That wonderful time of year where we can hear the leaves crunch beneath our feet, ghouls and goblins lurk around every bend, delicious candy and snacks are plentiful, who wouldn't like such a fun holiday? Well, I'll tell you who....CATS that's who!! (for that matter dogs too, but that is something for Dakota to handle, since this blog is devoted to CATS!!)
Halloween is right around the corner and can pose special dangers to our precious pets that we must be aware of. Let's "pawse" and reflect about these potential hazards:
1) Even if your cat is a social gadabout, do not let he/she out unattended on Halloween
(or near Halloween for that matter) Black cats are in greater danger than many others due to some evil minds that want to expose them to awful "tricks" on Halloween.
2) Always make sure your cat is either microchipped or wears a collar (good rule of thumb for all year), but especially if he/she becomes "spooked" at Halloween and takes off for parts unknown. By having the proper identification, should your cat "go missing", the odds of it being returned are much greater than if it had no identification at all.
3) CANDY IS A HAZARD!! That goes for candy wrappers as well. They can cause choking and chocolate can be toxic! Also candies that contain artificial sweeteners! Never, ever leave candy laying around unattended. Remember:"curiosity killed the cat"
4) Confine your cat to one room if you are hosting a party or when trick-or treaters are at your door.
5) Candles and lit pumpkins can be a hazard. Cats are naturally curious. Tails can be accidentally singed, fires can be started due to being knocked over. Opt for flameless candles instead.
6) I am not overly enthused about dressing cats up for Halloween, (or anytime, but YES, I have done it for a hot second to take photos and that is about it.) If you are determined to dress your cat up for Halloween please try the costume on ahead of time to see how well he/she handles it. Make sure the costume enables her to see, breathe, hear and move around comfortably. Never leave the cat unattended while still in costume. If your cat struggles and balks at being dressed in a costume, for cat's sake, TAKE IT OFF! I am more of a fan of a hat or bandana as Cody is wearing above.
7) Most Cats do not enjoy Halloween parties, parades and God Forbid Trick-or-Treating!! These events are scary and are torture for your cat! Enter the cat's photo in an online photo contest instead. The noises of parties, parades and being outside, as well as the extra stimulation, are the purrfect invitation for the kitty to "exit stage left"
8) If you are leaving for the night, the same suggestions that I have mentioned for the 4th of July or anytime you will be away are the same for Halloween. Leave the TV or radio on throughout the evening to distract the cat from outside noises that might be frightening.
Follow these tips to help ensure that you and your cat have a Halloween that is only full of kitty approved treats and totally trick-free!!
Did I miss any?
Let me know in a comment below.....
Those are some great tips. My cats that are outside run for under the house if any person comes in the yard. So far I have never had an trick or treaters. So the cats are probably safe. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteThe PO'M and Sweetie know how to disappear of a unknown person shows up, so I have no worries about them. We do not hand out candy (long story), so the inside kitties are safe too. Good post!
ReplyDeleteWe also lock down the catio and stay inside as we never know who may be prowling about out there. Safe Halloween!
ReplyDeleteGreg that is a brilliant idea! You stay safe too!
DeleteExcellent tips, Cody, but I'm glad we don't celebrate it here :) Pawkisses for a Happy Helloween to all of you🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteThankfully round here, Halloween is no different to any other night. THe tricker or treaters go to the decorated houses and ignore the ones that aren't.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips, we've learned to not like Halloween, lots MOL!
ReplyDeleteI so remember being ever careful during all holidays. Kitties need their quiet places all the time.
ReplyDeleteHave a purrfect day, Cody. My best to your mom. ♥
Great tips!
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
thank you!!! xoxo
DeleteGreat tips. Purrsonally, I (Buster) love to watch the kids who know on the door.
ReplyDeleteEmma and Buster
Thanks for sharing these great tips. They will be very helpful for neighbors that will have plenty of kids ringing the door bells every two seconds so they don't get scared for all the noise going on outside. We must always be careful for our little ones. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteWorld of Animals
you are most welcome and thank you!! Stay safe! You have a great day too!
DeleteGreat tips ! Purrs
ReplyDeleteThese tips are ones that should be repeated over and over again.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, we aren't really big on Halloween around here, and leave the outside lights out since we don't offer candy to trick or treaters. So with any luck, it will be an uneventful evening.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! Especially for newer pet companions.
ReplyDeleteThose are great tips! Our tip is to turn out the lights and hide out downstairs so the doorbell never rings. Just sayin. MOL!
ReplyDeleteExcellent tips Caren and Cody! Kozmo escaped a couple of years ago and Dad was really worried about him. He did not come home until the next day!
ReplyDeleteNow he gets locked in the bedroom during his afternoon nap an get his supper delivered!
Purrs
Marv
thank you!! Thank COD he came home safe and sound, Dad had to be a nervous wreck, I would be!!
DeleteGreat tips, Caren and Cody! As for #6, that's what Photoshop is for, right?
ReplyDeleteHappy Meowloween!
thank you and yes!! Or...put something on for a split second lol!
DeleteGreat tips for Halloween! We don't really do anything for Halloween. We don't even get trick-or-treaters anymore! But it's still a fun little holiday.
ReplyDeletethank you! We don't get trick or treaters either because we are in a condo/apt complex and they aren't permitted to trick or treat here. I wish they could!! I have always loved Halloween!
DeleteGood suggestions for any extra people or noise or disturbances. I'd freak if my cat ever went outdoors without me holding him or on a leash. I didn't think of that about the candy wrappers since I like to wad up small pieces of paper or wrappers so he can chase after them. I guess make sure the kitty is somewhere he thinks is safe and secure with food, water, toys, fav blankie and litter box if he has to be confined to a room. Maybe a newly opened box for that bit of adventure.
ReplyDelete