Don't Be a Scaredy Cat This Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner, which means masses of trick-or-treaters and ghouls and goblins lining the streets trying to scare unsuspecting passers-by. While all of this mayhem can be fun and exciting, our cats can become anxious and scared, which can lead to unwanted behavior like meowing, chewing, licking, or urinating outside the litter box.
If you expect trick-or-treaters this year and your cat is one to have anxiety, check out these simple tricks and remedies for a calmer, happier kitty this Halloween.

Reducing mild anxiety symptoms Halloween night
When trick-or-treaters come to the door, you may find your cat exerting mild anxiety symptoms like continual meowing, compulsive pacing or chewing on fabric. Luckily, there are some ways to help reduce those symptoms on Halloween night. Many pet parents find giving their cat a natural oral supplement like Composure Bite-Sized Chews and HomeoPet Anxiety Relief before guests arrive helpful in calming mild behaviors.
Another way to help your cat's anxiety is with the help of Feliway For Cats. Feliway is natural, drug-free way to help reduce anxiety in cats with the use of a natural comforting pheromone. It's so easy to use. All you have to do is plug the diffuser unit into an eletrical socket for constant calming relief. It is also available in a spray, which is ideal for travel-related anxiety.

Keeping your cat away from the problem
The main problem on Halloween night may be the many trick-or-treaters that show up to your door. If your cat gets anxious when new people enter your home, then it's most likely he or she will become anxious when children arrive dressed up like scary monsters and super heroes. The best thing you can do for your cat is to make sure he or she is away from your front door and away from strangers.
If you choose, you can keep your cat in another room, like a guest room or den. Just be sure to keep the door closed at all times. Also, if you have small children, remind them that the door to your pet's secret "hideaway" should be kept closed. It's important to keep your cat entertained with a fun interactive toy and a scratch pad while he or she is away from the family. Scratch pads are known for helping with stress and anxiety in cats, so keeping one on hand for the evening is a good idea. If your cat wants to relax, try a cat perch like the Heated Cat Window Perch, which allows your cat to see out the window and not miss out on the action (from a distance). It also creates a nice, warm space for your cat to hang out while you're entertaining. Reward your cat for good behavior with treats when you go to check on him or her.
Many cats hide themselves without you having to coax them. However, if your cat is in a location that may not be safe, move him or her to another room.

Treating anxiety with medication
If your cat suffers from anxiety symptoms daily or monthly, it's time to take him or her to see the vet before Halloween night arrives. If your pet's anxiety symptoms are severe like repetitive vocalization, trying to escape, and major distress, medication may be needed. Your veterinarian may prescribe your pet a medication like Fluoxetine, which is an antidepressant to help stop symptoms of panic. Even though your pet may be on medication or feeling better, you may still want to keep him or her away from other people.
Another way to help your cat's anxiety is to use a calming collar that releases pheromones to help ease your cat'ss stress. This solutions can be used along with your pet's medication to help keep your pet calm and relaxed.

Tips for a calm cat
No matter which route you choose, taking care of your pet's anxiety is key for a happy Halloween. Here are some more tips to keep your cat calm this Halloween:

1. Keep your door greeter outside so no one feels the need to ring your doorbell or knock.
2. Keep your cat in another room with a radio or TV on.
3. Don't put costumes on already anxious pets.
4. Tell your children to leave your cat alone while he or she is anxious.
5. Keep an I.D. tag on your pet in case he or she decides to escape.