Emergency Preparedness for Cat Owners & What You Should Know

Your friendly feline does more than keep you company when no one else is around. They show their affection by gently bumping their head against you, following you around to remind you they’re near, and sleeping on you to keep you toasty in the coolness of the night. Dogs may be “Man’s Best Friend,” but you’d beg to differ, and you’re not alone.

Research shows that Instagram posters in 91 nations preferred cats in 2021, while dogs were more in demand in just 76 countries. Many cat lovers like that cats are relatively simple to care for, require less space than dogs, and are generally independent and quiet companions.

But, what would happen if you and your cat experienced an emergency at home? Let’s explore the top emergency preparedness tips for cat owners so you and your furry friend can stay safe, come what may.

Develop a Kitty Emergency Kit

Creating a cat-themed emergency kit can help you and Simba prepare for the worst if you have to shelter in place, eliminating the need to scramble for their essentials at the last minute. Your kit should include the following:

• Water and food (at least one week’s worth)

• Comfort items (e.g., your cat’s favorite bed, blankets, or toys)

• Disposable litter pan and litter

• First aid items (e.g., tweezers, antiseptic, and bandages)

• Identification (a microchip containing current information or an ID tag on a collar)

• Medications and accompanying instructions

• Carrier

Your cat’s carrier should be strong and comfortable for conveniently transporting your fluffy furball. A popular option is a cat bag with a padded shoulder strap, which will allow you to soothe and hold your kitty or keep them by your side as you gather their other emergency supplies.

Protect Your Home for Kitty

Identify safe spaces in your home for your cat if you have to shelter in place. Pick a windowless room or one with few windows, as this will help reduce the possibility of injuries from breaking glass. Interior rooms, basements, and bathrooms are generally excellent options.

Remove any hazards in your safe spaces, including dangerous chemicals, small objects your cat could swallow, or plants. Secure heavy appliances and furnishings to keep them from toppling over.

Create a Cat Evacuation Plan

Let’s say sheltering in place with your furry friend isn’t an option. Create an evacuation plan highlighting cat-friendly shelters you can flee to in a jiffy. Determine which motels and hotels along your desired evacuation route accept pets by calling to verify their pet policies. Your local animal shelter or veterinarian office may also point you toward cat-friendly area shelters.

Prepare Milo for evacuation and carrier training to ensure they’re comfortable when the unexpected happens. Regular evacuation drills should include the following to make navigating an emergency evacuation less stressful for both of you:

• Securing your pet

• Putting them in their carrier

• Carrying them to your vehicle

• Taking them on brief automobile rides to get them adjusted to the vehicle’s environment and motion

Suppose you’re not at home when an emergency happens. Develop a reliable buddy system to ensure your cat’s safety in your absence by designating a trusted friend or neighbor to care for your cat. They should be able to access your house and know where to find your kitty’s emergency kit. Remember to give your buddy your contact details and your veterinarian’s contact info.

Keep Your Furry Friend Safe

Preparing for an emergency can make a seemingly alarming situation feel less scary and complicated for both you and your favorite feline. Creating a comprehensive emergency kit for your cat, creating a safe space for sheltering in place, and developing a detailed evacuation plan can help you and your cat feel empowered when chaos ensues. Consider all the above-listed tips for emergency preparedness to help you and Luna weather the storm purrrrfectly.