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2014 Halloween Safety for Your Cat

Rebecca Schmidt • Oct 09, 2014
The black cat with an arched back is a popular symbol of Halloween. In reality, Halloween could be a very dangerous day for cats. The decorations, commotion and candy wrappers all add to the dangers and stress for your cat. You can make the day considerably less stressful by thinking ahead and being prepared on Halloween.

Decorations

  • Avoid decorations with excess string which can be ingested
  • Avoid low hanging decorations which can seem like a toy to your cat
  • Avoid open flames – use battery powered candles instead to avoid accidental burning

A Quiet Place

The noises of trick-or-treaters or party guests can be frightening to many cats. To keep them calm and lessen the chance of them slipping out an open door, set up a quiet room for them with the door shut. Pick a bedroom or other room away from the commotion and make that space as cat-friendly as possible:
  • Set up a sleeping place with your cat’s bed or carrier with bedding
  • Turn on the television or music at a low level to drown out excess noise
  • Have their food, water, litter box and toys available to them
  • If your cat is easily stressed use a pheromone diffuser or spray to help them relax

Tricks and treats

Most cats really hate wearing Halloween costumes. If you’re considering putting a costume on your cat during the holiday:
  • Try out the costume in advance to make sure your cat doesn’t get upset
  • Make sure the costume doesn’t restrict movement or sight
  • Make sure the costume does not present a choking hazard such as strings, sequins, etc.
  • Although they seem like a wonderful Halloween accessory, glow sticks and bracelets may have harmful chemicals that should not be ingested by your cat.

It’s also a good idea to keep treats out of reach. Chocolate and some other candies are toxic for cats and wrappers can be a choking hazard.

Identification

Even when you are careful, your pet can slip out an open door and escape. Make sure your kitty has a microchip and your contact information is up to date with the chip company. Also consider putting up a pet gate by the front door. This provides another barrier between your cat and the exit. 

If by chance your cat is negatively affected by one of the risks above and is showing symptoms of illness, contact your vet and seek help as soon as you can. 
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