07/22/2025
Sometimes, we get asked the tough questions. I am sharing a recent email from our friend Riley.
"my girlfriend thinks calico critters shouldnt wear clothes because theyre animals. Can you help me explain to her how they aren't real? RE: the revelation of sin."
Our long winded answer:
We are a museum full of ground squirrels wearing clothing. Perhaps we will be biased. I believe this may simply be a matter of perspective, imagination, and creativity. I have every faith that your girlfriend is capable of this.
Throughout history, humans have personified animals giving them human traits including wearing clothing. Psychologists say we do this to be able to relate to animals, deepening the animal-human bond. To solidify this point, the pet clothing market makes $5-8 billion per year...my jaw dropped too! Personally, I think forcing your cat to wear a lobster costume to match your mermaid Halloween attire is a special kind of cruel and soul crushing for the pet setting them to be mocked by their peers (you know who you are). But I digress, your girlfriends concern is with inanimate objects not breathing animals.
Tales of the Riverbank/Hammy Hamster/Once Upon a Hamster (same show, different eras) does not dress their critters, however, they drive boats and cars, go camping, and do laundry. In Zootopia and Paw Patrol. Not only do these animals wear clothing, but they have important careers that serve society.
Disney has Mickey Mouse, one of the the original animal animations, wearing shorts and a wizards cloak. Donald Duck has his sailor suit, Goofy, a horrible turtleneck and Huey, Duey, and Luey adorn t-shirts with matching caps (different colors so the triplets can be identified of course). Robin Hood has a variety of animals in clothing including the cutest little Bunny siblings and their best turtle buddy. I really love Robin Hood.
Over at Warner Brothers, Bugs Bunny was typically au' natural, but he often threw on costumes, disguising himself as a variety of characters. Indeed, he often swayed the attention of many male suiters while donning drag. Porky Pig wears a suit jacket and bow tie. Speedy Gonzales has a traditional Mexican sombrero and a snappy white suit. In later animations, Babs Bunny turned heads in her basket ball outfit and Animaniacs were never naked!.
In the Hannah Barbara universe, Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw (not related to Dr. Phil...or at least he won't admit it) Magila Gorila and more all had some adornment of clothing, usually a hat and tie. In Rocky and Bullwinkle, Rocky, a squirrel (all variety of squirrels like to wear clothing btw) wears an aviator cap with goggles. Bullwinkle always has white gloves on. Sometimes he wears them with a Wottasmatta U sweater or his magician garb. Same show, Mr. Peabody has glasses and a bowtie.
My favorites include Underdog who either mascarades as Shoeshine Boy (cap, vest and glasses) or a superhero (unitard and cape)...I am uncertain of of the true identity. Eek the Cat occasionally has a costume change, but his girlfriend, the lovely Annabelle, always has a bow in her hair, high heels and a tutu.
Alvin and the Chipmunks, Arthur, Winnie the Pooh, The Wonder Pets, Peppa Pig, and Sponge Bob's diver costumed friend Sandy (another squirrel) are more animated examples.
From literature, we find clothed creatures in Paddngton Bear, Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland's White Rabbit and Brown Hare, Little Critter, and Bernstien Bears. Beatrix Potter had many beloved, clothed characters including Peter Rabbit.
Jim Henson gifted us a host of characters, both animal and monster (how does she feel about monsters in clothing? Are they immune to her scrutiny?), that get dressed on Sesame Street and the Muppet Show. Whatever the things in Fraggle Rock and Labyrnith are...clothes.
Stuffed animals of all species can be purchased with clothing every day of the week Build -a-Bear has made millions capitalising on animals in clothes. Calico Critters and their similar toys, Alony Family, Sylvanian Family, Jovati Family, Lil' Woodzies, not only have clothes, but accessories. Personally, I think it is more dangerous to let your toy animal cook or babysit than it is to let them wear sneakers, but maybe your girlfriend lives on the edge.
As an expert in the field, I think as long as the Calico Critters are not wearing g-strings (their fur gets ripped off when they pull them down), clothing is ok. If they are not barking, hissing, squirming or showing other signs of discomfort, as plastic is prone to do, she should free herself from the stress and guilt animal toys in costume has placed on her. On a deeper level, she must ask herself if she has issue with any if the examples listed above (and the dozen...maybe hundreds more I left out), or, is her unease specific to Calico Critters?
I will leave you with this fun fact. Two summers ago, it was exceptionally hot in June. I posted a photo of our bikini clad ground squirrel on or socials and webpage. It was removed by the powers that be for being sexually explicit. I did not have the heart to tell the powers that be that they typically come naked!
