Safely Including Your Cat in Fall Holiday Fun

Fall holidays mean jack-o-lanterns throughout the neighborhood, knocks at the door, a fully stocked table, lots of rich, fatty food and even more candy! As part of the family, you'll want to include your cat in on the festivities too, but it's best to take a few safety measures before doing it. That's why we've tackled some common fall holiday hazards and offered tips to prevent them.

Halloween Safety Tips for Cats

• To ensure that your cat isn't part of any Halloween mischief or pranks, don't let him outside unattended, especially at night. Even if your cat does normally go outside, remember that on Halloween, he could get spooked by the loud noises and costumes and wander off.
• If you plan to put a costume on your cat, try it on him well in advance of Halloween to see how he reacts to it. If he tolerates it without fuss, make sure that it fits well enough to allow him to see, breathe, hear and move.
• Your cat should wear a collar and name tag with your phone number and address on it all times -- if he does get out of the house, at least you can be contacted.
• Never leave candy lying around or put it where your cat can get it. Small candy and errant candy wrappers are choking hazards.
• Consider keeping your cat confined to one area of the house during parties or high-traffic trick-or-treating times. This way, you'll be at ease when opening and shutting the door. And, if trick-or-treaters enter your home, your cat will be protected from pokes, prods and loud noises.
• Lit pumpkins and candles can easily be knocked over and burn your cat. Curious kittens are especially at risk for getting hurt.
• Instead of sharing any of your trick-or-treating loot, celebrate Halloween with your cat by giving him goodies made especially for him. You could even find a cat-specific recipe for making homemade treats. Another way to get in the spirit is to switch out regular toys with some Halloween-themed toys.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Cats

• It may be tempting to allow your cat to snack alongside you at the Thanksgiving table, but human food can wreak havoc on a cat's system. Keep the dinner fare to yourself, away from curious cats.
• If your cat does manage to sneak any food from the table, keep a watchful eye on him and consult a veterinarian immediately if he starts showing signs of distress.
• Reduce some of the potential for your cat to gaze longingly at the turkey by feeding him before you serve dinner.
• Having guests over for a Thanksgiving feast? Consider creating a "Pet's Only" area using a pet gate or crate so that your cat has a calm, quiet place to relax away from the festivities.
• If you're preparing raw turkey or other meats, wash your hands before playing with your pet, cleaning out his food bowl or handling his water bowl. This can help reduce the spread of bacteria.
• Give thanks to your cat with an extra hour of brushing or by playing with him with his favorite toy -- he'll appreciate the reprieve from noise and relatives!

The holidays are different when you're a new Pet Parent. While you don't want to leave your furry friends out of the fun, making these adjustments to your usual plans to celebrate can get you through the season and keep your spirits bright!