As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, we can get excited about costumes, treats, and spooky decorations and overlook the safety of our feline friends.
Understanding how to overcome these festive challenges is critical to keeping your cat happy and healthy. That’s why Cats Protection is urging cat owners to consider their pets’ health this festive season.
Here are the charity’s top tips to avoid scaring your cat and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
1. Skip the costume
You may want to dress your cat in cute clothes, but most cats won’t share your enthusiasm. Being trapped inside clothing can be very stressful for cats, and they can get injured when trying to break free. They’ll love a cozy Halloween-themed blanket to snooze with or a Halloween-themed toy that’s safe to play with.
2. Save snacks for yourself.
Halloween treats are for humans, not cats. Chocolate in particular is toxic to cats, and sweet foods can also make your cat sick. Keep sweet treats safely out of your cat’s reach and let them fuss and play with them instead.
3. Choose cat-safe decorations
When making your home look like a spooky hideout, be wary of decorations that could be harmful to your cat. Curious kittens can easily get tangled in fake spider webs, chew through fairy light wires, or try to climb or pull on hanging decorations. Keep all decorations out of your cat’s reach, including open flames to light your carved pumpkins.
4. Keep it indoors at night
As fall nights darken, the risks increase for outdoor cats, from the dangers of traffic to the stress of loud parties and fireworks. To keep your cat safe, it’s best to keep it indoors at night. Make sure they are microchipped and their contact details are up to date in case they escape.
5. Create a safe haven
If you’re expecting a lot of trick-or-treaters or guests, your cat might feel overwhelmed. Make sure you have a quiet, private space in your home where your cat can hide and feel safe. A quiet room with a cardboard box and a comfortable bed can be the perfect sanctuary.
For more information on how to keep your cat safe, visit the Cats Protection site. help and advice page.
