Pet Grooming Orange County

Black Cats and Halloween

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Black Cats and Halloween

Even though most Halloween customs date back to the ancient celebration of Samhain, the association of black cats with Halloween is a far more recent addition. During the Middle Ages, cats began to be associated with witches. The exact reason for this is unclear but historians believe that it has something to do with a cat’s nocturnal nature. The powerful association between witches and cats, especially black cats, persisted throughout the years. Today, modern celebrations of Halloween often include images of the wicked witch with a black cat right behind her.

During ancient witch trials, cats were often tortured and killed by puritans along with the supposed witches. This occurred because many believed that witches had the ability to change shape into a cat and that both cats and witches were evil. Many people also believed that witches would sacrifice cats during their rituals. Because of communal reinforcement, many animal shelters will not allow the adoption of black cats around Halloween for fear of their abuse.

It is always a good idea to keep all cats indoors during Halloween, regardless of their color. Even if there is no one meaning ill will in your neighborhood or community, the sheer number of people out and about on Halloween, combined with the increased vehicular traffic make the outdoors a scary and unsafe place for our furry friends.

Keep your pets locked inside an interior room in your house on Halloween so that they do not panic when children come to your door in costume. Even the calmest of cats can become upset at the endless doorbell ringing and constant screaming of “trick or treat”. Remember to enjoy yourself this Halloween while trying to make the holiday as stress-free as possible for your feline friend.

Claws N Paws Day Spa offers quality grooming services for both dogs and cats in Fountain Valley, California. We also offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. For more information, or to schedule a grooming appointment please call 714-962-1005.

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Keeping your Pets Safe this Halloween

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Keeping your Pets Safe this Halloween

There are many pet safety hazards on Halloween. It’s important to understand these hazards in order to keep your pets safe. With a little caution, Halloween can be a very fun time for pets and their families.

Let’s take a look at the top points to consider for your pet’s safety this Halloween.

The continuous ringing of the doorbell and rush of people that show up at your door can be extremely stressful to pets. In addition, pets can become fearful and aggressive towards strangers in costumes. It is important to keep your pet in a quiet, safe place on Halloween. Keep in mind that some pets might experience stress related diarrhea or injure themselves if crated or restrained.

Pets, especially black cats, are at risk for extremely cruel treatment on Halloween night. In fact, most rescues and adoption agencies will not even allow the adoption of black cats during October for this very reason.

Remember that candles and jack-o-lanterns pose a fire hazard. A wagging tail or a frightened cat can easily tip over a candle or carved pumpkin, possibly causing burns or a fire. Additionally, Halloween decorations can pose a choking hazard. Be sure to keep all decorations away from your pets.

Candy, gum, mints, baked goods, chocolate and anything containing the sweetener Xylitol should be considered very poisonous to your pets. Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Chocolate is toxic to pets. While small amounts of chocolate will cause vomiting and diarrhea, larger amounts can be fatal. Other candies with plastic components pose a danger if ingested. Lollipop sticks can cause intestinal obstruction and possibly rupture the intestines. Be sure that all candy is kept far away from pets and talk to your children about not sharing Halloween treats with the family pets.

If you choose to put a costume on your pet, make sure that they are never left alone or unsupervised. Check the costume for proper fit and that there are no small parts that can be ingested. If your pet becomes frightened while wearing a costume, remove it promptly.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been grooming dogs and cats in Orange County, California since 2001. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!

 

Halloween Costumes for Pets

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Halloween Costumes for Pets

People of all ages enjoy Halloween. It only makes sense that we would want to include our pets in the fun. Pet costumes have come a very long way over the past few years. While choosing the perfect costume for your pet should be enjoyable, remember to always put your pet’s safety and comfort before your own amusement.

Most likely, your pet won’t have any say in what their Halloween costume is going to be. Most pet parents have a very special bond with their pets and in many ways their pet becomes an extensive of their own personality. The costume that you choose for your pet might reflect your special relationship with them or it could reflect what is trending at the moment. You might even choose to wear a matching costume with your pet or make your pet a special sidekick or accessory to your own costume.

Pets typically have a tough time getting used to wearing their costumes. Costumes with headgear are some of the most difficult to get your pet accustomed to. While you might be tempted to wait until Halloween, it’s a much better idea to get them used to their costume before the big night. A pet’s costume should never limit its movement. Pets should be able to run or walk normally without banging into anything. A slow buildup to Halloween with lots of positive reinforcement is probably your best bet at making your pet comfortable with their costume.

Start by putting the costume on your pet for a short period of time. Offer lots of treats and praise them. Remove the costume and repeat this process several times during the weeks before Halloween. This type of training helps to convince your pet that wearing the costume is a positive experience.

No matter how much you prepare it’s still important to know when your pet is uncomfortable. Telltale signs include ears pulled back, tucking of the tail, lowering of the head and immobility. Their costume should be easy to remove in case of discomfort. Also, make sure there are no parts of the costume that can be chewed off and ingested.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been grooming dogs and cats in Orange County, California since 2001. For more information or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.

Receive a free teeth brushing for your pet when you mention our blog!!