HALLOWEEN IN CRESTON
The Village Board set the 2023 Halloween Trick or Treat Hours this past Tuesday:
Creston Trick or Treat 2023 will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 2023
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
Keeping Your Cat Safe at Halloween
Halloween is fun for humans, and even dogs might have fun dressing up and accompanying their human friends on the quest for goodies. Cats, however, might not be as inclined to enjoy the festivities as much as their canine counterparts. The unfamiliar sights and sounds of Halloween may not only be upsetting to your feline friend, but they could even be deadly. Here are some tips to keep your kitty companions safe and happy during Spooky Season.
Black cates are particularly at risk around Halloween. Sadly, there are a lot of mean people in the world and some of them think it is clever, or even "cool" to harm, torture or even kill cats; particularly black cats. This is not a common occurrence, thank God, but it does happen, so it is good to be aware that the risk exists so you can better protect your cat friends. The safest option is to keep your cat, whether it is black or not, indoors on the days leading up to Halloween, and especially on Halloween night. If you have a cat that tries to sneak out the door every time you open it, it might be a good idea to keep Kitty closed up safely in a room until trick or treating is done for the night. Cats that are outdoors at this time are not only at risk of being taken by someone (for who knows what purpose), but they are also at risk of being scared and panicked by kids in costumes who may scare your cat without meaning any actual harm.
Do NOT share your candy with your cat buddies, especially your chocolate candy. Chocolate can be poisonous for cats, and other candy can harm them in other ways. Lollipop sticks could get lodged in your cat's throat. Cellophane and foil wrappers are also potential hazard. If you want to share treats with your cat, make sure you give him/her cat treats and not human treats.
If you have Jack O'Lanterns that contain lit candles, don't leave Kitty unattended in the same room as your flickering, spooky decoration. My cat loves to chase reflections and I could see her trying to get her paw inside that Jack O'Lantern so she can "catch the light". Not only could she get burned, but she could also knock it over and the candle could start a fire. Flameless tea light candles are a great alternative for a safer Jack O'Lantern experience.
Do NOT, I repeat, do NOT dress your cat up for Halloween. You might think it's cute, but I can guarantee Kitty will not enjoy it. Cats were not meant to wear clothes (Jackson Galaxy says so, and he knows everything there is to know about cats), and forcing your feline friend into a costume will be very stressful for him/her. Your cat might also injure itself trying to get out of the costume. (I'm also afraid my cat might try to kill me in my sleep if I ever dared dress her up for Halloween.)
I hope you find these tips helpful, and I hope you and your feline friends have a safe, fun and stress-free Halloween!
Stay Spooky (and Safe), everyone!