The Way of Cats

Is it true that it is dangerous to let cats out around Halloween? Are black cats in particular danger? Do shelters not adopt black cats around this time?

Yes.

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It’s not actively dangerous to let your cat out around Halloween. But it is a time when people will be milling around outside, carrying flashlights and talking to each other, many of them small children who are unpredictable. This can confuse the cat, make them want to hide until the commotion is over, and maybe even get frightened into a bad situation.

Are black cats in danger? If only from cars, but that is bad enough. Add extra dark to extra traffic, and it’s not a good idea for them to press their luck, or one of their nine lives.

Do shelters restrict adoptions at this time? Yes, but not for particularly nefarious reasons. People might want to decorate with a cat, and then lose interest after the holiday. Best that they reconsider their decision. Like baby bunnies at Easter, and puppies at Christmastime, holidays are not the time for a quick decision on a long commitment like adoption.

So have a good, spooky time at Halloween, but refrain from frightening the cat. Their appreciation of Halloween is somewhat different.

For more about urban myths about cats and Halloween, see this Snopes article.

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As good cat parents, we all have one serious challenge. We must be alert to the cat’s little sickness signals. It is not always easy to tell.

The cat makes it so. They are determined not to let anyone know they are sick.

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This is a survival mechanism. In the wild, cats cannot let on that they feel less than par. This can invite a predator to target them, or encourage another cat to poach on their hunting territory.

Cats will expend a lot of effort to not act sick.

We must be aware of their signals so we can catch, monitor, and act on their condition as needed. What are some common cat sickness signals?

Any change in the cat’s usual routine can be a sign they are sick. We should be quick to have the cat checked over if we suspect something, because the cat might have been sick for a while before they show signs we can pick up.

One indication of a caring and responsive vet is how quickly they will let us bring a sick cat in.

If we call the vet and want to bring the cat in because we are worried about them, the vet should be able to fit us in as soon as possible. Good cat vets know this “hiding illness” characteristic of cats, and will be eager to get to the bottom of their difficulties.

Time can be of the essence. Illnesses caught early can be the difference between keeping the cat, or not. Any illness is cheaper and easier to treat at the beginning.

We can monitor our cat’s health by having a regular grooming routine that lets us notice if they have a tender spot, or aren’t stretching or moving the way they usually do. We can stagger such essential medical procedures as teeth cleanings and immunizations so that our cats get regular checkups. Spring for the blood panel as the cat gets older, and we will have an early warning system for needed changes to the cat’s care.

This survival characteristic of the cat can be a challenge to a caring owner. Making the cat a part of our routine, encouraging the cat to interact with us, and noticing things the cat does, are all part of having a great cat relationship.

They are also ways we can save the cat’s life.

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