Halloween Treats Most Americans Don’t Realise Are Dangerous For Cats

Many human foods aren’t safe for our pets, and that’s especially true during Halloween. 

While the season brings plenty of treats for people, those same sweets can be dangerous and even toxic to cats. 

Ingredients in popular Halloween candies can cause stomach upset, poisoning, or choking risks. Here are some Halloween foods that should always stay out of your cat’s reach.

Dairy-Based Treats Are A No-Go!

Most cats can’t digest lactose properly because they lack enough of the enzyme needed to break it down. 

This means milk and dairy products aren’t suitable for them. But how does that relate to Halloween treats? 

Many festive sweets contain dairy, and if a cat eats any, it can lead to digestive upset, vomiting, or stomach pain. 

To keep your cat healthy, it’s best to skip sharing Halloween snacks and stick to their usual diet instead.

Forget About Chocolate Too!

Chocolate may be a Halloween favourite for humans, but it’s one of the most dangerous treats for cats. 

PetMD explains that chocolate contains caffeine and a compound called theobromine, both of which can be toxic to felines. 

Ingesting it can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, irregular heartbeat, muscle tremors, and even seizures. 

The ASPCA also cautions that dark chocolate poses the greatest risk due to its higher concentration of these harmful substances. Instead of sharing chocolate, it’s far safer to offer your cat specially made, cat-safe treats.

Xylitol Is Bad For Cats

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free sweets and chewing gum. 

Since sugary and artificially sweetened foods can be harmful to cats, experts strongly recommend avoiding any treats that contain xylitol to keep your pet safe.

Keep Raisins Out Of Paw’s Reach

Raisins might be a healthy snack for humans, but they’re extremely dangerous for cats. Even a small amount can lead to kidney failure or poisoning. 

To keep your feline safe, it’s best to ensure raisins stay far out of their reach.

Potential Risks

Beyond being toxic, Halloween sweets can pose a serious choking risk for cats because of their bright and crinkly wrappers. 

The shiny packaging often catches a cat’s curiosity, tempting them to chew or play with it. 

If swallowed, a wrapper can block the airway or, even worse, cause an intestinal obstruction that may require surgery to fix.

A Friendly Reminder

If your cat manages to eat a Halloween sweet or treat, contact your vet immediately or head to the nearest emergency animal hospital to make sure they’re safe. 

It’s also smart to keep all sweets and chocolates in sealed containers, well out of your cat’s reach. 

Of course, your feline friend deserves treats too, just make sure they’re cat-friendly ones designed for their diet.