Keep Your Cat Safe at Halloween

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, but it can bring extra challenges for our feline friends. From candy hazards to costume stress, here's how to keep your cat calm, comfortable, and safe this spooky season.

Keep Candy Out of Paw's Reach

Chocolate is toxic to cats, and while xylitol (a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free candies and gums) is especially dangerous for dogs, it's still best to keep it away from cats too — even small amounts may pose a risk.

• Keep all Halloween candy securely stored and out of reach.
• Remind children and guests that cats shouldn't eat human treats.
• If your cat ingests chocolate or anything sugar-free, contact your veterinarian or one of the pet poison hotlines below immediately.

Even though cats usually aren't attracted to sweets, curiosity or encouragement from humans can sometimes lead to trouble.

Be Careful With Cat Costumes

Costumes can be cute but stressful — or even dangerous — for many cats.

• Test first with a lightweight baby T-shirt. If your cat freezes, crouches, or tries to remove it, skip the costume.
• If your cat tolerates dressing up, ensure the costume has no strings, ribbons, or small parts that could be swallowed.
• Only let your cat wear it under supervision, and remove it immediately if she seems uncomfortable.

Interactive Play Before the Festivities

Before the trick-or-treating starts or guests arrive, take a few minutes for interactive playtime with your cat.

• Use wand toys, laser pointers, or feather teasers to engage your cat's natural instincts.
• Play sessions help your cat release energy and happy hormones (like serotonin), leaving her more relaxed when the evening's commotion begins.
• Afterward, offer a small treat or meal to complete the “hunt—catch—eat—rest” cycle that makes cats feel content and calm.

A short play session can make a big difference in helping your kitty stay settled during the noisy parts of the night.

For inspiration, check out our collection of Wands, Teasers & Interactive Toys — toys designed to engage your cat safely and joyfully.

Fantastic products. All three of my Maine Coons sleep on them every night! —Ronda

Reduce Halloween Noise & Stress

Doorbells, visitors, and loud parties can easily frighten cats.

• Before festivities begin, set up a quiet “safe room” with a litter box, cozy bed, food, water, and toys.
• Add a scratching post to help relieve stress and play calming music to mask outdoor noise.
• Even sociable cats can bolt through open doors — make sure yours wears a breakaway collar and ID tag just in case.

To make your cat's safe space extra cozy, consider adding one of our soft comfort options:

• Muffin Blanket — irresistibly soft and perfect for kneading or curling up.
• Muffin Pillow — gives cats a comforting place to rest their head (or take over yours!).
• Muffin Pillowcase Cover — slide it over an old pillow for a cozy, cat-approved upgrade.

You know how kitties always want to steal your pillow — now they can have one of their own!

Protect Black Cats During Halloween

Sadly, myths and pranks around black cats still persist during Halloween.

• Keep black cats indoors and safe in the days before and after the holiday.
• Avoid rehoming or allowing outdoor time for black cats during this season.

Final Tips

With a little preparation, Halloween can be fun for everyone — cats included. Provide enrichment with safe indoor toys, comfy resting spots, and plenty of love. Looking for stress-relieving scratching posts or catnip toys?

Explore Purrfect Post favorites here.

If You Suspect Poisoning

If your cat has eaten chocolate, sugar-free candy, or anything toxic, call your veterinarian right away, or contact one of these 24-hour hotlines:

Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435

(Both are available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.)