5 Tips to Keep Your Cats Safe This Halloween

10/5/2020

Posts by:
Dr. Ruth MacPete, DVM

Halloween isn’t just a spooky time for humans; it can be frightening and even deadly for cats. As you prepare for Halloween, keep these five tips in mind, so that both you and your feline friends have a safe and happy Halloween.

If your cats aren’t already indoor-only cats, be sure to keep them inside on Halloween night, so they are not terrified by all of the scary Halloween trick-or-treaters. With lots of scary noises and children in costumes shouting “Trick or Treat,” even indoor cats can become frightened. Many pets are lost each Halloween when they get scared and dart out of open doors, so keep your cats safe and away from the commotion by keeping them in a back room.

Another reason to keep your cats indoors during Halloween is to protect them from people who wish to do them harm. Sadly, there has been a disturbing increase in the disappearance of many animals, especially black cats, during Halloween. Besides keeping your cats indoors, make sure your cats each have a collar, ID tag and microchip just in case they get out and become lost.

Halloween candy can be very dangerous for cats, especially chocolate and xylitol! Most people think this is something only dog owners need to worry about, but unfortunately, cats occasionally eat candy too. Most people know that chocolate is toxic to pets and even small quantities can be fatal. Few people know that candy sweetened with xylitol, such as sugar-free gum, can also be very dangerous. Xylitol causes insulin release and low blood sugar levels and can lead to liver failure. Be sure to keep all Halloween candy away from your pets. If your cat manages to steal and eat candy, immediately call your veterinarian or take your cat to a veterinary emergency clinic.

Jack o’ lanterns with flickering candles can be very attractive and dangerous to curious kitties. Besides burning an inquisitive nose or paw, candles can start a house fire if they are accidentally knocked over. To be safe, never leave lit candles unattended, always place them out of reach of all pets, and consider switching to safer, battery-powered “candles.”

Blinking lights, stringy webs and other spooky decorations can also be dangerous to curious cats. Pets can become entangled in lights and stringy objects. Strings of twinkling Halloween lights can be quite attractive to your cats and can electrocute them if they nibble on the cords. Small decorations can be ingested and cause life-threatening intestinal blockages unless they are surgically removed. To be safe, make sure all decorations are safely out of reach of all pets.

Some people, like me, love to dress their pets up for Halloween. Just be sure you use a costume made for cats and never leave them in a costume unattended. Pet costumes are made to fit pets and come off easily. However, never leave any of your pets alone in a costume as they can easily get into trouble. Some animals may decide to take their costume off themselves and become entangled, while others may get their costume stuck on something and choke. Make sure your cat is comfortable with a costume; if you believe it might cause any anxiety, check with your veterinarian first.

As you prepare for Halloween, keep these tips in mind, so that both you and your feline friends have a safe and happy Halloween.

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7/25/2021 12:12:10 pm

Cats are very different from dogs. If you have owned both of them, then you will know what I am saying here. First of all, cats are far easier to deal with than dogs. A cat does not need as much attention as a dog does. Also, cats are far more intelligent that dogs, that is a known fact. I am not saying that cats are inherently better, but that is where the facts point to, that is what I am saying.

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I appreciate that this post pointed out that pet obesity is a serious health issue. My wife and I think that our cat is obese. We will definitely look for veterinary hospitals to have our cat treated.

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3/23/2023 04:08:44 am

Consider your family's lifestyle, living space, and the temperament of the pet you want to adopt. Some pets may be better suited to households with children, such as dogs that are known for being gentle and patient.

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4/26/2023 11:38:29 pm

Dogs and cats behave quite differently. You will understand what I am saying if you have owned both of them. First off, cats are far simpler to manage than dogs. A cat does not require as much care as a dog. Additionally, it is well recognized that cats are significantly more intellectual than dogs. You can read out at PetCareRx blog. I'm not arguing that cats are automatically superior, but that's what the evidence suggests, so that's what I'm saying.

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Dogs are often referred to as canines, which is a term used to describe animals that belong to the family Canidae. This family includes various species of wild dogs, such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes, as well as domesticated dogs.

As you mentioned, dogs have earned the nickname "man's best friend" because of their loyalty and affection towards humans. They are known to be great companions and can provide emotional support to their owners, which can be particularly helpful for people dealing with mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

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Dogs are popularly kept as pets. They possess sharp teeth that enable them to consume flesh with ease. A dog's physical features include four legs, two ears, two eyes, a tail, a mouth, and a nose. This intelligent animal is capable of catching thieves and is often trained for that purpose. With their ability to run at high speeds, bark loudly, and confront strangers, dogs serve as valuable protectors.

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Training and socialization are important aspects of pet ownership. Whether it's teaching a dog basic commands or providing a stimulating environment for a bird, these activities help them develop and thrive. Building a strong bond through training strengthens the relationship between owner and pet.

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On the other end of the spectrum, reptiles have found their place in the hearts of some pet owners. Turtles, snakes, and lizards can make fascinating companions, but they also demand specialized care due to their cold-blooded nature. Creating a proper habitat and maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels are crucial to ensure the well-being of these exotic pets.

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