In desperate need of a custom size sweater

[demyan]

Im wondering if anyone here can make a custom size sweater for my 17lb boy? Or can recommend an online store/someone else? I ordered two “butterball” sizes for both my cats and neither of them fit even though the measurements matched up. I did send pics to the owner of the site and she did note it looks too tight in the chest but wasn’t able to find time to make me a custom sweater.

My boy sphynx has a really hard time regulating his body temperature after his heart attack last year. Ever since he got out of the ICU he’s just cold all the time. I try and keep him warm with blankets but unfortunately I live in Canada with hot water heat and it doesn’t work too great.

Last year he was 14 pounds and on a good weight loss journey but since his heart attack/HCM diagnosis he’s cold and I am over feeding him because I can’t calm him down, he gets very anxious around not having food and screams all day in a panic, so I’m hoping that a sweater will stop this problem because it only happens when he’s cold. Otherwise he’s very sweet and I love him to death. He’s just freezing and I feel bad there’s not much I can do

This sweater below ALMOST fits but the chest/stomach is too tight he has trouble walking. And it’s a bit too long.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@demyan Hoping someone can help you out. Did you consider dog sweaters? Just a reminder to all if you know of a particular vendor, their name cannot be in the public area and needs to be PM’d.

 

[demyan]

@demyan Hoping someone can help you out. Did you consider dog sweaters? Just a reminder to all if you know of a particular vendor, their name cannot be in the public area and needs to be PM’d.

Thanks for noting this! I was hoping not to conflict with any forum rules.

As for a dog sweater, I have bought a few. Currently he’s wearing a sort of dog cape with Velcro straps around the stomach and neck. He’s just uncomfortable with the awkward fit would be nice to have an every day comfortable sweater or shirt. So I appreciate any PM’s for suggestions of where to buy big sizes. or if someone is willing to make one for him!

 

[Beckinboots]

Im wondering if anyone here can make a custom size sweater for my 17lb boy? Or can recommend an online store/someone else? I ordered two “butterball” sizes for both my cats and neither of them fit even though the measurements matched up. I did send pics to the owner of the site and she did note it looks too tight in the chest but wasn’t able to find time to make me a custom sweater.

My boy sphynx has a really hard time regulating his body temperature after his heart attack last year. Ever since he got out of the ICU he’s just cold all the time. I try and keep him warm with blankets but unfortunately I live in Canada with hot water heat and it doesn’t work too great.

Last year he was 14 pounds and on a good weight loss journey but since his heart attack/HCM diagnosis he’s cold and I am over feeding him because I can’t calm him down, he gets very anxious around not having food and screams all day in a panic, so I’m hoping that a sweater will stop this problem because it only happens when he’s cold. Otherwise he’s very sweet and I love him to death. He’s just freezing and I feel bad there’s not much I can do

This sweater below ALMOST fits but the chest/stomach is too tight he has trouble walking. And it’s a bit too long.

View attachment 109871

Do you have any sewing skills at all? It looks like the jumper pictured is a standard design that has a seam down the front going under the belly. If it's too tight across the chest then opening the seam up and adding a gusset into it might help. If it fits round the body then you'd only need to add extra where it's too tight.

 

[Cleopatra Beers]

That shirt he’s sort of wearing looks like it’s made of fleece fabric. If that is the case, then you could cut off the extra length at the bottom of the shirt, and make a couple of slits on the underside to fit his chest a bit better. Fleece doesn’t ravel when it’s cut. It may not look as nice, but if it keeps him warm and is comfortable, that’s what counts.
I agree with @Catzzzmeow , that you try dog sweaters. Look at your pet shop, and see if you can find some that will stretch, both longways, and across. I sew harnesses for our two, and I know that Sphynxes are hard to fit, with their narrow shoulders and chests and their potbellies. Good luck to you.

 

[demyan]

Do you have any sewing skills at all? It looks like the jumper pictured is a standard design that has a seam down the front going under the belly. If it's too tight across the chest then opening the seam up and adding a gusset into it might help. If it fits round the body then you'd only need to add extra where it's too tight.

I have zero sewing skills unfortunately! lol but I also did have someone suggest to cut it down the middle and add an extra strip of fabric as it probably needs it down the whole thing. However I don't know if I cut into the collar and bottom rim as well or just in the fleece part. Would def cover all the costs if I was able to ship it to someone to alter, or do you think a local tailor could do this too?

 

[demyan]

That shirt he’s sort of wearing looks like it’s made of fleece fabric. If that is the case, then you could cut off the extra length at the bottom of the shirt, and make a couple of slits on the underside to fit his chest a bit better. Fleece doesn’t ravel when it’s cut. It may not look as nice, but if it keeps him warm and is comfortable, that’s what counts.
I agree with @Catzzzmeow , that you try dog sweaters. Look at your pet shop, and see if you can find some that will stretch, both longways, and across. I sew harnesses for our two, and I know that Sphynxes are hard to fit, with their narrow shoulders and chests and their potbellies. Good luck to you.

Thank you for the suggestion! I will def try this as it is fleece. The sweater looks really cute on him but I'm worried about his ability to breathe properly cause I cant really stick my hand in it so maybe cutting it will help, I might try and get it altered somewhere professional first tho. Do you know how loose it should be on the cat? Or if it's damaging to be a little too tight?
I'll look more into dog sweaters too they are just a bit awkward cut around the leg holes usually but I might just have to deal with that.

 

[Beckinboots]

I have zero sewing skills unfortunately! lol but I also did have someone suggest to cut it down the middle and add an extra strip of fabric as it probably needs it down the whole thing. However I don't know if I cut into the collar and bottom rim as well or just in the fleece part. Would def cover all the costs if I was able to ship it to someone to alter, or do you think a local tailor could do this too?

Personally I'd leave the collar as that looks loose enough. From the fit issues you've described, I'd cut the bottom cuff off as you say it's too long. As @Cleopatra Beers said, it's made of fleece so won't fray, and you can use what is removed to sew the strip down the centre seam, you'd just need to taper it into the neckband. Also, be aware that the fabric is more likely to stretch more one way than the other. I imagine a tailor could help but they probably wouldn't be cheap. I'd offer to do it for you but I'm in the UK and life is a little too hectic for me to take on any more projects at the moment.

 

[Cleopatra Beers]

Try your local dry cleaner. I used to work at a dry cleaner as a tailor, and having a gusset (wedge)sewn into the underside of the shirt would not cost a lot. I would see if you could do it with a fabric that is really stretchy, like in leggings, and not make it baggy. Only make the gusset an inch or two wide.