If you have one or more cats, there are several hazards and dangers to be concerned about on Halloween. Check out the tips below to learn about a few ways to keep your kitties safe while enjoying this fun holiday.
Make Sure Your Cat Doesn’t Get Out
Halloween is a busy occasion, with more people than usual walking around town during the day and at night. There’s a lot of activity, and trick-or-treaters will be ringing your doorbell asking for candy. If you aren’t careful, your cat might rush out or sneak out, so it’s important to take steps to ensure your pet will stay inside.
Tip: It’s a good idea to put a collar with an ID tag on your cat on Halloween, just in case she does end up getting out.
Keep Candy Away from Your Cat
There may be a lot of candy in your house on Halloween and in the days before and after the holiday, but make sure your kitty doesn’t ingest any of it. Chocolate and various candies, such as those that contain xylitol, can be toxic to cats.
Store all of your Halloween candy securely in an area where your cat won’t be able to access it. Also, throw away candy wrappers so you won’t accidentally leave them where your pet might find them, as you don’t want your kitty to lick the wrappers or swallow them.
Choose Cat-Safe Decorations and Costumes
When decorating the inside of your home for Halloween, keep your cat’s safety in mind. Choose decorations that she won’t be able to chew on or ingest. Also, ensure that she won’t be able to get tangled in any decorations. And bear in mind that a kitty could get burned by a flame or knock over a lit candle -- now that’s scary! -- so stick with using battery-powered candles.
Should you dress your cat up for Halloween? It depends on your unique companion. If she doesn’t get stressed when you put accessories or outfits on her, you might be able to include her in the festivities. Select a costume that’s specifically designed for felines and is the right size for your kitty. Also, ensure it isn’t hazardous to your pet in any way -- you don’t want your cat to eat any part of the costume or get tangled in it, as a couple examples. And keep an eye on her while she’s wearing the costume to be sure she’s safe and comfortable in it at all times. But if your cat isn’t comfortable wearing a costume, just respect her preferences.
Have Fun with Your Cat This Halloween!
By keeping a few things in mind, you can rest assured that everyone in your family, including your pets, will have a good time this Halloween. Remember, if your cat gets hurt or eats something she shouldn’t, be sure to contact a veterinarian right away.
