5 Ways to Help Your Cat Have a Happy and Scare-Free Halloween
Halloween is full of fun for us but for our cats, it can be a little… well, spooky. Strange people at the door. Loud, unfamiliar noises. Costumes that make their favorite humans look like strangers. And plenty of new things to sniff, explore, and potentially knock off a shelf!
The good news? A little preparation can help your cat feel safe, secure, and ready to enjoy Halloween their way. Here are five simple tips to help keep your kitty calm when the ghosts and goblins come knocking.
1. Keep your kitty safely inside.
If your cat usually enjoys some outdoor time, bring them inside before the Halloween festivities begin. Keep doors and windows closed throughout the evening, especially with trick-or-treaters coming and going. And just in case your cat makes a quick escape, make sure their microchip information is up to date.
2. Give them a cozy place to hide.
When things get a little too exciting, your cat may want to retreat to a quiet, familiar spot. Make sure they have easy access to their favorite hiding places, beds, and perches. If you’re expecting lots of visitors, consider giving them a quiet room of their own, complete with food, water, toys, and a clean litter tray. Some familiar music or the TV can also help mask the sounds of Halloween outside.
3. Help create a calmer environment.
A little advance preparation can make a big difference. Plug in a FELIWAY Optimum Diffuser a couple of days before Halloween in the room where your cat spends the most time. Its calming pheromone technology helps create a reassuring environment, helping your cat feel safe and secure when things around them are changing.
4. Let your cat do Halloween their way.
Your cat probably won’t understand why you’ve suddenly become a witch, superhero, or vampire and that’s OK! Don’t force them to interact with costumes, guests, or decorations. Let them decide when they want to come out and say hello. And wherever possible, stick to their normal routine with regular mealtimes, playtime, and plenty of familiar cuddles.
5. Keep the spooky stuff out of paw’s reach.
Curious cats love to investigate, so keep an eye on candles, pumpkins, flashing lights, fake cobwebs, and other decorations that could be knocked over, tangled in, or otherwise cause trouble. And keep Halloween candy safely out of reach, too. If you want to give your kitty a special treat, stick with their usual cat treats or kibble.
Whether your kitty is black, white, orange, tabby, or a little bit of everything, here’s to a Halloween that’s more treat, less trick and happy for both of you!
