Take Special Care Of Your Cat On Halloween [Especially Black Cats!]

Halloween is just around the corner. Excitement fills the air, and mischief lurks in the shadows. It is important to take special care of your cat on Halloween.

On Halloween, you must always know where your cat is, especially if it's a black one. This spirited holiday brings joy to many but poses hidden dangers to our whiskered friends.

From ancient myths about black cats to the unexpected frights that can send them into panic, Halloween isn't always fun and games for our pets.

In this article, we'll uncover the potential threats, share insights on what you should avoid, and offer guidance on how to keep your cat safe and content during the festivities. Are you ready to ensure a happy and safe Halloween for your cat? Read on.

The Mysterious Connection Between Black Cats and Halloween

Halloween is nearing, and mystery surrounds every corner. Among the shadows lurks an age-old association with black cats. Do you know where your black cat is on this mischievous night? The connection between black cats and witchcraft dates back to ancient beliefs, painting a picture both fascinating and eerie.

In days gone by, black cats were thought to be demons in disguise. People believed that destroying a demon, often seen as a witch's "familiar," would grant them lifelong peace. The story didn't end there.

As time rolled on, the understanding evolved. The feared demon transformed into a psychic companion to the witch, a powerful link to her very essence. Destroying this link was said to strip the witch of her power, a belief held by a misguided few even today.

This entwined history with witchcraft, mystery, and superstition makes the black cat a symbol of intrigue and an unwitting participant in Halloween's playful chaos. But what does this mean for your black cat during the modern celebration of Halloween? The answer might surprise you, and we'll explore that connection as we continue.

care of your cat on halloween

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What to Do with Possible Threats to Your Cat on Halloween

Protecting Your Cat from Startling Noises

There are other problems associated with this holiday that pose a danger to your cat. The unexpected loud noises of children banging on your door at night and showing up in costume are liable to send the most relaxed cat into a near panic attack.

It is best to isolate the cat(s) into a room far from the front door. Leave a radio playing softly or television on to distract her from the festivities.

Beware of Halloween Treats and Trappings

Plastic bags that candy comes in are especially alluring to young kittens, and if a bag lands on the floor, a kitty could pounce on it get trapped inside, and suffocate if you don’t happen to notice her in time.

The candy itself poses another danger, especially chocolate -- as it is very toxic to cats and should be kept out of reach at all times.

Control Your Cat's Environment

If you're not careful, the following threats can endanger your pet:

  • Running out the front door and into the street
  • Injuring herself in an attempt to escape frightening visitors
  • Bolting if let outside by a well-meaning guest during your own Halloween party

If hosting a party, keep the room where your cat stays off-limits. Provide food, water, and a litter box until the festivities are over.

Safety First for a Happy Halloween

Remember, your children aren't the only ones who need protection during this holiday. The safety of your cat is equally crucial. Follow these guidelines and warnings, and you're on your way to a safe and joyful Halloween.

Ensure a Safe and Joyful Halloween for Your Cat

Remember, your children aren't the only ones who need protection during this holiday. The safety of your cat is equally crucial. Follow these guidelines and warnings, and you can enjoy a safe and joyful Halloween with your beloved pet.

The myths and mysteries surrounding black cats add to the allure of the holiday, but don't let those stories put your pet at risk.

By being aware and taking simple precautions, you can make Halloween a treat for everyone in the family, including your whiskered companion. Happy Halloween!

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More on Halloween for cat lovers:

Get Inspired: Cat-themed Halloween Decorations

How To Safely Dress-up Your Cat For Halloween


Written Contributions by Mary Anne Miller

Mary Anne Miller is a freelance writer and member of the Cat Writers' Association. She is a web copywriter, and passionate about feral cats/kittens and bottle babies. You can read more by Mary Anne in her Feral Cat Behavior Blog.


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14 comments on “Take Special Care Of Your Cat On Halloween [Especially Black Cats!]

SweetiePie1 October 10, 2019
Excellent article and thank you all for sharing your stories. My first cat was black (Schnap, aka Essie B, aka The Black Baroness Von Ditti Hausen :)) and I loved her dearly. Happy Halloween to everyone who participates and make sure you know where you babies are and have secured them before starting your festivities.
Colourcloud October 8, 2019
A few years ago, I was a permanent volunteer at a cat rescue organization. (I LOVED doing it..) When Halloween approaches, there is a strict rule every year, that absolutely NO black kitties are offered for adoption until AFTER Halloween. This was in effect the entire month of October..and I think, even the last week in September. Sad that we live in a world where we would have to delay a home for a kitty because of possible cruelty..but love and safety of each kitty is crucial.
    DreamerRose October 29, 2022
    Some shelters do allow black cats to be adopted before Halloween. I adopted my Mingo a few days before Halloween, and I don't remember seeing any other black cats that day. However, as a 70-year-old adopter, I probably didn't look very threatening! Very glad to see this article posted, though.
catsknowme October 31, 2018
Great article! I know that there are still atrocious people out there who are harming cats during this Halloween season. One of our most veteran members was looking for connections in southwest Texas to help a person who is dealing with "satanists" who have killed a community cat. Unfortunately, I have had no luck with finding anyone who might help; for the safety of the person trying to help the cats (and the cats that she is keeping inside until the prime danger is past), we are being very "undercover" so I have to be extra careful about posting on Facebook. If anyone knows of a reliable person who might be able to help, please PM me!
terestrife May 15, 2016
@LunarIris your story brought tears to my eyes. =(
lydia warren October 3, 2015
thats sad i had a pure black cat with the most beautiful green eyes my grandma gave me near christmas and i let my brother name it..he named it humbugs not a year later near holloween he dissapeared now we lived in the mountins and both my cats humbugs a male and a female calico named holly that sleeped with me at night were mostly outdoor cats and rarly ever ate the cat food they were born wild and adored me and my dad but they stay away from other humans that includes my brother and lindsey (my abusive mom) well anyway they also would stay away from the bigger wild animals and that includes rabbits and well we always thought humbags ran away as he was male and born wild for the first 9 months of his life. but i also knew he would refuse to leave holly his sister and they would always be seen together except when holly was with me and humbugs was hunting outside. they both even slept with me.....on my face T_T and so when he disappeared i was suspicious but i never knew this stuff till now.
kntrygrl256 September 30, 2015
That's true @LoveMyZeus. A lot of places are opting for community centers & churches that set up festivals and trunk of treats because it's safer. When I had my black cats they never went outside during the week of Halloween because I lived in a bad area. I have several friends that are Wiccan and they do not approve of animal sacrifices of any kind.
lovemyzeus September 26, 2015
Great article, thankfully there is no trick or treating in my development. The residents with young kids all meet at the "town center" near the main gate on Halloween and residents (that choose to participate) bring their candy their to distribute to them. It is safer for everyone especially the kids.
lunariris December 26, 2014
Hannah1369 I'm so sorry for your losses. I truly feel for you and wish you nothing but the best. Hopefully one day we will get to be reunited with our loved ones again somehow. **hugs** 
hannah1369 October 11, 2013
LunarIris  this is for you. I do know how it feels I not only lost Simba my 15 yr old kitty by a hit and run on HallowsEve but my human child. Believe it or not it hurts the same especially when there is nothing to do about it but scream at God. Simba was a wonderful Maine Coon and this happened 10 years old. My daughter Rose happened 38 years ago and they are both burned inmy mind forever.Hannah1369
karkel59 October 6, 2013
Just readh ere in the paper that someone got into a shelter and be headed several kittens....who does that ? How could you live with yourself if you did something so nasty ?
gravekandi September 19, 2013
When I volunteered at a local pet shelter we were told to be weary and thoroughly interview people who wanted a black cat, especially during Halloween.
lunariris January 27, 2013
Please keep your pets in on Halloween. We had a sweet and lovable black male cat, Neptune, born and raised by my family and followed me everywhere like a shadow. Although I always felt indoor cats were safer and I worried for him every day when I'd go to school, my parents insisted he be both indoor-outdoor. Halloween 2005, I went with friends trick-or-treating and didn't realize that he was out (he was supposed to be in that night). When we were a few yards from home and went to cross the street to go down town I turned to see him following me, so I told my friends I'd be right back and I had to run him inside. They said we'd only be gone 15 minutes tops and that he'd be fine. I was really worried, but told him "stay" (he used to listen and wait at the house, or else he would follow me the whole walk)....I have that image of him sitting on a hill near our yard burned into my mind because that was the last time I saw him.
jlc20m October 29, 2012
My advice is to keep all kitties indoors on the day (and evening/night) of Halloween and several days leading up to Halloween. There are a lot of weird people out there that will use any excuse to torture -or worse- an innocent animal. jlc20m

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