Something wicked this way comes… Halloween is just around the bend! We’re all looking forward to a monstrously good time, but we also want the night to be as safe as it is spooky. That goes for the cats we care for, too!
Alley Cat Allies’ Halloween Cat Safety Tips will help you keep your feline family and community members as safe as possible:
How to Protect Cats on Halloween:
1. Be mindful of decorations and small costume pieces
Keep fake webbing, wires, spider rings, and other choking hazards out of cats’ reach. Corn, fake leaves, and fake moss can also cause a blockage if cats ingest them. Ensure these decorations are out of reach or that you can keep a close eye on cats when they’re near them.
2. No candy for cats, please!
Many Halloween candies, especially chocolates, can be toxic to cats and dogs. Sugar substitutes like xylitol are particularly dangerous. Even candy wrappers, if a cat nibbles on them, can cause intestinal distress. Keep the candy bowl well out of reach of cats and stick to cat-friendly Halloween treats.
If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian, an emergency veterinarian, or a Pet Poison Helpline. One can be reached at 855-764-7661. Alley Cat Allies has a resource on the signs and symptoms of poisoning in cats.
3. You love costumes, your cat probably doesn’t
Respect your cat and his or her boundaries and don’t force a costume on them. Cats generally find any kind of clothing restrictive, and forcing them into costumes can cause them stress and anxiety. The wrong clothing can also restrict their breathing and movement.
4. Use caution with candles
Do not leave candles burning unattended near cats, or anywhere they can reach or jump onto. That includes your regular candles around the house and the ones in your jack-o’-lanterns. Consider battery-powered candles instead!
Also, make sure wires are out of reach or taped down if your cat is tempted to play with them.
5. Provide cats with a calm, quiet area during festivities
Choose a quiet, sealed-off room for cats to relax in as the night goes into full spooky swing. Be sure to provide food, water, a litter box, and their favorite bed and toys!
To distract cats from the Halloween hustle and bustle, try turning the TV on to a low volume setting or playing soft music. You can also plug in soothing pheromone diffusers, like Feliway.
Be sure to check on your cats throughout the night!
6. Microchip all cats and keep your information up to date
Trick-or-treating means a lot of doors opening and closing! In the event that your cat darts out of the door, make sure they are microchipped. Check your microchip information and ensure it is up to date in a registry.
A microchip can help you reunite with your cat should they become lost!
For community cat caregivers: Track your community cats
Community cats will instinctively hide away during the Halloween fun, but we recommend checking on them in the days after the holiday.
With up-to-date records, including each cat’s name, photo, and other important information, you’ll be able to account for every cat in your care. In fact, tracking your community cat colony is best practice every day of the year!
We have a Community Cat Colony tracking system that will help!
How to Protect Cats Every Day
Every day of the year, cats of all coat colors are at risk from a true horror: cruel and lethal policies. Most of these policies are rooted in dangerous misinformation about cats and a lack of respect for the inherent value of their lives.
Cats Are CommunityTM and deserve the respect and protection of laws and policies, from the animal shelter to the veterinary clinic to the courtroom. True change to save cats’ lives starts with education, then action.
Find Local Laws That Impact Cats
Your community’s laws are accessible to you, and you have a right to know what happens to cats at your local animal shelter. Alley Cat Allies guides will walk you through how to find your local laws and access information on animal shelter outcomes.
Become the Strongest Cat Advocate in Your Community
Then, you can advocate directly to your leadership for effective, lifesaving change. All policies related to cats should center on humane, nonlethal approaches—especially Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR).
If you suspect animal cruelty to a cat, learn how to report the incident and advocate for animal cruelty to be investigated, prosecuted, and penalized to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you for standing with Alley Cat Allies to protect cats and kittens, on Halloween night and every day! Help us build a world where all cats’ lives are valued and protected by making a gift today: