6 Ways to Keep Cats Safe at Halloween

“Cindy, did you ever give Luke and Miles small pompom balls to play with?” asked Megan who had recently adopted the two brothers.  A photo accompanied her text. In her hand she cradled a small, blue orb, matted and wet. The vomit that had carried it from one of the kitten’s stomach had been washed away.

“OMG!” was all I could muster. Yes, I let them play with the pompoms. They were Luke’s favorite. He’d carry one like a prize, growling at me and Miles if we dared to approach. He’d find a small opening somewhere, “hide” the fluffy puff, then pretend to tease it from it’s hiding spot.

The pompoms were a “supervised” toy. I thought I aways accounted for them at the end of a play session. Lesson learned—be very aware of what kittens and cats are given as toys. They may tear apart and swallow just about anything in the interest of learning, boredom, or to keep a “rival” from playing with a prized possession.

The blue pompom was top of mind when I saw a clown costume at Goodwill. It made me think of all the mischief kittens and cats can get into during Halloween and the holidays ahead.

Here are six things to consider if you have small pets at home.

1. Costumes

Kid and adult costumes are often made for short-term use, not durability. That means buttons, patches, pompoms, string, straw, netting, pipe cleaners, brick-a-brack, and so on may be easily removable by the jaws and paws of small pets.

Supervise children wearing costumes in the house. Curious cats who appear to be snuggling may be plotting a sneak attack on an unsuspecting bauble.

Supervise any pet you dress in a costume. Snap your photos then remove the items. Kittens and cats can quickly choke when hats and collars get caught on furniture, hooks, and cabinet knobs when playing, jumping, fleeing.

Store costumes out of reach of curious felines. A secure box or container with a locking lid is much better than a costume hung on a peg or in a closet where a cat can jump to reach it.

2. Candy

Have you ever wadded a piece of paper and watched your cat come running? Crinkly paper attracts kittens and cats like flies to a bug zapper. Most candy wrappers are plastic. Shredded bits can clog feline intestines. Candy contents can be poisonous or cause illness.

Be sure all candy is secured in cabinets, refrigerators, or in storage containers with tight lids inaccessible to curious creatures. Wrappers should be thrown away in lidded garbage containers.

3. Strobe Lights

Cats and kittens are not too different from young children, dogs, and sensitive adults around flashing lights and fireworks. The need to escape may be so great, they might not think where they are going before they run.

Put your cat in a safe, enclosed space, like a bathroom or bedroom. Be sure there is comfortable bedding, a litter box, water and food. Use the safe space during party times.

4. Open Doors

One place frightened pets often run is past our feet through open doors. Prevent frantic escapes when guests come knocking or when you reach onto your porch for that newly delivered package. Keep cats and kittens in safe rooms during busy door times. It may even be wise to microchip your indoor cat in case it escapes.

5. Fake Spider Webbing

As September drew to a close and Halloween decorations sprang up around the neighborhood, so too did the pleading on social media to resist the urge to decorate with fake spider webs. Birds can get trapped in the fine strands of woven plastic. So too can a cat or kitten. Looks cool, but it can be deadly.

6. Candles

My number one wish for all people with pets is to stop burning candles. Not long ago, a friend’s cat running through the house bumped a candle. Thankfully the friend was close by and witnessed the event. She was able to smother the flames before they caused more damage than a scorched floor.

Another friend’s cat jumped to a screened window to sit on the sill. As it did, it the curtain caught fire from the candle on a side table. That friend was able to smother the flame before it reached her baby’s crib.

Am I an alarmist about candles? My kids would say so. I come by it honestly. My father was an insurance agent who dealt with many home fires and those with worse outcomes. Please don’t take chances. There are many LED alternatives to light pumpkins and add spooky to the night.

Learn from my mistake!

We are our pet’s first line of defense against harmful items and situations. It’s not always easy to think like a cat, but a little effort may go a long way to keeping your furry friend safe.

Q: When is it bad luck to be followed by a black cat?

A: When you’re a mouse.

Happy Halloween!