Halloween Tips for Cats
Five tips for keeping cats safe on halloween
Halloween is one of the most favorite times of the year for many people. It’s great to dress-up and give out candy to happy ‘trick or treaters’. Still, this all this fun we need to be mindful of its effects on our pets. Some pets love the commotion of Halloween and they even love to wear costumes or walk with their pet parents through the neighborhood. Others, however, might not. This is usually true of most cats. The commotion of shouting, ringing doorbells, etc. can make even brave cats and kittens scared. Sometimes they might run for cover in the house. At other times it might be out the front door. So here are five Halloween tips for cats so you can keep them safe this week as you celebrate.
1. Put your kitties in a separate room and keep the door shut. Cats and kittens are
FAST. The speed and nimbleness of a cat who is determined to escape the house is second to none.
2. Consider a collar for the evening if they don’t normally wear one. Even when confined, make sure they are wearing identification and/or has been microchipped. It’s also a good idea to keep them separate from your Halloween party guests at your home. With people coming and going it’s easy for them to slip out.
3. Keep Treats secure. Chocolate, while yummy to humans, can make cats and dogs sick, and sugar-free candy containing xylitol which can be deadly. Crinkly wrappers often mimic the sound of toys to cats like, and if accidentally ingested become harmful.
4. Avoid hazardous decorations. Although pumpkins and decorative corn aren’t considered nontoxic, they can produce stomach discomfort in pets. Furthermore, the fun, fake spider-webbing can be dangerous to kittens, cats and other pets, too. In addition to becoming tangled in it, it can be deadly when ingested.
5. Use pet costumes on a case by case basis. Yes, they can be photo worthy. But consider that animals, especially cats, rely heavily on all their senses to avoid danger. Costumes that cover ears impacts hearing. And some dress-up options interfere with their whiskers or their range of vision. It can make them feel vulnerable and raise your pets stress level. Some costumes might have potentially dangerous strings or ribbons too consider. The bottom line? While costumes make a great photo op, consider how your pet will respond and take the proper action.
These five Halloween tips for cats can help you make sure this Halloween is fun and happy time for everyone, including your feline (and canine) family members.
