8 pumpkin carving stencils (from Chewy!)

8 Purr-fectly Spooky Cat Pumpkin Carving Stencils

Halloween is all about embracing the spooky, the magical, and—if you’re a cat lover—the whiskered. This year, we’ve brewed up a brand-new collection of free cat pumpkin carving stencils to help you showcase your love for cats in a delightfully bewitching—and creative—way.

From classic silhouettes to designs inspired by beloved Disney characters, these stencils—ranging from beginner-friendly cat pumpkin designs to intricate options for more experienced carvers—are easy to use and perfect for cat enthusiasts of all ages. If you’re looking for easy cat pumpkin carving ideas, this collection has something for everyone.

Cat Pumpkin Carving Stencils

Tap any stencil below to download, print, and bring your Halloween vision to life.

Cat Face

Photo by Chewy

Ghost Cat

Photo by Chewy

Spooked Cat

Photo by Chewy

Maine Coon Cat

Photo by Chewy

Binx from ‘Hocus Pocus’

Photo by Chewy

Get more “Hocus Pocus” pumpkin stencils, including the Sanderson Sisters and more.

Cheshire Cat from ‘Alice in Wonderland’

disney pumpkin carving stencils: alice in wonderland cheshire cat

Photo by Chewy

Get more Disney pumpkin stencils, from “The Little Mermaid” to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and more.

Black Panther from ‘Avengers’

disney pumpkin carving stencils: black panther

Photo by Chewy

Chewy’s ‘Halloween in the House’

halloween pumpkin stencils: halloween in the house

Photo by Chewy

Cat Halloween Toys for Your Pets

Keep your feline friends entertained while you carve with one (or a few!) of our favorite Halloween-themed cat toys. From spooky teaser wands to haunted-mansion cat scratchers, these festive picks make the purr-fect distraction.

How To Carve a Cat on a Pumpkin: Tips From a Pro

First-time carver or just need a refresher? We tapped Jennifer Dubord, a professional pumpkin carver with over 25 years of experience, for her expert tips:

Pick a pumpkin with a smooth, flat surface for easier carving.
Use a carving kit with small, precise tools for better control.
Scoop out the inside thoroughly to about a 1-inch wall thickness.
Trace your stencil using a pin or V-notch tool to outline the design.
Begin with the tiniest details first to avoid accidental breaks.
Work slowly and steadily—pumpkin carving is all about patience!

Need more advice? Check out more pumpkin carving tips, including tips on lighting, preserving your pumpkin, and more.

Happy Halloween!

*A lot of this information was taken from Chewy – a great resource for all animals*

October 7, 2026

Cattyshack Happenings!

Starting this month, Cattyshack is bringing back Kitten Yoga. Kitten Yoga happens on the first Friday of the next two months (November and December) at the lounge. You do need to bring your own water and mat for kitten yoga, and then enjoy the stretching while being climbed on by cats and kittens. You can reserve your spot through the link below!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/kitten-yoga-11

We also have book towards the end of the month for the next three months, and we are starting to think about what books we will be reading for next year. Do you have any bookish suggestions? Please comment on this post and let us know! You can make a reservation for book club using this link below!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cattyshacks-catty-book-club

We are currently holding an Autumn Auction with several awesome items knitted by our own volunteer, Kimberly Muse. If you live where it is cold and want something to warm you up, this auction is for you, AND some of the items have no bids yet! To bid, click below.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/cattyshacks-autumn-auction-2

What else is going on you ask? Well let’s see!

At the end of the month we have a date with a sound bath. If you need relaxing and calming time with cats, this may be the event for you. Reservations can be made by… you guessed it… clicking the link below!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sound-bath-with-cats-3

And this month we also have a T-shirt Fundraiser. The design was created by local (to Huntsville, Alabama) artist, Brian Walker! If you want to get in on this the first round closes tomorrow and the link below would be great to use to support us and get a fantastic Halloween shirt!

https://www.bonfire.com/halloween-shirt-fundraiser

We have more fundraisers coming every month so keep watching this page. For November we will be working with Atomic Tattoo doing a flash tattoo fundraiser.

In December we will be having our awesome art auction.

In January or February we will be having a signed book auction.

So many events, so little time! Join us as we raise funds to help all the cats and kittens. Including, Phoenix!

Phoenix would like to be in an adults only home. The start of his life was a little bit of a struggle. He was brought in with a severe eye infection and we were not sure he was going to be able to keep his eyes. After months of treatments and doctors visits he was able to keep his eyes, however, they will always look like this. He is good with cats and dogs and needs a cat friend to play with as he uses his kitty friend to help him around. He does see some shapes and shadows but nothing is really clear to him. Phoenix loves human food and since he is unable to see his nose has gotten better and better at smelling when there is something delicious around. His eyes will not need to be removed, but he may need drops and regular checks in the future. Phoenix would love a home with adults who will play and cuddle with him.

October 1, 2026October 20, 2025

Pay attention to this spot for our monthly happenings!

Here is the space where you will find all of our exciting events this month! You can also find them on our facebook page (Cattyshack Inc.). So, look for our post on all of our events – we often have events like introverts night, book club, contests, and fundraising events to help support the rescue, the lounge, and our medical expenses.

If you have an idea for a fundraiser or want to help Cattyshack fund raise through your business, you can email us at fundraising@cattyshackhsv.org.

If you would like to donate, please look under “Ways to Help” and click on one of our donation links.

Things we always need:
Dry cat food (Purina Kitten One or Purina indoor cat)
Barn Pellets (Used as litter)
Breeze Pellets and pads (For the Breeze system)
Wet food for kittens and cats (Fancy Feast, Weruva, Applaws)
Bottle Baby supplies (KMR Formula, Bottles, Miracle Nipples, Royal canin Mother/babycat)
Pee pads
Cat toys (various)
Catnip spray (various)
Wand Toys (Various)
Fresh Step Crystal Litter (to watch for bad pee)
Slide litter (for use in boxes when we have cats/kittens that do not like barn pellets)
Rescue Cleaner
Lysol Spray
Paper Towels
Windex
Fabreeze room spray
Pixi water Fountain Filters

September 25, 2026October 20, 2025

We answer questions and take donations!

Do you have any questions about cats, kittens, cat or kitten care, rescue, fostering, adoptions, anything feline related?

Let us know what question you have and we will write a blog post to answer these questions!

Here is a list of things we always need:
Dry cat food (Purina Kitten One or Purina indoor cat)
Barn Pellets (Used as litter)
Breeze Pellets and pads (For the Breeze system)
Wet food for kittens and cats (Fancy Feast, Weruva, Applaws)
Bottle Baby supplies (KMR Formula, Bottles, Miracle Nipples, Royal canin Mother/babycat)
Pee pads
Cat toys (various)
Catnip spray (various)
Wand Toys (Various)
Fresh Step Crystal Litter (to watch for bad pee)
Slide litter (for use in boxes when we have cats/kittens that do not like barn pellets)
Rescue Cleaner
Lysol Spray
Paper Towels
Windex
Fabreeze room spray
Pixi water Fountain Filters

You can also make donations on zeffy using the link on our “Ways to Help” page.

September 16, 2026October 20, 2025

Pet Emergency Kits

Emergencies often have a surprise element, but that doesn’t mean they have to catch you off guard. A little prep—with your pets in mind—can go a long way in minimizing the impact. 

“A pet’s first line of defense in emergencies is a well-prepared [pet parent],” says Susan Anderson, ASPCA senior director of disaster response.

Whether it’s severe weather, like a tornado or hurricane, or an event like a fire, a well-equipped pet emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Here are the essential items to include in your kit, based on expert advice.

Key Takeaways

A well-stocked kit is essential for any emergency.
Medical records, first aid supplies, food, water, and medications are essential for any pet emergency kit.
Include comfort items like toys, beds, and blankets to reduce your pet’s stress.
Preparation not only ensures your pet’s safety, but it also supports overwhelmed animal welfare organizations during large-scale emergencies.

1. Medical Records

Having accurate records of your pet’s medical history and vaccinations is essential, and you don’t want them to become lost or destroyed in an emergency. Anderson recommends storing photocopies of the documents or a USB with a digital version in a waterproof container.  Gather these suggested medical records for your emergency kit:

Vaccination records
Rabies vaccine certificate
Current prescriptions
A note of your pet’s feeding schedule and medical needs
Contact information for your vet
Medical history outlining any surgeries, procedures, or noted allergies
For dogs: the most recent heartworm test result
For cats: the most recent FeLV/FIV test result

2. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is essential in case your dog or cat becomes sick or injured and you can’t access medical care immediately. You can either buy a ready-made first aid kit, like the Adventure Medical Kit for Dogs, or create your own.

Gauze pads
Cotton balls and swabs
Adhesive tape
Elastic cling bandage
Disposable gloves
Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
Antiseptic wipes
Sterile eye lubricant
Styptic pencil

Always consult your veterinarian for any specific suggestions based on your pet’s medical needs.

3. Food, Water, and Medicine

After an emergency, you might not be able to leave your home for basics like pet food or medicine, or these supplies might be hard to come by in stores. In some situations, access to clean, safe drinking water can also be interrupted.  With that in mind, Anderson recommends pet parents keep a seven- to 10-day supply of food in their pet emergency kit, along with a 14-day supply of any medications your pet is currently taking.  It can also be helpful to include written instructions in your pet’s medical kit for any prescriptions (including dosage and routine) so someone else can take care of your pet if needed, says Michael Hyder, DVM, medical director at VEG ER for Pets in Palo Alto, California.

Stocking your emergency kit with these perishable items isn’t a once-and-done task. 

“Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise, they may go bad and become useless,” Anderson says. 

To keep the kit stocked, she suggests reviewing the contents of your pet emergency kit twice a year, when you change the clocks during daylight saving time. Use up or discard any items that are close to their expiration date and replace them with fresh supplies.

To ensure your pet has plenty of food, water, and medicine, include the following in your kit:

A seven- to 10-day supply of pet food
A seven-day supply of clean drinking water
A 14-day supply of pet medications
Food and water bowls

4. Leashes, Carriers, and Harnesses

To keep your pet safe and under control during an emergency or in the event of an evacuation, add an extra dog leash, harness, and collar with ID tags to your emergency kit.

When it comes to prepping your pet’s crate or carrier, sooner is often better. Make sure the crate is in good repair, clean, and comfortable for your pet. It should also be clearly labeled with your contact information, Dr. Hyder says. 

5. Identification

Along with ensuring your pet is microchipped and wearing ID tags, pack identification documents about your pet in the emergency kit. These documents include:

Pet registration paperwork or adoption record
Your pet’s microchip number 
A physical photo of you and your pet

These documents can be important if you’re separated from your pet.

6. Other Supplies

Essentials like food, water, and a first aid kit will help keep your furry friend safe during an emergency. But other items, such as toys and blankets, can bring much-needed relief to your dog or cat.  “Mental stimulation can help reduce stress, especially if you’re indoors for long periods,” Dr. Hyder says. “Puzzle feeders, chew toys, or small plush items can offer distraction and comfort when normal routines are disrupted.” To complete your pet emergency kit, include these extra items as needed:

A waterproof container to store all items
Bags for pet waste

Toys

Treats
Booties to protect your pet’s paws

No matter what kind of pet you have, plan now to keep them safe and comfortable through unexpected events or emergencies.  “The rate at which we are experiencing severe weather events continues to increase,” Anderson says. “Ensuring your household and pets are prepared now will help alleviate anxiety and reduce stress when disaster strikes and lessen the strain on local animal welfare organizations that are already stretched thin.”

*A lot of this information was taken from Chewy – a great resource for all animals*

September 1, 2026October 20, 2025

Pay attention to this spot for our monthly happenings!

If you have an idea for a fundraiser or want to help Cattyshack fund raise through your business, you can email us at fundraising@cattyshackhsv.org.

If you would like to donate, please look under “Ways to Help” and click on one of our donation links.

August 28, 2026October 20, 2025

Summer can be heavy for kittens, so do you have any questions?

Do you have any questions about cats, kittens, cat or kitten care, rescue, fostering, adoptions, anything feline related?

Let us know what question you have and we will write a blog post to answer these questions!

You can also make donations on zeffy using the link on our “Ways to Help” page.

August 19, 2026October 20, 2025

How to bottle feed a kitten

Bottle-Feeding Kittens – this is important if you stumble across a kitten with no mother. If a kitten has a mother, please let the kitten stay with the mother as this is important for the growth of the kitten. Kittens have a better life expectancy if they are with their mothers.

Choosing the Best Kitten Formula

Finding the best formula is essential when bottle-feeding kittens. They cannot have dairy and must have kitten-specific formula, not human formula.

“Felines cannot tolerate cow’s milk, and it could cause such serious medical issues that the kittens do not survive,” warns Samantha Bell of Los Angeles, resident cat expert at Best Friends Animal Society. She adds, “One tip I have found helpful is to use distilled or filtered water when preparing the formula, to prevent tummy troubles. Some cities’ tap water contains chemicals that are too harsh on kittens.”

One of her preferred options is PetAg KMR Kitten Milk Replacer Powder for Kittens, and another excellent option is Hartz Powdered Milk Replacer Formula for Kittens. She recommends purchasing the powder form since it lasts longer than liquid/already-prepared formulas.

Pro Tip: Always check your kitten formula’s expiration date before feeding.

Other Kitten Bottle-Feeding Supplies

Along with formula, you’ll need a few other items to bottle-feed kittens. Here’s what our experts recommend picking up:

A few pet-nursing bottles, like the Lixit Baby Small Animal Bottle Nursing Kit, which comes with two extra nipples and a cleaning brush. Having multiple nipples ensures you’ll always have a clean bottle at the ready. Nipples encourage kittens to latch, since they mimic the mama cat’s anatomy. Many bottles come with nipples, but double-check to make sure the bottles you’re looking at do.
Pet-safe cleaning supplies to wash your bottles and nipples.
A thermometer to make sure the formula is warm enough but not too hot. An ideal temperature for kitten formula is around 98–102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plastic syringe (optional) in case a newborn kitten is having trouble latching. The Lixit Handfeeding Syringe is a great option.
Small cloths to catch inevitable milk dribbles and to clean up potential messes.
A scale to help you track whether your kitten is gaining weight appropriately.

Bottle-Feeding Schedule for Kittens

For the first two weeks of their life, kittens must be bottle-fed every two to three hours around the clock, says Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM (oncology and small animal internal medicine), a veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City. From 2 to 4 weeks of age, this shifts to every five hours around the clock.

“Starting at 4 weeks of age, you can start introducing kitten food, followed by bottle-feeding four times a day,” she adds. “When the kittens are eating a tablespoon of kitten food at each of the four meals, bottle-feeding can be discontinued. Most kittens will be eating on their own by 6 weeks of age.”

Follow this kitten bottle-feeding chart from Bell and Dr. Hohenhaus to help you stay on track. The kitten’s age and weight should correspond, but if not, go by their weight.

Kitten Bottle-Feeding Chart


Kitten Age	Kitten Weight	Formula Amount	Frequency
0–1 week	5o–150 grams	2–6 mL	Every 2 hours
1–2 weeks	15o–250 grams	6–10 mL	Every 2–3 hours
2–3 weeks	250–350 grams	10–14 mL	Every 3–4 hours
3–4 weeks	350–450 grams	14–18 mL	Every 4–5 hours
4–5 weeks	450–550 grams	18–22 mL	Every 5–6 hours
5–8 weeks	550–850 grams	Begin weaning, offer wet food	Every 6 hours

Do I Need To Bottle-Feed Kittens at Night?

Kittens under 5 weeks old require overnight feedings.

Kittens 5-8 weeks old can generally go overnight without feedings, as long as they are sleeping well and not waking up or crying for food—in which case, feed that kitten!

Step-By-Step Guide To Bottle-Feeding Kittens

With your kitten bottle-feeding supplies in hand and information on how much and how often to bottle-feed kittens, let’s move on to the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Prepare the Bottle

After washing your hands, prepare a clean bottle according to the kitten feeding chart above. Then, Bell says, heat a mug of water and float the bottle in it until the formula is between 98—102 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Never heat the bottle or milk in a microwave,” she says. Use a thermometer to test the temperature before feeding.

Pro Tip: For new, uncut nipples, cut a small X in the tip using small, sharp scissors, or burn a hole with a heated needle. Formula should drip slowly when the bottle is upside down, Bell says. If the hole is too big, kittens will eat too quickly, and if it’s too small, they’ll struggle to get enough food.

Step 2: Position the Kitten on Their Tummy

Note that the process for bottle-feeding a kitten is very different from that of feeding a baby. Although we hold babies face up to feed them, we do the opposite with kittens. (Think about how they suckle their mother.)

“The kitten should lay with their tummy against your lap or a surface at a comfortable height for you to hold them with your non-dominant hand and the bottle with your dominant hand,” Dr. Hohenhaus says. “Some kittens keep their front legs down and others put them on your hand—one tiny paw on each side of the bottle.”

Pro Tip: Bright lights in kittens’ eyes can be jarring and cause them to not want to drink, Bell says. She recommends keeping the room as dark as possible or shading their eyes.

Step 3: Place the Nipple in Their Mouth

Some kittens will go straight for the bottle, especially if this is old hat for them. Others, however, might require you to put the nipple in their mouth gently and move it around a bit until they latch on and start to suckle, Dr. Hohenhaus notes.

Bell adds, “Have so much patience with them while they figure out how to drink.” It doesn’t come naturally for all kittens.

Be sure to hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle to prevent the kitten from ingesting air as they eat.

Step 4: Let Them Feed

Be patient as your kitten drinks from the bottle and allow them to go at their own pace. Once they’re full, most kittens will naturally unlatch from the bottle and have a very full, round tummy after eating, says Dr. Hohenhaus.

Throughout the process, you might need to use your fingers to steady the kitten’s head. Also, periodically check for formula chunks clogging the nipple opening.

Did You Know? You will need to help the kitten go to the bathroom before and after each feeding if they’re less than 4 weeks old. Bell says, “Kittens under 4 weeks old cannot pee or poop on their own. Stimulate them before or after feeding by using soft tissues or toilet paper to rub the genital area in a circular motion.” Record the kitten’s eliminations in case issues arise that your vet needs to know about.

Monitoring Kitten Health While Bottle-Feeding

You’ll need to monitor your kitten’s health while bottle-feeding to be sure they are thriving. Proper nutrition is reflected in steady weight gain, which you should track daily using a small scale.

Healthy kittens will have:

A round, firm belly after feeding
No signs of bloating or discomfort
Bright, alert eyes
Active behavior during their waking hours

On the other hand, signs your kitten needs veterinary attention include:

Lethargy
Lack of appetite
Diarrhea

Observing your kitten’s behavior is just as important. They should vocalize for feeding but settle quickly once satisfied. Watch for consistent grooming and play behaviors as they grow, as these also reflect good health.

Common Bottle-Feeding Challenges

Figuring out how to bottle-feed a kitten involves a learning curve for both you and the kitten. Here are some common scenarios you might encounter.

Your Kitten Refuses Feedings

“Have patience” should be your mantra throughout the bottle-feeding process. Most issues are small ones, and it’s just a matter of figuring out what your kitten prefers when feeding. For example, some kittens like a narrow bottle nipple, while others prefer a chunkier one. The light might be too bright for some, while others might need a calmer or quieter setting.

Dr. Hohenhaus adds, “If the kitten refuses, stimulate them to poop and pee; then try feeding again. If a kitten refuses to eat for more than two feedings, then a trip to the animal ER is in order, where they can tube-feed a kitten or diagnose an illness that is suppressing their appetite.”

Your Kitten Has Digestive Issues

Digestive issues are another common challenge when bottle-feeding kittens. If your kitten experiences diarrhea or constipation, it could be due to the formula type, improper preparation, or overfeeding.

Always follow the mixing instructions on kitten milk replacer carefully, as too much or too little powder can upset their stomach.

Also, make sure the nipple size is correct. An incorrectly sized nipple can lead to a kitten eating too quickly.

Finally, maintain proper hygiene with feeding equipment and make sure the formula is fresh.

If digestive problems persist for more than a day or are severe, consult your veterinarian to rule out infections or other health concerns.

Weaning Is Difficult

Some kittens take to eating solid food on their own much more quickly than others do. Once again, patience and persistence are necessary when working with a kitten who is slow to take to food. Dr. Hohenhaus shared some tips with us.

“Mixing kitten milk replacer powder into the food makes the food taste familiar and will make the food liquidy so the kitten can slurp it up,” Dr. Hohenhaus says. “Occasionally, topping off the kitten food with meat baby food or a squeezable treat is needed to entice them to eat.”

She adds that these “treats” don’t provide adequate nutrition for growing kittens, so they should be used sparingly as an enticement.

*A lot of this information was taken from Chewy – a great resource for all animals*

August 1, 2026October 20, 2025

Pay attention to this spot for our monthly happenings!

If you have an idea for a fundraiser or want to help Cattyshack fund raise through your business, you can email us at fundraising@cattyshackhsv.org.

If you would like to donate, please look under “Ways to Help” and click on one of our donation links.

July 31, 2026October 20, 2025

Summer questions?

Do you have any questions about cats, kittens, cat or kitten care, rescue, fostering, adoptions, anything feline related?

Let us know what question you have and we will write a blog post to answer these questions!

You can also make donations on zeffy using the link on our “Ways to Help” page.