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.....
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