safety pin or attach with loop tape.

Step 2: Create the Cat Tail Full tail making tutorial at this post. Cut a long strip of black fabric or faux fur...OR completely omit the tail. Fold along the long edge with right sides together. Sew (or glue) the seam, leaving the open end of the tail for stuffing. Insert a long piece of floral wire or black pipe cleaners inside for flexibility. Pin the tail to black leggings with a safety pin or attach with loop tape.

Step 3: Add the Costume Base

Absolutely thrift the costume base!

Wear an old t-shirt, black leggings, or any monochromatic outfit. Add fingerless gloves for extra flair.
Base Outfit (Black Clothing)

Look for black leggings, black skinny pants, or a black skirt.
Pair with a black long-sleeve shirt, turtleneck, or fitted top.
Optional: add a black cardigan or blazer for layers.

This is my darling, but feisty, cat Salem. He happily came outside when I was taking pictures and I just couldn't resist. What do you think he thinks of me!?

Step 3: Add the Costume Base Absolutely thrift the costume base! Wear an old t-shirt, black leggings, or any monochromatic outfit. Add fingerless gloves for extra flair. Base Outfit (Black Clothing) Look for black leggings, black skinny pants, or a black skirt. Pair with a black long-sleeve shirt, turtleneck, or fitted top. Optional: add a black cardigan or blazer for layers. This is my darling, but feisty, cat Salem. He happily came outside when I was taking pictures and I just couldn't resist. What do you think he thinks of me!?

Step 4: Apply the Face Paint

Use black eyeliner or face paint to draw a nose, whiskers, and accentuate the eyes.

Black eyeliner to draw a heart shaped nose on the lower part of the nose.
Black eyeliner for 3 whiskers on each cheek.
Optional: dark eyeshadow for a smoky look or fun cat-eye eyeliner.

Step 5: Bonus Kitty Details

Black shoes or boots.
Black fingerless gloves
Optional: gloves for paws (faux leather or black knit gloves).
Optional: small bow or ribbon for a “cute cat” vibe.
Make props like a yarn ball with egg cartons and white tissue paper.

Try different costume ideas by swapping details: use red fabric or green fabric for a playful bow, or use yellow fake fur to style a lion costume variation.

Step 5: Bonus Kitty Details Black shoes or boots. Black fingerless gloves Optional: gloves for paws (faux leather or black knit gloves). Optional: small bow or ribbon for a “cute cat” vibe. Make props like a yarn ball with egg cartons and white tissue paper. Try different costume ideas by swapping details: use red fabric or green fabric for a playful bow, or use yellow fake fur to style a lion costume variation.

That's it!

This DIY costume is simple, fast, and is the correct size for both kids or adults.

Compared to last year’s scramble, you’ll be prepared with an easy cat costume that everyone will love.

Whether you’re channeling a mysterious black cat costume or making fun DIY Halloween costumes of a group of cats with friends, this project proves that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.

Add your DIY wizard hat, or even adapt the method for other animal costumes, and you’ll have endless fun ways to create with fabric and glue. Meow!

Like, Pin and Save!

This DIY costume is simple, fast, and is the correct size for both kids or adults. Compared to last year’s scramble, you’ll be prepared with an easy cat costume that everyone will love. Whether you’re channeling a mysterious black cat costume or making fun DIY Halloween costumes of a group of cats with friends, this project proves that sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. Add your DIY wizard hat, or even adapt the method for other animal costumes, and you’ll have endless fun ways to create with fabric and glue. Meow!

Does your CAT need a Cape!?

CHECK OUT THESE FUN COSTUME ACCESSORIES TOO!

How to Make Wizard Cape DIY (Cricut Moon Phase Vinyl)

There’s nothing quite as magical as creating your own costume piece, and this DIY wizard cape is a project that’s simple, quick, and full of sparkle!

Perfect for dressing up, cosplay, or adding a little whimsy to everyday play, this cape is knee length, lightweight, and decorated with shimmering gold vinyl.

The best part? You only need one piece of fabric (even an old sheet from the thrift store), vinyl and some creativity.

How to Make a Cape in 20 Minutes (Easy DIY Tutorial)

Learn how to make the perfect gathered cape out of fabric for costumes, Halloween, fantasy or cosplay in just a few minutes.

This fun DIY costume cape only has 2 straight line stitches of sewing--so it's a great craft for any sewing skill level and a great idea for every costume!

Only 2 consumable supplies needed...fabric and cord--this is such a simple cape pattern that anyone can make...it can also be made as a no-sew option using fabric glue instead of the sewing machine.