Halloween Safety Tips for Cats

Halloween is fast-approaching.  Whether you like to celebrate by handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, throwing a Halloween party, watching scary movies, or going to haunted houses, it's important to keep your cat's safety in mind during your celebratory activities.

Keep Cats Indoors: It's unfortunate, but there are cruel people in the world who steal, injure, or even kill cats during Halloween.  While black cats are most vulnerable during this time of year, it's best to keep your cat inside, no matter his coat color.  Don't just keep your cat inside on Halloween night - keep him confined to the house several days before and after Halloween to ensure his safety.

Provide a Safe Space: If you're planning to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, it's advisable to keep your cat confined to a bedroom with the door shut during trick-or-treating hours.  While your kitty may not typically try to escape through the front door, the chaos of strangers coming to your home may prompt her to slip through the door.  If you think the disruption of having strangers come to the door will bother your cat, play some soft music for her in her safe room.

Likewise, if you are throwing a party at your house, confine your kitty to a safe room.  Be sure to provide her with comfortable places to sleep, food, water, litter box, and toys.  Do not allow guests to go into her safe room during the party unless your kitty is already comfortable with them.  You may also want to play soft music in the room to calm her if she is nervous having house guests over.  Additionally, if you can slip away for a few minutes, visit your cat periodically throughout the party to check in on her and provide her reassurance.

Please ensure your companion is wearing a collar and ID tag on Halloween in case she accidentally escapes outdoors.  If your kitty is microchipped, take a moment to ensure your contact information is up-to-date as well.

Halloween Decorations: It's fun to decorate your home with festive decorations for the season.  Pumpkins and decorative corn are typically considered to be safe plants to have around pets, but they may cause digestive upset if your cat snacks on them, according to the ASPCA.  Pumpkin is actually very beneficial to a cat's digestive system.  Instead of letting your kitty chew on your pumpkin decorations, though, purchase some unsweetened, plain canned pumpkin for him to eat.  You can feed a teaspoon of it to him plain or mix a little into his canned food.

Jack-o-lanterns are one of my favorite Halloween decorations, but they certainly can pose a danger to our beloved furry friends.  Cats are particularly curious and run the risk of burning or singing their paws and whiskers on lit jack-o-lanterns.  Please keep lit jack-o-lanterns and candles out of your kitty's reach for his safety.  Alternatively, purchase LED candles, which are safe to use near your companions.

Some Halloween decorations have electrical cords.  For your cat's safety, please protect electrical cords with cord covers or spray them with a deterrent like Bitter Apple.  Cats who chew electrical cords can suffer cuts, burns, and/or life-threatening electrical shocks.

Candy is Not for Cats: I'm sure you've heard about the toxicity of chocolate for cats.  While dark and baking chocolate are the most toxic to cats, all types of chocolate are dangerous for kitties to ingest.  Xylitol, an artificial sweetener, found in some candies is also toxic to kitties.  If you believe your furry friend has ingested xylitol or chocolate, please call your local veterinarian, emergency animal hospital, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for immediate assistance.  You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.  Please note that a $65 consultation fee may apply.  

Candy wrappers also pose a danger to kitties.  Please keep all candy out of your pet's reach and promptly throw all candy wrappers into a covered trash can.

If you'd like to get your companion a treat for Halloween, purchase her favorite cat treat or try a new one.  Carmine and Milita absolutely love ProPlan Savory Bites in chicken flavor.  If your cat hasn't tried these, we highly recommend them!

Costumes: Please do not dress your kitty in costume unless you know he loves it.  Dressing up a cat who doesn't enjoy it causes him distress.  He may even end up hurting himself trying to get out of the costume.  Most cats don't enjoy being dressed up.  Instead of a costume, you could purchase your cat a bow-tie that slips onto his collar.  You can see Carmine's bow-tie in the photo to the right.

If you know your furry friend loves playing dress-up, be sure to try his costume on him before the big day.  If he starts acting abnormally, seems allergic, or looks distressed, it's best to let him celebrate Halloween in his "birthday suit."

Thoroughly examine the costume to ensure that there are no small or dangling parts your cat can chew off, choke on, or swallow.  Additionally, make sure your pet's costume fits well.  Clothes that are too loose can get caught on objects, which can potentially injure him.  Your kitty's costume should not restrict his breathing, ability to meow, or ability to hear, see, or move.

Utilizing these Halloween safety tips for cats will ensure a safe and happy holiday for everyone in your home.

Do you have any plans for Halloween?  Please share them with us in the comments section. 

Cat Safety Tips for the Fourth of July

Independence Day is a fun day full of cook-outs, family get-togethers, celebrations, and fireworks for Americans.  Unfortunately, though, July 4th may not be fun for your cat.  The loud noises, unusual smells, and strangers in their homes causes many kitties stress.  Therefore, as you plan your 4th of July celebration this year, please use these tips to help reduce your cat's stress and keep him safe during the holiday.

Give Your Cat a Sanctuary

If you're planning on having a get-together at your home, create a sanctuary for your cat in a bedroom.  Put your kitty's favorite beds and toys in the room as well as her litter box, food, and water.  Leavining the door to the sanctuary shut ensures that your cat doesn't accidentally escape outdoors when guests enter or exit your home.  

If your cat gets stressed by visitors, play some soft music for her to help distract her from what's going on outside the bedroom door.  Be sure to check on your kitty every so often to make sure she is doing okay.  If possible, engage your cat in a few interactive play sessions throughout the day to help relieve her stress as well.

If your cat gets stressed during fireworks, try distracting her with interactive play, soft music, or by just sitting with her and talking quietly.

Remember that outdoor kitties get stressed by fireworks, too.  If your kitty typically stays outdoors, you may want to consider bringing her into the house for Independence Day celebrations.  It's unfortunate, but not everyone is kind to felines, and some people might even try to shoot fireworks off near your cat.

If you care for feral felines, provide them with a safe place to hide outdoors.  Put some empty boxes out with towels in the bottoms so they have somewhere comfortable to hide out during the fireworks. 

Update ID and Microchip Information

If you're planning to have guests to your home, make sure they all know to watch for your kitty when they enter and exit your home.  Don't forget to be mindful of your cat when you go to and from your grill as well.  

Cats are sneaky and can scoot past even the most vigilant cat owner.  That's why it's important to keep the information on your kitty's ID tag and microchip up-to-date.  I include my cat's name, phone number, and the phrase, "Indoor cat," on Carmine and Milita's ID tags.  You can update your companion's microchip information on the Internet.  Just go to your microchip company's website, log in, and update your address and phone number as needed.  

People Food

In general, it's not a good idea to indulge your furry companion with people food.  However, if you want to share just a bite of your hamburger or hot dog with your kitty, make sure it has no seasoning or topping on or in it.  Jewel always enjoyed having a bite of plain hot dog or hamburger, but Carmine and Milita don't care for either.  

There are many people foods toxic to cats you should be aware of.  For instance, onions, garlic, lemon, avocado, and chocolate are poisonous to cats.  Please refer to our Toxic Foods for Cats Part 1 and Part 2 for more detailed lists.

Additionally, remember to keep alcoholic drinks out of your companion's reach.  According to the ASPCA, if a pet ingests an alcoholic drink, he may become intoxicated and severely depressed, weak, or go into a coma.  Death may also occur from respiratory distress in serious cases.

Remember to throw away all meat bags, packaging, tin foil, and plastic wrap.  These items are tempting to cats and may lead to intestinal obstruction if ingested.  

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent

Don't use any insect repellent or sunscreen on your cat that isn't indicated for use on pets.  Ingestion of human sunscreen may lead to drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and excessive thirst.  Neurological problems can arise from using insect repellent containing DEET on pets.  You can easily find pet-safe sunscreen and insect repellent by doing a search on the Internet. 

Glow Jewelry and Glowsticks

Keep all glow jewelry and glowsticks away from your pet.  If chewed and ingested, glow jewelry and sticks can cause irritation and possible gastrointestinal obstruction if large enough pieces are swallowed.    

Keep Fireworks Away from Your Cat

It may seem obvious, but having lit fireworks around your furry friend could lead to her getting burned.  It's also important to keep unlit fireworks out of your cat's reach because some fireworks contain toxic substances, such as arsenic, potassium nitrate, and other heavy metals, according to the ASPCA.  

Matches and Lighter Fluid

According to the ASPCA, some matches contain chlorates, which may cause breathing difficulties and blood cell damage.  In severe cases, kidney disease may also occur.  Lighter fluid can cause skin irritation if any is accidentally spilled on your cat's coat.  Ingestion of lighter fluid can lead to gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system depression.  When lighter fluid is inhaled, breathing difficulties and aspiration pneumonia may result.  

Insect Coils, Citronella Candles, and Oil Products

Keep insect coils, citronella candles, and oil products out of your cat's reach.  Ingestion of such products may lead to gastrointestinal distress and central nervous system depression, according to the ASPCA.  Inhaling oils may result in pneumonia aspiration.  

Medication and Anxiety-Relieving Products

If you know your kitty gets stressed or anxious when fireworks go off, talk to your veterinarian before the Independence Day celebrations begin.  Your vet will be able to recommend a medication or other product to reduce your cat's stress.  Never give your cat medication without talking with your veterinarian first.  Many human medications are toxic to pets. 

Rescue Remedy or Comfort Zone/Feliway diffusers may help keep your cat calm during fireworks.  If you choose to use a diffuser, plug it in a day or two ahead of time so it has time to disperse throughout the house.  

You can reduce the noise and bright light from the fireworks by closing your windows, shutting your blinds, and turning on the television or radio to a channel that plays soft music.  

Using these tips will help you and your furry friend have a safe and happy Independence Day.  

Do you have any Independence Day plans?  Please share with us in the comments!

Sources:

Pam Johnson-Bennett: Fourth of July Cat Safety Tips.

ASPCA: Fourth of July Safety Tips.

Banfield Pet Hospital: Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips for Your Dogs and Cats.

Holiday Safety Tips for Cats: Christmas Decorations

Photo credit: Trish Hamme.

Christmas is a joyous time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Yet, like many other holidays, Christmas holds potential dangers for our furry friends.  Please read on to find out about the potential risks as well as how to best protect your kitty during this time of year.

Christmas Tree: Christmas tress pose many potential dangers for kitties  The best way to keep your kitty safe from the Christmas tree is to put the tree in a room your cat cannot access.  Alternatively, you could put your tree into a room with a door on it so that you can close the door when you're not home.  Unfortunately, these solutions are not always practical, so it's best to make your Christmas tree as safe as you can for your cat.

Real pine trees are toxic to cats, and if swallowed, pine needles can puncture a kitty's internal organs.  Fake trees are definitely safer for cats, but if you must have a real tree in your home, please ensure that the tree's water supply is sufficient so that the tree won't dry up and drop needles onto the floor.  Check for needles around your tree daily, and sweep or vacuum up any that have fallen onto the floor.  The tree's water supply will also be poisonous to your cat, so ensure that he or she cannot drink it.

Whether you have a real or fake tree, make sure the tree's base is sturdy so that the tree isn't able to be knocked over easily.  Pet Wave suggests that many tree stands are not sufficient for the weight and height of their trees.  The site suggests that you invest in a larger, sturdier stand and duct tape it to a non-carpeted floor to prevent your kitty from toppling the tree over if he or she decides to climb inside it.  If you have a carpeted floor, you can use twine to anchor your tree to a hook in your wall, but make sure the twine doesn't pose a risk to your feline in itself.  You may want to place your tree away from any furniture or shelves as well so your kitty can't jump onto your tree from them.

Ornaments: Make sure all ornaments are securely fastened to the tree, especially the ones on the bottom that your cat can easily reach.  It's best not to put any fragile ornaments on the bottom of your tree in case your kitty bats at them and knocks them off.  Your furry friend could easily cut his or her paws on broken glass ornaments that he or she batted off the tree.

Tinsel: Please avoid putting tinsel on your tree.  Tinsel is very pretty, but if your cat swallows it, it can cause intestinal blockages, which may be fatal or require expensive emergency surgery.

Angel Hair, Flocking, and Artificial Snow: Angel hair, artificial snow, and flocking are also toxic to kitties, and if they are ingested in large quantities, they can cause intestinal blockages.  It's best to try to find alternative decorations for your home.

Decorative Lights: Electrical cord chewing can lead to mouth burns, electrical shock, and electrocution for your cat.  To help protect your furry friend, spray your Christmas light cords and extension cords with a deterrent, such as Bitter Apple.  It is also important to always unplug your tree lights before leaving the house as well.

Candles: Keep lit candles out of your cat's reach so that he or she doesn't accidentally bum him or herself or knock them over, causing a fire.  Remember to blow out your candles before going to sleep or leaving the house so no accidents occur while your kitty is unsupervised.  You could also consider using flameless candles as decorations instead.

Gift Wrapping: Because ribbons can cause intestinal obstruction if swallowed, I would recommend not using them on gifts in your home.  Gift bows, like the one pictured, are safer for kitties.

To keep your presents and feline completely safe, you may want to consider not putting the gifts under the tree until right before your Christmas celebration.

By utilizing these tips, you can help keep your cat safe during the holidays.

Halloween Safety Tips for Cats

Halloween is just around the corner. Amidst all the trick-or-treating, visiting haunted houses, decorating, and throwing parties, we must remember to keep our furry friends safe. These tips should help you do just that.

Keep Candy Out of Reach: While tasty, candy can hurt your kitty in many different ways. For instance, chocolate is toxic for cats and can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, diarrhea, low blood pressure, high heart rate, rapid breathing, and seizures. In advanced cases of chocolate poisoning, cats can also experience coma, heart failure, and weakness, according to PetMD.

Cats can also choke on lollipop sticks or get them lodged in their digestive systems, causing an intestinal blockage. Candy wrappers can also get lodged in your pet's digestive tract. Thus, it is a good idea to keep Halloween candy out of kitty's reach or keep it in a secure, locked cabinet.

Keep Kitty Indoors: Another Halloween safety tip for cats is to keep your furry friends inside. Some individuals tend to think that black cats are evil and may try to hurt cats who are outdoors on Halloween. Additionally, if you are giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, your kitty will have ample opportunity to escape throughout the night. If it's possible, keep your pet indoors in a separate room away from the front door to prevent him or her from escaping when you are distracted handing out candy to trick-or-treaters. If this is not possible, you may want to consider boarding your pet for the night at a local boarding facility or your cat's vet office.

Safe Decorations: It is important to remember that your kitty may be curious about the wires and cords some Halloween decorations require. Kittens, especially, may try to chew on such wires, which can lead to burns and dangerous electrical shocks. Thus, I strongly encourage you to keep electrical wires and cords out of your cat's reach. If this is not possible, protect your kitty by enclosing electrical cords in electrical cord covers/protectors or spraying them with Bitter Apple, a taste cats find very unpleasant.

Kitty Costumes: Please do not dress your cat in costume for Halloween unless you know that he or she loves being dressed up. Dressing up a kitty who does not enjoy it will only stress him or her. The ASPCA warns that if you do put your cat in a costume, ensure that it does not impede your pet's movement, his or her ability to breathe or meow, or interfere with hearing or seeing. Also, ensure that the costume is not unsafe or annoying for your kitty. The ASPCA recommends trying the costume on your feline before Halloween night to make sure it does not distress your furry friend and to ensure that he or she is not allergic to it. Finally, make sure that the costume does not contain any small or dangling parts or anything that can be chewed off and choked on.

Jack-O-Lanterns: Pumpkins are definitely festive for this time of year. However, if you put a candle in your pumpkin, keep a close eye on your furry friend. Some kitties are interested and curious about fire and may get too close to it. Other cats might knock over jack-o-lanterns and start a fire. For the safety of your pet and your home, please use a lot of caution if you have jack-o-lanterns in your home during the Halloween season.

Keep your feline safe this October by utilizing these Halloween safety tips for cats. I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Halloween this year.

Sources:

ASPCA: Halloween Safety Tips

CatChannel: Halloween Safety Tips for Cats

Toy shopping for the Holidays

As the Holidays approach and we buy treats and toys for our furry friends, it's important to keep in mind what are safe/good toys and bad/dangerous toys for our cats.

According to an article on the CatChannel, some toys to avoid giving your kitty include:
-string or yarn
-toys with small parts that may be ingested by your cat
-toys with metal pieces that may become detached as your kitty plays with them

Good and safe toys include:
-catnip toys, such as soft catnip filled toys and catnip mice
-plastic balls with bells (or without if your kitty prefers balls without bells)
-stuffed animals (small ones if your cat enjoys carrying things around the house)

You can read more tips on toy shopping for your furry friends here.