Some cats enjoy participating in the Halloween season traditions - but the festivities can also pose a danger to the feline members of the family . . . With a few precautions, however, you can keep the kitties out of harm's way while allowing them to be part of the fun.
The Problem With Pumpkins
Pumpkin can be good for kitties (see the article titled Pumpkin), but because cats like the taste, some felines will chew or eat carved pumpkins used as Halloween decor, even after the pumpkin is no longer "fresh".
After sitting on a porch or in a heated house for a few days, a pumpkin can start to grow bacteria that when ingested can cause intestinal inflammation, stomach upset and diarrhea in your cat. So, enjoy your Jack O' Lantern, but keep it out of the reach of feline taste buds!
Other Decorating Dangers
Children and adults alike enjoy dressing up the home for Halloween. However, before hanging those decorations, think about possible consequences for the feline part of the family. Items like Spray-on-cob-webs and paper streamers can be a serious threat to your cat if eaten. Keep Halloween decorations up high beyond the reach of inquisitive paws.
Burn Beware
Don't leave a lighted candles or jack-o'-lantern with a candle in its interior where it could be knocked over by a curious cat. Not only could the kitty start a fire but it could be severely burned in the process.
It's Shocking!
Lighted Halloween decorations come with cords and plugs. A playful kitten can be electrocuted or suffer mouth, tongue or gum burns if it bites into a cord. Tape cords to the floor and walls so they are not accessible or use protective cord covers available at electronics or hardware stores.
Batteries Not Included
Many cats think batteries make wonderful toys. For some felines, "Batting Batteries" is an addictive game. However, the ingredients in batteries are toxic to both pets and children, so be sure to keep batteries away from playful cats.
Chocolate Chomping Is a No-No
Warn your children not to feed candy to the cats. Store the chocolate away. Read the article titled Chocolate for details concerning the theobromine, the compound in chocolate that is toxic to cats if eaten in sufficient quantities.
You can always make a home made cat treat especially for Halloween for the kids to feed their furry family member.
Candy wrappers are often enticing playthings to cats too, but can cause an intestinal blockage if eaten.
On Halloween Eve
Halloween means lots of ringing of doorbells, open and closing the front door, loud voices, and excited children. To protect the safety of your cat and prevent any escapes out the front door, the cat should be confined to a quiet room away from all the commotion until after the trick or treating is finished.
Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!