Laugh. Learn. Love cats.
Ashton: It’s the most wonderful time of the year: when the windows and doors are finally open after the long summer months.
Ashton: I can finally walk out onto the porch and smell the outside smells.
Ashton: And I can see the birds, too! You know I could catch them if I really wanted to.
Ashton: Rolling on the porch floor feels sooooo good.
Ashton: Wait, did I see a bird again?
Do you have open windows so you can smell the outside smells now, too?
How can you keep your cat safe this Halloween? Depending on how much trick-or-treating happens in your neighborhood and how much you love to decorate for the holiday, these tips can help:
If you have lots of scary strangers walking up the front walk in costumes over and over, it increases the likelihood of your outdoor cat being frightened and going missing or having an accident happen.
You may want to play some soothing music in the room to help cover the doorbell noises for the anxious cat. Some cats are calmer when they have a place to hide, so try providing a box or other hiding spot. If your cat is really anxious about the doorbell and door, consider sitting on your porch to hand out candy so that the bell isn’t causing such agitation.
Since your kitty won’t carry an ID card, both a collar and microchip are suggested to make sure that if trick-or-treaters or Halloween revelers spook your cat and she ends up lost, someone can help her get home safely.
It’s not manufactured to be a safe cat toy and may have unhealthy components or pieces that are easily torn off by a playful cat, such as gauzy fake spiderwebs, which can cause blockages if ingested. Don’t forget that a candle inside a jack-o-lantern is still an open flame and can be dangerous if knocked down. Consider using a battery-powered, artificial candle instead.
Glow sticks, enjoyed by children instead of flashlights while trick-or-treating, can be toxic.
If your cat isn’t used to wearing clothes, watch for signs of distress and don’t overdo it if your kitty gets upset. Be sure that the costume isn’t too tight for your cat to draw a deep breath and doesn’t obscure your cat’s vision.
If you have a cat like Ashton who will eat almost anything, whether it’s species-appropriate or not, make sure that candy is stored out of reach or in a sealed container.
I recently took a trip to see some old friends, like this handsome guy.
It wasn’t just cats. I also looked at a lot of amazing scenery, laughed a lot with friends, and slept far too little. Those are all the signs of a great vacation, aren’t they?
Don’t worry, I didn’t travel alone. Mr. Bones was waiting in the airport when I arrived.
I guess I should be glad he had a sign being about Mr. Bones instead of holding a sign with my name on it, indicating that he was my driver. He doesn’t look like his vision is all that good.
After a lot of fun, including little wand toy action, it was time to come home.
My trip was the longest I had ever been apart from Cupcake since she arrived at our house, and I wasn’t sure how she was going to respond to my return.
Cupcake: I don’t think I know you, lady.
Cupcake: I missed out on my baristas and whipped cream, and I can smell you’ve been hanging out with another cat.
I guess I have some explaining to do.
Cupcake: I get to play a new game at bedtime. The humans think I need some wearing out before they sleep. I don’t know why.
Cupcake: So every night, I wait for my special feather time in bed. This is fun!
Cupcake: I’ve got the feather now! This is the best part, because I can show what a mighty hunter I am.
Cupcake: What do you mean I can’t take it with me? * GRRR * My feather toy!
Cupcake: Do you get possessive of your toys, too?
