Halloween is the most spooky, spectacular time of the year! It’s a night to celebrate all things creepy and crawly, with decorations, costumes, parties, and, of course, trick or treating. But the chaotic fun that people love so much can be seriously scary for the cats we care about.
Alley Cat Allies has tips to help you keep your cats and other pets safe and stress-free on Halloween.
1. Make sure candy is off limits to cats
Many Halloween candies, especially chocolates, can be toxic to cats and dogs. To be safe, keep the candy bowl well out of the reach of animals. If you think your pet has eaten something dangerous, contact the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
2. Keep cats in a quiet area of your house
The ghosts, ghouls and goblins trekking to and from your door can scare and stress your cats. If you believe your pet is getting nervous, put her in a room in your house where she can feel safe. Be sure to check on her throughout the night.
3. Make sure your cats are microchipped
Your cat could potentially dart outside as you open your door repeatedly to give out candy. Just in case, make sure your pets are microchipped and that your microchip information is up to date. It will help you reunite with your pets should they get lost. Learn more about how microchipping saves lives.
4. Be careful with your decorations
We love carved jack-o-lanterns, but they can cause trouble if a curious cat knocks them over. Make sure any fire hazards or wires are out of reach of your pets, and consider using battery-powered candles instead of real ones. Also keep in mind that edible decorations like corn or pumpkins can cause stomach trouble if your pets nibble on them.
5. You love costumesyour cat doesn’t
People love dressing up for Halloween; your cat, Fluffy, not so much. If you must include your pets in the fun, make sure the costumes don’t restrict their senses, breathing, or movement in any way.
6. Keep track of your community cats
Community cats are wary of people, so they will hide as costumed kids roam the neighborhood. However, it’s a good idea to know every cat in your colony and keep an eye out for all of them in the days after Halloween.