Halloween Safety for Cats

Halloween is just around the corner! Your frisky feline friend will be watching with bright eyes and a bushy tail as you hang seasonal decorations and perhaps try on a few costumes. This can be a hazardous time of year for a little furball. A Parkland, FL vet lists a few things for cat owners to be aware of in this article. 

Decorations

Kitties are both curious and playful, and they just can’t resist pouncing on anything that looks like it might be fun to bat around. Anything small or sharp is a hazard to your furry pal. You’ll also need to be careful with anything that has ropes or threads. Many seasonal plants are also toxic to pets. Keep those pretty bouquets out of paws’ reach.

Staying Safe

We strongly advise grounding your feline buddy: Fluffy is just much better off staying indoors, where she isn’t exposed to hazards from cars, weather, or other dangers. Plus, it’s starting to get dark early, which only adds to the danger. If you do let your furball explore, bring her in before the sun goes down. Black cats are particularly at risk, due to old superstitions that associate them with witchcraft.

Traffic 

It’s not uncommon for there to be extra traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, around Halloween. While you may not see as many trick or treaters as usual this year, it’s still something to be aware of. Some cats become frightened easily, and could be quite upset by a steady stream of costumed visitors. If you are expecting candy-seekers, put Fluffy in a quiet back bedroom, and let her sleep through the holiday.

Candies

Our feline pals can be fairly picky eaters, but they still sometimes eat things that aren’t safe for them, especially if coaxed to. Many of those sweet treats contain things like nuts, chocolate, raisins, and xylitol, which are all toxic to Fluffy. Candy wrappers can also be dangerous. Plastic is a serious choking hazard for cats, and can cause serious intestinal blockages if swallowed. 

Candles

We know, those pumpkin candles make your home look and smell cozy. Just be sure to keep candles in spots where Fluffy can’t get to them. This is one area where it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry!

Happy Halloween from Heron Lakes Animal Hospital, your Parkland, FL vet clinic. Please feel free to contact us anytime!