Hallowe’en for Cats

Hallowe’en for Cats

Hallowe’en is a wonderful holiday, but for cats & their human care-givers, it needs also to be a time for caution. To ensure that your cat enjoys a safe Hallowe’een, check out the tips & tricks below.

Cats Indoors
Sadly, Hallowe’en is a peak time for violence against cats, especially black cats. The problem is severe enough that many shelters won’t adopt out black cats during October as a precaution. Keep your cat safe indoors for several days before and after Hallowe’en.

Roaming outdoors holds many amusements for your cat, but it’s not a safe place for them to be, and not only on Hallowe’en. Cats are safer when they’re kept from roaming unsupervised, outdoors only on a leash or in a safe enclosure. You can take advantage of the opportunity of Hallowe’en to turn your outdoor cat to an indoor cat, or an outdoors-only-with-supervision cat. To read more about how to make that transition, download Tips for Transitioning. To read about how to create a stimulating indoor environment for your cat, check out Safe Happy Cat. We also have info about cat enclosures, cat fencing & catios, as well as Leash-Training Your Cat and Dealing with Escape Artists. Knowing your cat is safe and happy might be the best treat you can give yourself this Hallowe’en!

Candy
Many Hallowe’en candies are toxic to cats, including chocolate. Keep candy well out of reach of your pets.

Trick or Treaters
Putting your cat in a secure room away from the door will prevent them from escaping, as well as getting frightened by the unusual costumes and loud requests for candy. Give them everything they need — their litter box, a napping spot, a scratching post or pad, a favourite toy. Playing music helps distract some cats from the noise. Visit your cat periodically, play for a bit and give them a treat or two so they don’t feel like their being punished.

Costumes, Theirs and Ours
If you dress up your cat for Hallowe’en, be sure to use safe, non-flammable and non-toxic items that don’t restrict his or her movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid costumes with lengths of wool, string or ribbon, as these can cause severe problems if ingested.

People in costumes are often frightening to cats, so it’s recommended that you put your cat in a secure room before the kids get dressed up to go trick or treating.

Jack O’ Lanterns
While small amounts of cooked pumpkin are sometimes given to cats as an aid to digestion, aging pumpkins rapidly grow mold that is toxic to cats. Dispose of pumpkins promptly to prevent accidental ingestion.

Have a Happy Hallowe’en!