Halloween Pet Safety: A Note from Dr. Holland

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.

I love the whole production of it: the decorating, pumpkins, lights, finding the perfect costume, and, of course, finding entirely unnecessary additional costumes for two cats who already own more than enough.

But as much fun as Halloween can be for us, our pets may experience the night very differently.

For pet families in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton and throughout our surrounding communities, a little planning can make Halloween safer and much more enjoyable. Here are my Halloween pet safety tips to help you prepare.

Keep Halloween candy out of your pet’s reach

Chocolate can be toxic to both dogs and cats, although chocolate ingestion is much more common in dogs. The type of chocolate, the amount eaten, and the size of the pet all matter.

Some candies and gums may also contain xylitol, which can be extremely dangerous for dogs.

Keep candy bowls, trick-or-treat bags, wrappers, and anything containing chocolate or xylitol somewhere your pets cannot reach.

And remember that curious pets are very good at finding things we thought were safely put away.

Prevent escapes when greeting trick-or-treaters

Halloween night means doors opening over and over again.

Even pets who normally have excellent manners can become excited, frightened, or confused by costumes, strangers, and constant activity.

Before the trick-or-treaters arrive, make sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date identification tag and that their microchip information is current.

If your pet tends to rush the door, consider using a baby gate, leash, closed room, or another safe barrier while you are handing out candy.

Practice pet costumes before Halloween

Some pets genuinely enjoy dressing up.

Others absolutely do not.

If you would like your pet to wear a costume, do a few short practice sessions before Halloween night. Introduce the costume gradually, almost the same way you would introduce a new harness.

Let your pet sniff it. Put it on briefly. Offer praise or treats. Slowly increase the amount of time they wear it, as long as they remain comfortable.

Make sure the costume does not restrict breathing, movement, vision, hearing, or the ability to use the bathroom.

Most importantly, pay attention to what your pet is telling you.

Know when your pet needs a quiet Halloween

Pecan Pie and Lady Blue are accustomed to costumes, outings, photos, and activity.

That does not mean every pet enjoys the same things.

The doorbell ringing repeatedly, children yelling on the sidewalk, unusual costumes, flashing decorations, and constant visitors can be incredibly stimulating for some animals.

If your pet would rather skip Halloween altogether, that is perfectly okay.

Set them up somewhere quiet and comfortable with their bed, favorite blanket, treats, toys, or some relaxing background noise.

Maybe their perfect Halloween is not greeting trick-or-treaters at all.

Maybe it is a cozy movie night, a quiet evening by the fireplace, and getting to spend the night curled up beside you.

There really is no wrong way to celebrate.

The goal is simply to know your pet, respect what makes them comfortable, and find a way for everyone in the family to enjoy the evening.

Happy Halloween,

Dr. Holland 🎃

Meow-lloween Mews!

Halloween at Our House

By Pecan Pie & Lady Blue

October is finally here, which means our household has entered one of its busiest seasons of the year.

There are pumpkins to inspect, costumes to approve, front porch activity to monitor, and eventually an entire evening of strangers arriving at our door asking for treats.

Naturally, we take our responsibilities very seriously.

First: the costumes

Our mom loves Halloween, and apparently one costume per cat is not enough.

We already have what can only be described as an extensive wardrobe, but additional costumes have been ordered and fittings are currently being scheduled.

Pecan Pie approaches costume fittings with enthusiasm, confidence, and the general belief that anything he wears deserves an audience.

Lady Blue prefers a more selective approach. She would like it noted that not every costume is worthy of her participation.

Either way, there will be fittings. There will be photographs. There will almost certainly be opinions.

Next: pumpkin shopping

This year, pumpkin selection has been elevated to a full family outing.

We will be accompanying our mom to inspect the inventory personally.

We intend to carefully evaluate the selection and determine which pumpkins meet our standards for color, shape, porch appeal, and overall Halloween ambiance.

Pecan Pie will likely be interested in everything.

Lady Blue will likely conduct a more refined evaluation.

Then comes Halloween night

Once the pumpkins are in place and the costumes have been selected, we move on to one of our most important annual duties: monitoring the front porch.

We enjoy watching the neighborhood activity, seeing the costumes, and observing the steady stream of trick-or-treaters.

Some costumes will be impressive.

Some will be confusing.

All will be judged.

We will also be conducting an unofficial review of whether each costume deserves treats, although we have been informed that the humans intend to distribute candy regardless of our findings.

By the end of the evening, after the doorbell has rung approximately 700 times, everyone has admired us appropriately, and the last trick-or-treater has disappeared down the sidewalk, we will return to our final October activity:

A very long nap.

To our fellow pets and their people in Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Wake Forest, Smithfield, Knightdale and everywhere in between: may your treats be plentiful, your costumes comfortable, and your admirers appropriately enthusiastic!

Happy Halloween,

Pecan Pie & Lady Blue

Dr. Azure Holland: Let Them Be Part of the Adventure

One of my favorite things about taking Pecan Pie and Blueberry Biscuit places is watching them experience something new.

It doesn’t have to be anything big. A new place to walk, different smells, a restaurant patio, a hotel room to explore, or even just sitting in their stroller watching people go by.

I think sometimes we make the idea of “enrichment” more complicated than it needs to be. Really, it’s just about giving our pets opportunities to experience more of the world in ways that they enjoy.

And what that looks like is going to be different for every pet.

Pecan wants to be involved in absolutely everything. If something is happening, he assumes it probably concerns him.

Blueberry Biscuit loves an adventure too, but she likes to take things in at her own pace. Their stroller has been wonderful for both of them because it gives them a familiar, safe place while still letting them be out experiencing the world.

And you definitely don’t have to take your pet on vacation to give them those experiences.

Take a different route on your walk. Find a shady park you haven’t visited before. Sit outside together in the evening. Try a pet-friendly patio. Let your cat watch the neighborhood from a secure stroller. Even spending a little extra time outside together can give them something new to see and smell.

Adventure Can Happen at Home, Too

Some of the easiest ways to add enrichment to your pet’s life can happen without ever leaving home.

Hide a few treats around the house and let them search for them. Try a puzzle feeder or put part of their meal in a treat toy instead of their regular bowl. Give your cat a cardboard box or paper bag to investigate. Move a favorite bed to a window where they can watch birds and squirrels.

I also love rotating toys instead of leaving everything out all the time. Put a few away and bring them back out a couple of weeks later. Sometimes an old toy suddenly becomes the best thing ever again.

For dogs, something as simple as extra time sniffing around the yard or practicing a favorite trick can be enrichment. For cats, pull out a wand toy, give them a new box to explore, grow some cat grass, or let them spend some time watching the world through a screened window.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or take a lot of time.

Find Their Version of Adventure

The most important thing is to pay attention to your pet.

Some animals are naturally curious and ready to explore. Others would much rather experience something new from a place where they feel safe. Both are perfectly okay.

We don’t need to turn every pet into an adventure pet. We just need to figure out what their version of adventure looks like.

For one pet, that might be a weekend in the mountains. For another, it might be sniffing a new part of the neighborhood or getting a cardboard box in the living room.

I really believe that giving our pets these little opportunities to experience more of life is good for them—and it’s good for us, too.

Because ultimately, it’s not really about how many places we take them or how much we do.

It’s about spending time together, paying attention to what they enjoy, and letting them be a bigger part of our lives.

🩵 Dr. Azure Holland

Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit’s Mountain Mews

Oh hiiii frens!

We promised we’d tell you all about our mountain adventure, and we have returned with a full report.

First of all: mountain weather is superior.

We traded the summer heat for cool breezes, shady walks, and plenty of time outside in our stroller. Meowmie says we went to the mountains for a little getaway. We’re fairly certain the mountains were expecting us.

Pecan Pie’s favorite part? Going places.

Restaurants. Walks. Exploring. Meeting new people. If there was something happening, Pecan felt strongly that he should be included.

He takes his role as Director of Adventure very seriously.

Blueberry Biscuit’s approach was slightly different.

Lady Blue enjoys an adventure, but she also believes every proper vacation should include adequate time for lounging, observing the scenery, and being admired.

Her official review:

Cool air. Beautiful views. Excellent accommodations. Acceptable.

We spent lots of time together, explored new places, enjoyed the cooler mountain air, and—most importantly—got to be part of Meowmie’s adventures instead of staying home.

That might actually be our favorite thing about traveling.

We don’t need every adventure to be big. Sometimes we just like being included.

A stroller ride. Dinner on a patio. A walk somewhere new. Sitting outside together and watching the world go by.

Because when you’re with your favorite people, even an ordinary afternoon can feel like an adventure.

And now that we’re home?

Pecan is already wondering where we’re going next.

Blueberry Biscuit is taking a nap.

Obviously.

Until next time,

🩵 Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit

Dr. Azure Holland’s Summer Bucket List

Summer is for making memories with our pets.

With a little planning, you can stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy everything the season has to offer—whether you’re heading out on an adventure or relaxing close to home.

Host a Backyard Water Party

One of the easiest ways to beat the summer heat is with a backyard water party! A kiddie pool, splash pad, sprinkler, or even a gentle hose can turn an ordinary afternoon into a fun memory. Add a few floating toys or treats, and always let your pet decide how much—or how little—they’d like to participate.

Take a Stroller Adventure

Pet strollers aren’t just for adventure cats! They’re also a wonderful option for senior dogs, small dogs, or pets who tire easily but still love getting out to see the world. Many strollers have canopies that provide welcome shade from the summer sun, creating a cool place to relax while enjoying the sights and sounds of an outing.
I never leave home without fresh water and a cooling mister during the summer, and a portable fan can make stroller rides even more comfortable. Cooling vests and cooling mats chilled in the refrigerator are also great options for some pets on especially warm days.

Explore Somewhere New

Visit a shaded park, nature trail, botanical garden, or pet-friendly outdoor space. New sights, smells, and sounds provide wonderful enrichment—even if you only stay for a short visit.

Enjoy a Patio Date

Many coffee shops and restaurants welcome pets on their outdoor patios. Find a shady table, bring plenty of fresh water, and enjoy spending a little extra time together. Sometimes the best memories are made over a quiet cup of coffee—or lunch with your best friend by your side.

Start Early or Stay Out Late

Morning and evening adventures are often much cooler and more comfortable than the heat of the afternoon. Whether it’s a neighborhood walk, a stroll through your favorite park, or simply watching the sunset together, these quieter moments can become some of the most meaningful.

A Few Summer Reminders

Bring plenty of fresh water wherever you go, look for shade whenever possible, and remember that if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws.
The best summer adventures don’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our pets is simply spending a little extra time together.

🩵 Dr. Azure Holland

Thanks for Visiting Our First Class Lounge! ✈️🐾

Hello, Friends!

We’re Pecan Pie and Blueberry Biscuit, and we wanted to thank you for stopping by our First Class Lounge at Carolina Kitty Con!

What an incredible weekend. We met so many wonderful cat lovers, made new friends, posed for photos, handed out boarding passes, and enjoyed welcoming visitors to our lounge. Whether you stopped by for a quick hello or spent time chatting with us, we loved meeting you.

Pecan Pie’s favorite part of the weekend was greeting visitors and making new friends. He happily accepted compliments, pets, and attention as if he had been training for this role his entire life.

Blueberry Biscuit took a more executive approach. She carefully supervised lounge operations, monitored passenger behavior, and ensured all First Class standards were maintained. While she may not admit it publicly, we suspect she enjoyed the attention too.

One of our favorite parts of Kitty Con was hearing your stories about your own cats. We met adventurous cats, shy cats, confident cats, mischievous cats, and humans who love them every bit as much as we love our own adventures.

We’ve contacted the winner of our First Class Sushi Date giveaway and are excited to plan a special lunch adventure soon. Thank you to everyone who entered and joined us in the lounge!

This Mews Letter is where we’ll occasionally share our latest adventures, favorite finds, travel tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from life as two very busy traveling cats. We have plenty more adventures planned, and we’d love to bring you along for dis journey.

Until our next flight,

🩵 Pecan Pie & Blueberry Biscuit

Frequent Flyers Club Members

Follow our adventures:
@pecanpie_and_blueberrybiscuit

P.S. We are currently accepting applications for future snack inspectors, professional treat tasters, and lounge attendants. Experience is preferred, but enthusiasm is welcome.

Check out one of mewomie’s blogs

June Mews – Preparing for Departure!

We knew something was happening when the boxes started arriving.

At first, it was just dis one.

Then another.

Then there were stickers on the dining room table.

Then signs leaning against the wall.

Then boarding passes.

Then a cat tree appeared in the living room that neither of us was allowed to claim permanently.

Naturally, we launched an investigation.

Pecan Pie supervised from a comfortable position nearby.

I, Blueberry Biscuit, took a more active role in quality control.

After several weeks of careful observation, we have reached dis conclusion:

Our mom is preparing for Carolina Kitty Con.

The clues are everywhere.

There have been conversations about table runners, lounge passes, giveaways, signs, stickers, and approximately one million other details that humans apparently consider important.

Pecan Pie has been extremely interested in the process.

Mostly because every box might contain treats.

So far, this strategy has been unsuccessful.

Still, he remains optimistic.

Meanwhile, I have been reviewing the plans for our Luxury Flight Lounge.

The seating appears acceptable.

The décor is coming together nicely.

The overall atmosphere is appropriately refined.

This will do.

We are especially excited because Carolina Kitty Con means we get to meet fellow cat enthusiasts and hear stories about the cats who share your homes and your hearts.

One of our favorite things about traveling is meeting new people. Whether we’re flying across the country, exploring a new town, relaxing on a boat, or simply accompanying Mom on one of her adventures, we love seeing how much joy cats bring to the lives of their humans.

Mom often says that every cat has a story.

We think every human does too.

And we love hearing both.

While we are preparing the lounge, Mom is busy getting ready for her presentation on traveling with cats. As experienced travel cats ourselves, we feel uniquely qualified to offer our support.

Pecan Pie’s contribution has primarily involved demonstrating proper napping techniques in airports.

I have focused on maintaining high standards for accommodations.

Together, we believe we make an excellent team.

As June 20th and 21st get closer, the excitement around our house continues to build.

There are still boxes arriving.

There are still lists being made.

And there is still a surprising amount of work involved in creating a lounge worthy of distinguished feline guests.

We hope you’ll stop by and say hello if you’re attending Carolina Kitty Con.

We’ll be the ones overseeing operations from the comfort of dis first class.

Purrs,

Pecan Pie & Lady Blueberry Biscuit

While we’re busy preparing for departure, Mom is busy preparing for Carolina Kitty Con too.

She’ll be speaking about traveling with cats—everything from road trips and air travel to hiking, boating, and helping families determine whether their cat is truly an adventure cat.

We’ll let her take it from here.

Dr. Azure’s Perspective: Is Your Cat an Adventure Cat?

Is Your Cat an Adventure Cat?

Dr. Azure Holland’s Perspective: Is Your Cat an Adventure Cat?

When most people think about traveling with cats, they picture an airline carrier and a trip through the airport.

But cat travel can look very different from that.

Some cats enjoy road trips. Some accompany their families to vacation homes. Some explore hiking trails in backpacks or harnesses. Some spend weekends on boats. Others are perfectly content joining their people for a quiet getaway and watching the world from a sunny window.

As both a veterinarian and a cat mom to two well-traveled cats, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how different cats respond to adventure.

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that cats either travel well or they don’t.

The reality is much more nuanced.

Just like people, cats have different personalities, preferences, and comfort levels. Some are naturally curious and adaptable. Others thrive on routine and familiarity. Neither approach is right or wrong.

The goal isn’t to turn every cat into a hiking cat, a boating cat, or a frequent flyer.

The goal is to understand the individual cat in front of you.

When families ask me whether their cat would enjoy travel, I encourage them to look beyond the destination and focus on the experience. Is the cat relaxed in new environments? Do they recover quickly from changes in routine? Are they curious and confident, or do they become overwhelmed when their surroundings change?

The answers to those questions are often more important than the mode of transportation itself.

June 20 & 21 2006, I’ll be speaking at Carolina Kitty Con about traveling with cats and sharing practical guidance for families considering adventures with their feline companions. We’ll discuss everything from car rides and air travel to hiking, boating, and helping cats experience the world safely and comfortably.

Not every cat wants an adventure.

But for those that do, the journey can be incredibly rewarding.

Wishing you and your feline family a wonderful summer,

Dr. Azure Holland

As I prepare for Carolina Kitty Con and my presentation on traveling with cats, two very enthusiastic feline assistants have been closely monitoring the preparations. I’ll let them explain.

What It Really Takes to Travel with Pets in Cabin

Dr. Holland’s Perspective What It Really Takes to Travel with Pets in-Cabin

After our latest adventure with Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit, I’m always reminded how many people assume traveling with pets in-cabin is either impossible, chaotic, or reserved for “easy” animals.

In truth, successful travel with pets is rarely luck—it is preparation, temperament, consistency, and knowing your individual pet.

As a veterinarian, I also see the other side of travel: families who mean well but underestimate the physical and emotional stress a trip can place on a pet who is not prepared for it.

My cats did not wake up one day as polished travelers. Like most worthwhile things, it was built gradually and thoughtfully over time.

Not Every Pet Needs to Travel

The first and most important truth: travel is not for every pet.

Some animals are naturally adaptable, curious, and resilient in new environments. Others feel safest at home with routine and predictability. There is no failure in that. A wonderful pet does not need to become a traveler.

The kindest decisions begin with honesty about your pet’s personality.

Start Long Before the Airport

Comfort with travel begins at home.

A carrier should not appear only on departure day. It should be familiar, neutral, even comforting. We want pets to associate it with safety rather than stress. Short car rides, calm outings, and positive repetition can make an enormous difference over time.

When families tell me their pet “hates the carrier,” it is often because the carrier has only meant one thing: leaving for something unpleasant.

Calm Owners Create Calmer Pets

Animals are deeply perceptive. They notice our tension long before we say a word.

Rushed packing, anxious energy, frantic departures—pets feel all of it. One of the best things you can do for a traveling pet is regulate yourself first. Quiet confidence goes farther than people realize.

Logistics Matter

Successful in-cabin travel also means planning practical details carefully:

Choosing an airline-approved carrier
Booking direct flights when possible
Confirming hotel pet policies in advance
Packing thoughtfully but lightly
Allowing extra time at the airport
Having realistic expectations for the day

Travel days are rarely the time to improvise.

A Quick Medical Note

Before flying, it is wise to discuss travel plans with your veterinarian—especially for senior pets, brachycephalic breeds, anxious pets, or pets with heart, respiratory, or chronic medical concerns.

Sometimes the kindest plan is treatment, preparation, or deciding that staying home is the better option.

As a Veterinarian, My Advice is Simple

Do not ask, Can my pet travel?

Ask instead: Would travel feel fair, manageable, and humane for this specific pet?

That question changes everything.

Some pets thrive with their people beside them. Some tolerate it beautifully. Some would be happier resting at home with trusted care. Wisdom is knowing the difference.

Of course, much of my own perspective on feline travel has been shaped by two very opinionated frequent flyers: Pecan Pie and Lady Blueberry Biscuit.

Many of these ideas are conversations I look forward to exploring further during our upcoming June appearance at Carolina Kitty Con.

And now, naturally, the cats would like to provide their own version of events.

May Mews

California Dreaming in Style

By Pecan Pie & Lady Blueberry Biscuit

Dearest friends,

We have returned from dis latest California holiday and, after a full recovery period consisting of naps, snacks, and prolonged window reflection, we are ready to share the details of our most recent travels.

Three Nights Above the City

Our adventure began in San Francisco, where we checked into a beautiful suite at the legendary Fairmont San Francisco.

The suite offered grand windows, abundant natural light, and elevated city views that made one feel important simply by standing near them. It was an ideal setting for bird-watching, sunbathing, and quietly observing Nob Hill activity below.

The staff was gracious, welcoming, and wonderfully hospitable to two seasoned traveling cats. We noticed and appreciated every detail.

Lady Blueberry Biscuit especially loved the soft morning light.

Pecan Pie loved every square inch of the suite.

Painted Ladies, Bridges & Park Strolls

Naturally, we viewed dis iconic Painted Ladies, whose commitment to coordinated exterior design we deeply respect.

We also visited the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge and spent time walking through Golden Gate Park near the ocean. Towering trees, cool coastal air, and endless things to observe made it an ideal excursion.

North to the Redwoods

After city life, we traveled north into wine country and the Russian River region, eventually settling into charming Guerneville.

There, the pace softened beautifully. The air was fresh, the surroundings peaceful, and the entire area aligned nicely with our values of leisure, beauty, and thoughtful snacks.

We then visited Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

The trees were extraordinary. Towering, ancient, and quietly powerful. It was the sort of place that naturally inspires reverence. Even Pecan Pie became briefly contemplative.

Wine Country Social Season

We visited Porter Creek Vineyards, where everyone was exceptionally kind, welcoming, and wonderfully pet friendly. We were made to feel like honored guests, which is the correct tone for any tasting room.

The setting was beautiful, relaxed, and full of that effortless California charm. We approve wholeheartedly.

Fresh air, vineyard views, and leisurely sophistication remain values we strongly support.

Final Thoughts

California gave us grand hotels, iconic views, towering redwoods, vineyard afternoons, and many admiring glances.

Would we return? Immediately.

Would we request the same suite at the Fairmont? Without hesitation.

Until our next dispatch,
stay glamorous, stay curious, and always choose the sunny window.

With love,
Pecan Pie & Lady Blueberry Biscuit 🐾

As always, our travels tend to inspire thoughtful conversations back at home with Meowmie about feline wellness, stress, adaptation, and what truly makes travel feel fair for pets.