by Nomi Berger
 
It’s that time again. For goblins and ghosts, pumpkins and pranks, and things that go bump in the night. But as responsible cat guardians, please ensure that your cherished companions aren’t innocent victims of Halloween’s fun and frolics.
 
Consider the following suggestions to keep your cats safe not sorry.
 
1. Keep candy out of reach of your cats. Chocolate, especially dark or baking chocolate, can prove toxic for them. Candy containing the artificial sweetener, xylitol, can also cause dire problems. If you suspect that your sweeties may have ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Hotline at 1-800-213-6680 (fees apply in both instances).
 
2. Although pumpkins’ outer shells and decorative corn are considered relatively non-toxic, they can still produce an upset stomach if copiously consumed rather than simply sampled.
 
3. Keep wires and cords from lights and other decorations safely out of reach. If chewed, your cats might be cut or burned or receive a potentially life-threatening electric shock.
 
4. Festive, carved pumpkins with candles inside can be easily knocked over by frisky felines and a fire started. Curious kittens in particular run the risk of being singed or burned by a candle flame. Either keep them unlit, out of reach, or keep an eye on your pets’ wandering whereabouts at all times.
 
5. Don’t dress up your darlings in a costume unless you know that they’re comfortable being decked out -- not stressed out -- by putting on the “glitz”. The safest, albeit less sassy alternative is to opt instead for a Halloween theme bandana draped round their necks.
 
6. Keep all but the most social cats in a separate room when “trick or treating” children come to call. Even then, take care that they don’t daringly dart outside when the door first opens.
 
7. Should your cats “pull a Houdini” and vanish into the night, ensure that they have either been micro-chipped or are wearing a collar and tags for proper identification and a swift return to your anxious arms.
 
With some strategic planning beforehand, you and your precious puss-in-boots can be assured of spending the safest and happiest of Halloweens -- together.

by Nomi Berger
 
If so, you’re definitely not the only one. What is it about bathrooms that our feline friends find so utterly fascinating?
 
Some cats see bathrooms as the purr-fect playrooms – whether their owners are in there or not. From a tub to circle or slide around in to rolls of toilet paper to unravel, from towels and robes to tug at to rugs or bathmats to roll around on – MEOW! Is it any wonder cats can’t get enough of such tempting “play things”?
 
Then there’s the sink. Its rounded sides are ideal for cradling a cat’s body, creating a cozy place for lounging and sleeping.
Its coolness may feel wonderfully refreshing during the warmer months, while her own body heat will warm it during the colder months, making it ever so comfortably toasty.
 
Although it’s common knowledge that most cats dislike being wet, many LOVE being near water – especially fresh, running water. In the bathroom, they can drink fresh water from both the sink and tub faucets, while some cats fancy licking a wet tub and lapping up bathwater.
 
Nothing piques a pussycat’s interest or provokes her ire more than the sight of a closed door – particularly a closed bathroom door with you on the other side of it. If you and your kitty share a special bond, not only does she know all of your habits and daily routines, she’s understandably curious about what you’re doing and wants to spend time with you. She yearns, even demands, to share in whatever activities are going on without her. Simply put, she doesn’t want to miss out on “all the fun.”
 
Notorious for seeking affection on her terms, a kitty who finds you seated on the toilet will take full advantage of your “trapped” paws-ition, knowing she now has your undivided attention. What could be more alluring or inviting than the sight of your warm lap exposed for her – if you allow it -- to settle in and purr up a storm? What better way for her to garner some extra strokes and pets, head and chin scratches from you than by rubbing herself back and forth against your legs? Or … if you’ve just taken a bath or a shower, your kitty may relish her role as devoted “dryer” by lovingly licking your wet skin with her tiny tongue.
 
In short, a bathroom contains all of the subtle scents and smells of you: your cat’s most cherished being. This is where you spend much of your time each day performing so many of life’s little rituals. What you may consider mundane – combing your hair, washing your hands, flossing and brushing your teeth, drinking water, swallowing pills -- may seem nothing short of miraculous to your cat as she watches every move that you make – from her perch on the vanity, the sink or the closed toilet lid.
 
Ironically, then, bathroom time can prove to be extremely valuable and pleasurable bonding time for you both.