Preparing Your Cats for Disaster
 by Frany Suyufy

Have a Plan
Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, and tornadoes are for the birds, but unless we want to be like "Chicken Littles," or the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand, we need to face facts and make preparations. The facts are that hundreds of pets are lost every year to disasters, and, many more are rescued but never reunited with their owners because of lack of identification. So, plan now to avoid future confusion.


Locate a Temporary Refuge for your Cats
No one wants to evacuate their homes, but if you are ever forced to do so, you will need to evacuate your cats too. The American Red Cross says, "Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse."

The Red Cross will not accept pets at their emergency shelters, so make a list of "pet-friendly" motels in case you need to temporarily relocate with your cats.

As an alternative, ask your veterinarian and/or your local animal shelter if they provide emergency care for pets following disasters. Obtain the numbers to several veterinarians outside your immediate area in the event your own veterinarian's office has to close because of the emergency. Contact a friendly neighbor and make a reciprocal agreement to take charge of each others pets in the event of an emergency when one of you is not home. Exchange cell phone numbers if you both have them, and make sure both of you know the location of your Pet Emergency Kits. Make a list of all the above phone numbers for your Emergency Kit.

Prepare a Pets' Emergency Supply Kit

Include the following items:

Extra supplies of medication, medical records, a pet first-aid book and a first-aid kit. Ask your veterinarian for a mild tranquilizer to use in case of emergencies. (Rotate the medication regularly to keep the expiration date fresh.) Here's a basic list for your first-aid kit:
  • cotton batting, gauze bandages and pads
  • tweezers
  • adhesive tape
  • first-aid cream - a triple-antibiotic
  • antiseptic spray
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • rectal thermometer
  • scissors

Don't forget other daily supplies, as well as necessary records and photos:

  • Food, can opener, water, bowls, litter pan and litter.
  • Cat carrier or portable crate .(A collapsible metal show crate will accommodate more than one cat.)
  • Medical records, pertinent information about your cat and phone number of your veterinarian in the event you have to foster your cat in the interim.
  • Comfortable bedding for the crate. A blanket can be used for the dual purpose of bedding and wrapping an injured animal in to prevent shock.
  • Nail clippers, comb and/or brush.
  • Recent photos of your cat. Hopefully you won't need them, but if your cat is lost in the confusion, you'll want to place posters around the area without delay.

Identify Your Cat

Disasters are frightening and stressful enough, but losing a frightened cat at the same time only adds to the panic. It may be impossible to prevent a cat from running from your home under these sorts of circumstances, but ensuring that he is identifiable, well in advance of any emergency, will help you to reunite with him later.
Cats can be marked for identification in three different ways:

  1. A collar or harness and tags. Make sure emergency phone numbers are on it, along with your name and address. (Your cell phone would also be good.)
  2. Tattooing. The identification number you choose must be registered with one of the tattoo registries.
  3. Microchip. Microchipping involves implanting a tiny device under the animal's skin. Many shelters and veterinarians have microchip scanners nowadays, however one problem is that there is no single universal standard yet. Check with your veterinarian and your local shelter to see if microchip is a viable alternative in your area.
If you Have Warning

Although earthquakes seldom give warning, often people in hurricane or tornado areas are given some advance notice. At the first hint of disaster, call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your cats. Also check to see that your emergency kit is up-to-date, and keep it in a central location so you can grab it in a hurry, if necessary. If your cat is of the indoor-outdoor variety, bring him inside. If he is not tattooed or microchipped, make sure his collar and tags are on. Remember your cat's only resource is you, so try to stay as calm and reassuring as you can be during this time, as your stress will telegraph to him.

If you are not home when evacuation warning is given, and there is no time to return home, call your neighbor "emergency partner" and ask if he or she can bring your cat and emergency supply kit to a halfway meeting place.

When it's All Over

When the emergency is over and you are back at home, give your kitty several days to recover. He has just been through a very traumatic experience. Watch him carefully for any signs of overt stress, and call your veterinarian immediately if any unusual behavior problems persist.

With careful planning and quick, resourceful action, you can lessen the long-term effects a disaster can have on your cat, as well as saving him for many more years of companionship.