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 away 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. 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, “Black cats are often
victims of prejudice and because of that tend to be the last to get adopted. People
often think that they all look alike and that they all must be the same, but
black cats are like any other cat; they can be incredibly friendly, social and
affectionate”.
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.
