Santa Cruz- For the animals in our lives, Halloween can be a time of fear, anxiety and even tragedy. There are some very simple precautions that all pet owners can take to keep animals safe on Halloween.
Start with the basics. Be in tune with your animal’s feelings. Companion animals are creatures of habit. Loud noises in the street and strangers knocking at the door may frighten companion animals. In addition, we may know that the ghoulish faces that knock on our doors aren’t real, but our animals don’t.
Some very important tips in keeping your animals way from potential harm on Halloween:
- Don’t leave your companion animal in the yard. Companion animals may be frightened by the increased activity in your neighborhood. In addition, in the yard they may be victimized by children or adults participating in seemingly “harmless” pranks. It’s best to keep your pets inside your home, in a quiet place away from the front door. Outdoor cats should be kept inside for several days before and several days after Halloween.
- Keep lit pumpkins away from animals. Companion animals can knock them over and cause fires, or even burn themselves.
- Remember trick or treat candies are not for animals. Chocolate is poisonous to many animals and all candies may cause vomiting or diarrhea. In addition, candy wrappers may be harmful if swallowed.
- Animals don’t trick-or-treat. Children may have difficulty handling a companion animal during these activities.
- Be mindful of the safety and comfort of animal costume. If you decide to dress up your animal, try to make the outfit is as safe and comfortable as possible. Make sure that it doesn’t constrict movement or breathing and that it doesn’t include tiny decorations that the animal can choke on. And finally, make sure the outfit doesn’t obstruct his/her vision, even the sweetest animal can act aggressive when he/she can’t see.
- Black cats may be particularly at risk. Black cats have historically been the subject of many misconceptions and superstitions, especially in Halloween folklore. Be sure to keep black cats away from windows, as they can be taunted by trick-or-treaters even when inside the house.
Back to the basics, keep an eye on your animal and be conscious of the way they are feeling. Happy Halloween and remember to keep your animals safe, comfortable and happy. For more information, please call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000.
DISPELLING THE MYTH OF THE DARK FELINE
Why are black cats consistently among the last felines to be adopted in shelters across the United States? Why do owners of black cats still have to take special precautions to keep their pets safe and sound during Halloween?
Many people, even in our progressive Bay Area communities, still believe the old superstitions that a black cat is the harbinger of bad luck, the witch’s best friend, or a reincarnated evil spirit.
However, there are many more superstitions throughout history and the present that suggest black cats symbolize good luck. These beliefs date as far back as ancient Egypt, where black cats were considered sacred and to kill one was sacrilege. Thousands of years later, King Charles I of England was so obsessed with the fear of loosing his black cat that he had it guarded by top ranking soldiers all day and all night. An old Chinese belief is that a light haired cat will bring its owner silver, while a dark haired cat will bring its owner gold.
In Australia and Britain, black cats are believed to be lucky, while white cats bring bad luck. A famous British saying expresses this belief, “Whenever the cat of the house is black, the lasses of lovers shall have no lack”. In America there is a superstition that if the household black cat sneezes near a bride on her wedding day then she is sure to have a happily married life. In Santa Cruz some fishermen’s wives believe that a black cat at home can prevent disasters out at sea.
Black cats may be more difficult to place than other cats because people are more immediately drawn to other colors. Black cats or kittens may frequently get overlooked in shelter environments. Sarah Eryavec, Interim Director of the Santa Cruz SPCA, states, “People think that they all look alike and that they all must be the same. They don’t realize that black cats come in patterns too, like black on black tiger striped cats.”
There are many that believe black cats have the best personalities. “Black cats are sleek, shiny and very elegant. And they all possess a special, mysterious allure that other cats just do not have”, states Windi Wojdak, a proud owner of four dark felines. Seth Bodek, also an owner of a black cat proudly states, “We’ve had cats we have loved. But our black cat has such a wonderful personality! He’s smarter than my dog!”
Black cats certainly do not all look alike, nor do they act alike. Animal shelters and animal welfare organizations encourage people to choose their animal friends as they would choose their human friends, not by the way they look but by their personality. Cats, like people, are all different with each one possessing something special that makes them the wonderful being that they are.
But just in case you are interested in black cats or kittens, some feline dream lore: The dream of a black cat means all around good luck.