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The prepared cat: Including kitty in your disaster-preparedness plans
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Photo by :A. M. Kuchling (Flickr)
If disaster struck today and you were forced to leave your home, what would you do with your cat(s)? Natural disasters, fires, hazardous materials spills—we like to think that these situations just won’t happen to us, but every year thousands of pet owners find themselves facing sudden emergencies and are left scrambling because they did not prepare ahead of time. FEMA, the Humane Society of the United States, and other organizations recommend taking steps now to be prepared for the unthinkable.
1. Identification. Have identification, like a collar tag, on your cat. Also keep an up-to-date photo and physical description of each cat in your evacuation kit. These items can help reunite you with your cat if you become separated.
2. Evacuation plan. Decide where your family will go if you need to evacuate. Find some pet-friendly hotels at varying distances from your home and keep a copy of their contact information in your evacuation kit. Keep another copy near your home’s main phone, and if you believe you will need to evacuate, call and make reservations as soon as possible.
3. Transport plan. Each cat should have his or her own carrier; just because your two cats get along fine under normal circumstances doesn’t mean they won’t fight under the stress of an evacuation. Remember that your cat might need to be housed in a cage or carrier for several days, so it’s a good idea to have one large enough to hold a small litter pan and two bowls and still leave room for your cat to move around in.
4. Evacuation kit. This should include your cat’s carrier, food and water (and bowls), a first-aid kit, kitty litter pan with litter and scoop, copies of veterinary records (including rabies vaccination certificate), any medication your cat is on, familiar items like toys and treats, newspaper, paper towels, and trash bags. (You can find a more detailed list in Saving the Whole Family, published by the American Veterinary Medical Association.) Be sure perishable items like food, water, and medications are replaced periodically. Keep the kit easily accessible and ready to go in case you need to leave in a hurry. And remember this kit is just for your cat—you will need another kit for your human family members.
Preparedness experts recommend that all members of your family know what the plan is, where the evacuation kit is, and where your meeting place will be. Getting ready now for something you hope will never happen can pay big dividends if disaster does strike.
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