Although I love Halloween when it comes to watching how excited my kids get as they dress up in their costumes and go out to trick-or-treat, I dislike this holiday for the awful image of cats that are portrayed on decorations, pumpkins, etc. There are countless Halloween images of mean-faced black cats with their backs hunched up, displaying piloerection (hair standing up). You won’t find any decorations with mean-faced dogs on them for Halloween but there’s always an endless supply of cat pictures that continue the negative impression of felines.
As a result of the continuing bad press that cats get during Halloween, there are some safety issues you need to address if your cat is allowed outdoors. If you have a black cat, he is especially at risk when it comes to being the target of cruelty during this holiday. Most shelters no longer adopt black cats out during the month of October just to prevent the potential for abuse. With your own black cat, if you haven’t started keeping him indoors already, please begin the transition. He should at least be kept indoors the night before Halloween, Halloween itself, and the night after. If you can keep him in starting tonight that would eliminate any risk.
Even if your cat (black cat or otherwise) isn’t at risk for potential abuse during Halloween, there are other factors to consider. The sights and sounds of costumed kids on the street can be confusing to kitty. And although a person may not intend any harm to your cat, any attempted pranks or games could be terrifying to the unsuspecting animal. Costumes themselves can be frightening for many cats. That’s something to consider even if your cat stays indoors. He may not be comfortable being in close quarters to your children if they’re dressed up in costume.
If your cat has a habit of attempting to rush out the door whenever it’s open, then Halloween can be a real challenge for you. To keep kitty safe, place him in a separate room to prevent the chance that he might slip out the door as you’re handing goodies to the trick-or-treaters.
Candy is not healthy for cats and chocolate is especially toxic. Cats don’t typically have a sweet tooth but if your cat has gotten into the habit of swiping food from the table or has been exposed to sweet food from family members, make sure that Halloween candy is kept safe.
Finally, please do your part as an informed cat owner by not displaying Halloween decorations that negatively portray felines.
Wishing you a safe and happy Halloween.
Pam Johnson-Bennett is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant
and owner of Cat
Behavior Associates, LLC. To order Pam's books or to
learn more about cat behavior, please visit our website.
