How to Keep Your Cat Safe and Happy During Fall Festivities
As the air turns crisp and the leaves crunch underfoot, it’s the perfect time to embrace all the joys of fall. From pumpkin carving to Halloween parties, there are plenty of seasonal celebrations to enjoy. But as we gear up for autumnal fun, it’s important to remember that these festivities can present new challenges and risks for our feline friends.
Here’s how to ensure your cat stays safe, calm, and content during your activities.
Create a Safe Space Indoors
Halloween night is a highlight of the season, but with trick-or-treaters, loud noises, and frequent door openings, it can be a stressful experience for cats. If your cat is sensitive to noise or prone to darting out when the door opens, it’s a good idea to create a quiet, secure space where they can retreat. Set up a cozy area in a closed-off room with their favorite toys, a comfy bed, and some soothing music. This way, your cat has a safe haven away from all the commotion.
If your cat tends to hide, make sure to provide multiple hiding spots. Cats feel more at ease when they have options to choose from, whether it’s a high perch, an enclosed box, or a soft blanket draped over a chair.
Watch Out for Dangerous Décor
Fall decorations can pose hidden dangers for cats, especially curious ones. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:
Candles and Jack-O'-Lanterns: Cats can be tempted to paw at the flickering flame or knock over a candle. Instead, use battery-operated candles for a festive but safe ambiance.
String Lights and Tinsel: While these add a magical touch to any room, cats may see them as irresistible playthings. Chewing on electrical cords or tinsel can lead to serious injuries, such as electrical burns or intestinal blockages.
Toxic Plants and Foods: Many common fall plants, like chrysanthemums and dried corn stalks, are toxic to cats. Similarly, some fall treats like chocolate and candy are extremely harmful if ingested. Keep these items out of reach and educate guests about what your cat should avoid.
Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s best to equip yourself with the knowledge needed to help your kitty play safe. Keep these things in mind while celebrating this year:
If you want to share turkey with your cat, make sure you share white meat only.
Cats can eat plain pumpkin and many tend to like it! Just make sure it is plain, from the pumpkin or the can, and sugar-free.
Do not let your cat eat pumpkin pie.
Mind the Costumes
Dressing your cat in a costume can be adorable, but not all cats are fans of this tradition. If you do decide to put your feline friend in a costume, make sure it’s lightweight, non-restrictive, and doesn’t have any small parts that could be swallowed. Always supervise your cat while they’re wearing a costume and remove it at the first sign of discomfort or distress.
If your cat shows no interest in dressing up, don’t force it. As much as you may want to see them dressed up, you would not like it if a larger creature forced you to wear something.
Reduce Anxiety During Halloween Night
With the constant ringing of doorbells and the presence of strangers at the door, Halloween night can be a particularly anxious time for cats.
To reduce their anxiety:
Limit Exposure: Keep your cat in a room far from the front door to minimize their exposure to the hustle and bustle of visitors.
Play Soothing Music: Consider using calming music or white noise to drown out unfamiliar sounds and help your cat feel more relaxed.
Use Pheromone Products: Pheromone sprays or diffusers, like Feliway, can help create a calming environment for stressed cats.
Keep Cats Indoors and Safe from Harm
Halloween is one of the riskiest nights of the year for outdoor cats, particularly black cats. Unfortunately, there are individuals who may target them due to superstitions or simply as a cruel prank. While we do not condone people letting their cats outside, if your cat usually enjoys some outdoor time, consider keeping them inside for a few days leading up to and following Halloween to ensure their safety.
Limit Treats and Human Food
While it’s tempting to share the season’s flavors with our pets, many fall treats are not suitable for cats. Chocolate, raisins, nuts, and sugary candies are toxic and can lead to gastrointestinal issues, vomiting, or worse. Instead, offer your cat a special catnip toy or cat-safe treat to make them feel included in the festivities.
If you’re hosting guests, remind them not to feed your cat any table scraps and consider putting up a small sign to let everyone know what’s off-limits for your feline friends.
While we hope you won’t share human treats with your kitty, you can give them plenty of cat treats to shift their attention. Additionally, you can encourage guests to give them cat treats. This can have a positive effect on how your cat feels around guests in the future.
Monitor for Stress Signals
It’s crucial to be aware of your cat’s body language and behavior during the fall season, especially if there are more visitors and activity than usual. Signs of stress include hiding, vocalizing more than normal, or changes in appetite or litter box usage. If your cat seems overly stressed or anxious, consider speaking with your veterinarian for advice or additional support.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can ensure that both you and your cat enjoy a safe and happy fall season. By creating a calm environment, being aware of potential hazards, and paying attention to your cat’s needs, you’ll both be able to make the most of this festive time of year.