Keeping Your Cat Safe at HalloweenUpdated 7 hours ago
Halloween is full of treats, costumes and spooky fun. A little preparation can help your cat stay comfortable while you enjoy the celebrations.
Costumes and dressing up
Your cat already has the perfect outfit: their own fur. Most cats find costumes and accessories stressful, so leave the dressing up to the humans.
Treats and human food
Keep the trick-or-treat stash for the humans. Chocolate is toxic to cats, and sweets and other human treats can make them unwell.
Store treats securely and clear away wrappers. If your cat wants to join in, offer a favourite cat treat instead.
Decorations
Dangling decorations can tempt curious paws. Keep string, hanging decorations and fake cobwebs out of reach to prevent tangling or swallowing, which can cause a blockage.
Choose battery-operated candles for your pumpkins’ glow. Keep carved pumpkins out of reach and remove them before they rot.
Keeping them in after dark
Plan a cosy night in for your cat. Bring them indoors before dusk, especially if fireworks or celebrations are expected, and secure windows, doors and cat flaps.
Check that their microchip contact details are up to date, just in case they slip out.
Visitors, parties, and changes in routine
Doorbells, costumes and extra visitors can be unsettling. Give your cat a quiet retreat away from the front door, with somewhere to hide and access to food, water and a litter tray.
Ask guests to give them space, let them choose whether to make an appearance, and keep feeding and play routines as familiar as possible.
If your cat finds busy evenings unsettling, a cat-specific pheromone diffuser may offer extra support alongside their quiet retreat. Follow the product instructions and ask your vet if you’re unsure whether it’s suitable.
If your cat gets into something they shouldn't
If you think your cat has eaten chocolate, another potentially harmful food or part of a decoration, contact your vet straight away. Don’t wait for symptoms or try to make them vomit unless your vet instructs you to.
Keep any packaging or a photo of the item to help your vet assess what’s happened.
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