5 Safety Tips for Cats at Halloween

You know those shiny foil wrappers that catch the light? They can do nasty things if you happen to swallow a bit, and you know perfectly well that chocolate itself is no good for cats.

Dogs are always the ones to get stuck into the chockie treat. Better keep an eye on them. And I mean really keep an eye on them, you have to be vigilant, you just can't trust well-meaning revelers these days.

Bear in mind that anyone misguided enough to toss a toffee to a dog, can just as easily coax a cat with chocolate. Don't let them! Chocolate is poison.

Keep those wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your cat. Please!

Lights look so tempting when they twinkle and flicker that it's very hard to resist playing with them. Kittens can't be let loose anywhere twinkling lights, and even a dignified cat like myself can have a senior moment. If you chew those lights, you'll end up with nasty cuts in the mouth. Those shards of glass or plastic are sharp when you crunch them!

I don't want to mention the deadly electrical shock, that's too upsetting to even think about. Dreadful.

Those carved pumpkins look really festive, especially when they have a candle inside. I can tell you first hand about long swishing tails and candles getting knocked over for the memory of a near tragedy in my kittemhood still haunts me.

I am older now, and much wiser in the ways of candles, but not all cats have the benefit of my intelligence.

Please don't dress your cat in a costume UNLESS the cat is quite comfortable.

Let's be frank here, dogs usually don't mind wearing silly things. Most dogs are deliriously happy to look dopey if it pleases people while a cat, on the other hand, has far too much sense of self-worth to look foolish.

There are exceptions of course. You may be fortunate to have as your companion a cat who has so much elegance that a tasteful costume is acceptable. Make sure it's completely safe and your cat can get out of it fast.

The safest thing all round is to lock your cat up at Halloween.

Strangers coming round the house are stressful enough at the best of times but, if the front door is being frequently open and shut and noisy children are bouncing on the doorstep, don't be surprised if you end up with a semi-deranged cat. Why not do your cat a favour and put a sign on your front door asking children to knock gently? It's at least worth a try.

I recommend that your cat has a dedicated room with a small bowl of nibbly things and gentle music playing - far from the madding crowd.