Useful Steps Every American Should Follow To Keep Their Cats Safe During The Spooky Season

Every caring cat owner wants to keep their furry companions safe, and that’s especially important as Halloween approaches. 

The spooky season can be exciting for humans, but for our cats, it can sometimes be overwhelming or even frightening. Luckily, celebrating safely is completely possible. 

With a little extra care and attention, you can make sure your feline friends stay comfortable and secure while you enjoy all the fun that comes with the holiday.

1. Take Care Of Pumpkin Carves

Pumpkin carvings are a staple of Halloween décor, and no spooky setup feels complete without them. 

Still, cat owners should be cautious. You might wonder why. Cats are naturally curious and often drawn to pumpkins, but their fascination can sometimes lead to trouble.

Candance Labane-Godfrey, a past president of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, explains:

“Carved pumpkins are prone to developing bacteria.”

To keep your feline friend safe and prevent potential health issues, you can always use artificial jack-o’-lanterns instead and have wonderful Halloween decorations.

2. Keep The Treats For Yourself

Trick-or-treating is all fun and excitement until your curious cat gets into the sweet stash. 

It’s safest to store candies and treats somewhere secure, such as in a sealed container or high cupboard. Chocolate and artificial sweeteners can be toxic to cats, leading to serious health problems. 

Even candy wrappers can be dangerous, as their shiny texture might look like a toy. If chewed or swallowed, they can cause an intestinal blockage that may require surgery.

I learned this the hard way a few years ago when one of my cats managed to grab a wrapped sweet – my heart nearly stopped. Thankfully, I caught it just in time. 

Since then, I’ve kept all treats locked away in glass jars with lids. If you want your feline to join in on the Halloween fun, offer them cat-safe pumpkin treats or homemade alternatives instead.

3. Secure The Electrical Cords

The long-standing problem of cats chewing on electrical cords continues, especially around Halloween when decorative lights and powered displays are everywhere. 

Some cats, particularly those who get bored easily, may be tempted to gnaw on cords, putting themselves at risk of electric shock. 

If you want to keep your decorations up safely, cover any exposed cords with protective plastic tubing. 

You can also redirect your cat’s attention by giving them interactive toys or puzzle feeders to keep them busy and entertained.

4. Watch Out For The Candles

No Halloween setup feels complete without candles, but their flickering glow can easily catch your cat’s attention. 

Cats don’t understand the danger and might accidentally burn themselves or tip a candle over, creating a fire hazard for everyone. 

A safer option is to swap real candles for battery-powered ones, which still bring that spooky atmosphere without putting your cat – or your home – at risk.

5. Use Cat-Safe Decorations

Cat parents should be extra careful when choosing decorations for their home. Items like dangling strings, tinsel, and cords might look festive, but they can be extremely dangerous if your cat decides to play with or chew on them. 

These decorations can lead to choking, internal injuries, or even strangulation. It’s best to avoid using them altogether, or at least keep them well out of your cat’s reach to ensure a safe and stress-free spooky season.

Besides that, you should also be careful with glow sticks. Dr. Tina Wismer, a senior director of veterinary outreach and education for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, notes:

“The sticks and jewelry contain a bitter substance that will make your cat drool uncontrollably.”

She also raised concerns about artificial spider webs, saying:

“Anything long and stringy that your cat can chew on can cause an obstruction.”

6. Keep The Alcohol Out Of Your Cat’s Reach

While it may seem strange, it’s true that cats can be attracted to certain alcoholic drinks that contain cream or dairy ingredients. 

Therefore, you should keep the alcohol out of your cat’s reach. Wismer explains:

“Cats are so much smaller than we are; it doesn’t take very much alcohol to end up with problems.”

7. Watch Out For The Food

As a cat parent, you probably know that not every human food is safe for cats, as our dietary needs differ. 

However, during parties, food often sits out longer and in various locations around the home, posing a bacterial risk to your cat. Wismer also warns about the dips:

“Dips often contain onions, garlic, or onion powder, which can damage your cat’s red blood cells.”

Therefore, it would be best to keep all the food out of cats’ reach and stick to their regular diet.

8. Take It Easy With The Halloween Costumes

Matching Halloween costumes for you and your cat might sound adorable, but it’s best to resist the temptation. 

While dressing up can be fun for humans, most cats find it stressful or uncomfortable, and they may even injure themselves trying to get the outfit off. 

If you want your feline to join in the festive spirit, consider a cosy Halloween blanket or a themed toy instead. 

Also, remember that your cat could be startled if you suddenly appear in a scary costume, so introduce yourself gently and give them time to realise it’s still you.

9. Keep Your Feline Friend Indoors

One of the most important safety measures during Halloween is keeping your cat indoors. The night can be full of potential dangers, from busy roads and loud fireworks to unfamiliar faces and bustling crowds. 

These noises and sudden movements can easily frighten even the calmest cat. To protect your feline friend from accidents or running away in fear, it’s best to keep them safely inside, especially after dark.

Provide the cats with a safe place in their home where they won’t be disturbed by constant guests and similar. As Wismer reminds us:

“With doors open frequently, there’s a greater chance of your cat escaping.”

Due to such cases, our cats should also be microchipped in case they escape or go missing. After all, our cats should be important to us, so we should do our best to keep them safe.  

10. Use A Break-Away Collar 

Finally, here’s good advice from Labane-Godfrey:

“Even if your cat remains indoors all the time, it’s a good idea to make sure your pal wears a break-away collar with ID tags.”

Final Thoughts Before The Halloween 

Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy Halloween exactly as you want to. With a little care, the spooky season can stay fun for you without being frightening for your cat. 

The most important thing is to keep your feline friends safe – they’ll be by your side for years to come, so it’s not worth risking their wellbeing for just a few nights of celebration.

Pro Tip: I often organize Halloween-themed parties in one separate room, ensuring my cats are in their comfortable rooms, not being disturbed or exposed to potential risks! Good luck, and happy Halloween, y’all!