Halloween Safety Tips for Your Cat

Halloween can be a wonderful holiday for people, but it can also bring special risks for our feline friends. From frightening costumes to tempting (and toxic) treats, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your cat calm, safe, and happy.

Create a Safe Room

If you're hosting a party or expecting trick-or-treaters, set up a quiet, enclosed space for your cat before the festivities begin. This simple step helps prevent stress and keeps your cat safely away from frequently opening doors.

Make the room a calm retreat by including:

• A clean litter box
• Fresh food and water
• A cozy bed or blanket
• A scratching post to relieve stress
• Hiding spots such as a box or carrier

Playing soft, soothing music can help your cat relax and mask scary outdoor sounds.

For extra comfort, consider adding one of our soft Muffin Blankets — cats love curling up on them for security during noisy nights.

Reconsider the Cat Costume

While cat costumes can be adorable, they aren't for everyone. Many cats become frightened or stressed when dressed up.

Watch for these signs of distress:

• Hissing, scratching, or biting
• Freezing, crouching, or wide eyes
• Rolling over and stiffening
• Running or hiding

If your cat shows any of these behaviors, it's best to skip the costume and let her shine naturally.

Avoid any costume with ribbons, strings, or small pieces that could get caught or be swallowed — these can cause strangulation or dangerous intestinal blockages.

Keep Identification on Your Cat

Frightened cats often dash for cover. With doors opening and closing for trick-or-treaters, even indoor cats can slip out unnoticed.

• Use the safe room whenever possible to avoid escapes.
• Post a sign on the door reminding guests to keep it closed because your cat is inside.
• Ensure your cat wears a breakaway collar with an ID tag that lists your current contact information.

If your cat is microchipped, double-check that your registration information is up to date.

Fun, Safe Ways to Celebrate

Your cat can still join in the Halloween fun — safely!

• Offer a new catnip pumpkin toy or La Cat-Rina toy for enrichment.
• Add some festive flair with Meowloween Soft Paws^® colors — orange, purple, and black!
• Spend extra quiet time playing together in her safe room to help release energy and promote calmness.

The Bottom Line

A little preparation helps ensure that Halloween is enjoyable — not stressful — for your cat. Keep her safely indoors, provide a cozy retreat, and avoid scary surprises.

Wishing you and your feline a happy, safe Meowloween from all of us at Soft Paws^®.