Halloween Treats, Toys and Activities for Dogs and Cats

Halloween can make an ordinary evening feel busy, with visitors at the door and unfamiliar sounds outside. Your pet doesn’t need a costume to join in. A dog that loves using their nose might enjoy hunting for treats, while a cat that likes to chase could have fun with a short game at home.

In this guide, you’ll find activities you can set up with treats and toys, along with ways to adapt them to your pet. Choose what they enjoy, and let them sit out the celebrations if they’d rather settle somewhere quiet.

Reviewed by Hannah Nott BVSc MRCVS

How Can Your Pet Join in at Halloween?

Start with an activity your pet already enjoys, then give it a Halloween twist. You might hide a few treats for a keen sniffer, bring out a seasonal toy for a dog who likes to play with you, or let your cat stalk and catch a bat-shaped teaser.

Set the game up before the evening gets busy and make the first round easy. If your pet loses interest, you can put it away and try another day. They don’t need to stay involved for the whole night.

Halloween Activities for Dogs

For Dogs Who Love Following Their Nose

If your dog enjoys searching for food, Halloween dog treats can make a familiar game feel a little more seasonal. The Rosewood Spirit & Spook Mummy Treats can be broken into smaller rewards, while the Pumpkin Spice Latte Snuffle Cup gives keen sniffers a way to work for them.

The snuffle cup is also useful if your dog cannot have new treats: use a little of their usual dry food instead. They still get a Halloween-themed activity without a change to their diet. If you are using treats or your dog’s kibble, make sure you reduce the amount of food given at meal times.

For Dogs Who Would Rather Play With You

If your dog is more interested in a game together, the Rosewood Gregory Ghost Toy offers a seasonal option for dogs who like carrying or chasing soft toys. Its squeaker may be part of the appeal for some dogs. If yours is wary of unexpected noises, a quieter toy they already love could be the better choice.

The ghost can come out for playtime and go away again when your dog has had enough. There’s no need to keep them entertained through every knock at the door.

Halloween Activities for Cats

Your cat probably won’t care that their toy matches the Halloween decorations. But if they’re staying indoors while trick-or-treaters are out, bringing out a favourite kind of toy can give them something familiar to enjoy.

For Cats Who Love a Game With You

The Rosewood Buffy Bat Teaser adds a Halloween twist to the wand toys many cats already enjoy. It’s a good choice if your cat likes chasing moving toys and you want to spend some time playing together before the evening gets busy. As with any wand toy, put it away once you’ve finished so the string isn’t left out.

For Cats Who Prefer to Do Their Own Thing

The Rosewood Witchy Kitty Toy is a soft toy with a silvervine broomstick that your cat can investigate, grab or kick when they feel like it. If they’re more interested in snacks than spooky toys, a few Thrive Chicken Cat Treats are another way to include them. The packaging isn’t Halloween-themed, but we doubt your cat will hold that against you.

What If Your Pet Would Rather Skip Halloween?

Some pets will happily investigate a new toy; others would prefer the doorbell to stop ringing. If your dog or cat seems unsettled or has lost interest in playing, save the treats and toys for another day. The ghost toy will still be there in November.

Let your pet settle somewhere familiar away from visitors, with access to water and their usual resting place. If your cat is spending the evening indoors, make sure they can reach a litter tray too. For more advice on visitors, decorations and food hazards, see our Halloween pet safety guide.

Find a Halloween Treat or Toy They’ll Enjoy

If one of these ideas sounds like your pet, explore our Autumn Essentials for seasonal treats and toys. Pick something they’ll enjoy using after Halloween too; the pumpkin design is a bonus.

This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should thoroughly discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle with your vet before starting any program or treatment. We update content regularly to reflect the latest pet health standards.