Halloween is coming up fast! There are seasonal decorations and motifs everywhere, and the stores are packed with candies, costumes, and trappings. Of course, your feline friend probably won’t have much of a reaction if you tell her that. Cats are very good at being unimpressed! However, this can be a dangerous time of year for kitties, so you’ll want to take some precautions to keep Fluffy safe. A Washington DC vet offers some advice on that below.
We recommend keeping Fluffy inside all year long, as it’s really the only way to protect her from hazards like traffic and weather. That advice goes double at this time of year! The dropping temperatures, shorter days, and increased traffic all form a very hazardous combination. There’s also a danger of chemical exposure from things like pesticides, fertilizer, mold, mildew, and antifreeze. Black cats are especially at risk, due to old (and false) myths linking them to witchcraft. Play it safe, and ground the furball.
As you may know, fall is one of the peak shedding times. Fluffy will lose some fur as she puts on her winter coat. Brush your fuzzy little diva daily. Removing dead hair and dander from her coat will not only keep her warmer, it will also help stop her fur from getting, well, everywhere.
Not all of our feline companions are social butterflies. Some are simply scaredy-cats. If you’re hosting a Halloween event and/or expecting trick or treaters, make sure Fluffy has a quiet, comfy place to retreat to.
Fluffy has a knack for getting into mischief, and she is often instinctively drawn to things that are dangerous for her. Keep anything that could be hazardous out of paws’ reach. This includes anything small or sharp; items with ropes and cords; toxic plants; plastic bags and ties; chemicals; medications; and candles. The candy dish is also unsafe for frisky felines. Chocolate is toxic to Fluffy, as are many other sweets. Plus, hard candies and candy wrappers present choking hazards.
Did you know that cats sleep even more than usual when it’s cold or dreary out? Fluffy is a perfect snuggle buddy for chilly autumn nights. Get some R&R with your adorably drowsy pet!
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