Preparing Your Cat for Disasters

You love your cat to the ends of the earth. Well, what if the earth starts to shake? Or, the sky opens up and pours water in sheets upon it, flooding your house to such an extent that your poor kitty could just about float away? Are you prepared to handle an emergency or a disaster with your cat?

It’s vital to take your cat into account when preparing your family for potential disasters. If you sign your cat’s name to holiday cards, then he’s part of the family too, right? If disaster strikes, your cat is going to be relying on you to help him not only survive, but provide him with the comfort and care that he’s depended on for his whole life.

The Emergency Kit

In the emergency kit that you prepare for your family, make sure that you consider your cat’s needs too. Your cat will likely be scared, at least for the first few days following any disaster or emergency, and his appetite will most likely be diminished. But, don’t count on that forever. Pack enough dry food to last for at least a week. And, don’t forget your cat when you pack water to ration among your family members. He’ll need plenty of it too; so, pack a supply just for him and bowls to put it in.

He’ll also need litter and a pan. Pack a pan that’s portable enough to move around but large enough that he’ll feel comfortable relieving himself in for a few days. Now’s not the time to get him to try a new brand of litter. Stock his familiar brand.

If your pet was injured, you’ll want to have copies of his veterinary records. Keep updated copies in the emergency kit, along with current photos of your pet. These will come in handy in case you become separated from your cat and you end up needing to call upon the local shelter for help. You may want to consider having your cat micro-chipped for just this scenario. You’ll also want phone numbers handy of the local shelters and veterinarians.

Because the hours and days after a disaster, like an earthquake or tornado can be traumatic, loud and tumultuous at best, your cat is certainly going to be upset. Make sure your cat is comfortable being crated if necessary to keep him safest if the situation warrants it.

Throw a few toys and a soft blanket in your kit. You never know how your cat will react. He may snuggle up on the blanket and be unmovable for days. Or, he’ll want to bat the ball around nonstop. Be prepared to accommodate his desires. Scratch his ears at will. He’s just gone through the same trauma you have.

The Royal Treatment

Make sure your cat is nearby at all times. Your cat will likely be spooked by what’s happened. Animals have a sense of the world around them, especially natural disasters, and they are very likely to make a dash for it or hide if they are given the chance. Pamper and spoil your kitty when you can and keep a close watch on him. After a disaster, the outside world, or even the inside of your home, may not be the safest place for him to go exploring. Make sure you keep your kitty close by and showered with love and attention so he feels safe, loved and reassured.

Your pets are part of the family. It would be terribly sad if someone created an emergency kit for your family, and you settled down to open it only to discover that there was only enough food for the parents and not the kids. The same logic applies to your cat. He needs the same forethought, planning, love and attention in an emergency and every day.

References :

www.72hours.org