How is it possible to make an Emergency Evacuation
Plan for Your Cat
You may need to evacuate your home
quickly for any number of reasons:
natural disasters, a house fire, or in a worst
case scenario, or warfare. Very few pet caretakers think about disaster plans
for themselves, let alone for their cats. But you need to make a plan now,
because if you ever need evacuate quickly without one, it'll be too late for
you and your friend.
Here are the basics:
- Make sure your kitten has identification.
- Collars or harnesses with tags that have your current contact information, are a good bet; microchips are the best choice because they won't get lost if your cat escapes.
- Most disaster shelters won't accept pets, so be sure your plan includes a place to go, whether this is with family, friends, or at a pet-friendly hotel.
- Make sure you have one carrier for each of your pets, and that the carriers are easily accessible.
- Put together an evacuation bag for your cat as well as for yourself. Your evacuation bag must be easily accessible, as close to the exit as possible, easy to carry, and waterproof.
This evacuation kit should include:
- A good list of emergency contact numbers and addresses of pet-friendly hotels
- Copies of your cat's veterinary records -- or, at least, proof of vaccinations (if you need to board your cat, proof of your pet vaccination will be required)
- A description of your cat's feeding requirements
- Recent photos and descriptions (including any special markings or identifying details) of your pet, preferably with you or your family, in case you become separated
- Disposable litter pans (if you get the kind without litter, be sure to include a small bag of your preferred brand of litter in your evacuation kit)
- Collapsible food and water dishes for each cat in your household
- A seven-day supply of food for each cat and pet (canned food should be in pull-top cans)
- A seven-day supply of bottled water for you and for each cat
- A two-week supply, in a waterproof container, of any medications your cat needs to take
- Pet first aid kit and first aid manual
- Extra bedding
- Paper towels and tissues
- Hand sanitizer
- Liquid dish soap
- A blanket and a some toys for each cat
- Garbage bags
Note: You have to
replace food, water, and medications every two months.
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