It’s that time of year, when youngsters engage in devilish behavior, dressing up and pulling pranks. Unfortunately, animals are often the targets of these pranks, and sometimes intentionally or not, animals are harmed, even subjected to cruelty. What can you do to keep pets, cats – particularly black cats – safe? Consider the following suggestions:
Keep cats indoors. We suggest a closed bedroom, since kitties have a way of slipping out, either from fear or curiosity. There is no good place in Halloween for cats. For centuries, black cats have been associated with “demonic forces” and on Halloween pranksters often go on the prowl, roaming for kitties. This behavior is so prevalent, shelters often refuse to adopt out black cats in the days leading to Halloween; some refuse black cat adoptions the entire month of October. We strongly suggest all cats remain indoors not only to avoid potential harmful human behavior, but also to avoid being hit by cars. Cats don’t know what is going on during Halloween and a normally peaceful neighborhood can turn into a noisy, movement filled, frightening environment, causing them to bolt across streets filled with more traffic than usual. Consider not only keeping your own cat indoors, but placing neighborhood cats in your garage at least for the active part of the night.
Dogs should be kept indoors as well, or at least away from all the commotion trick o treating brings. Halloween can be a terrifying experience for dogs and keeping them away from trick o treaters keeps both pets and children safe. We don’t want Halloween to include a dog bite, nor do we want dogs blamed for acting in a way that the dog feels is protecting of house and family.
Finally, Halloween candy and wrappers are a danger to pets. Cats are drawn to crinkly wrappers, but if allowed to ingest, these wrappers can cause serious internal issues for cats. Similarly, dogs will not think twice about downing sugary treats. Again, not only are the wrappers potentially harmful, but sugar, chocolate, nuts and other halloween treat ingredients are harmful and potentially fatal to pets.
We want everyone to have fun on Halloween, and for sadness and disaster to be avoided. By taking a few simple precautions Halloween can be a fun human experience and a time when pets remain safe and loved.
Contributor: T. Theis, October 19, 2015