How To Be Cat Ready For A Natural Disaster

All sorts of natural disasters can occur at any time. There are floods in Pennsylvania, tornadoes in the Midwest, and wildfires in many states. You see them happen on the news, in social media, or just in passing. But then one day the natural disaster comes to you. And when it does, how cat ready are you?

When a natural disaster happens to you and your cat, there are a few things that you can do to be ready. Of course, we can’t plan for everything, but careful cat owners should know what do beforehand.

Pet Rescue Sticker

A pet rescue sticker can be attached to a window of a car or close to the front door of a house. They are simple and eye-catching. In a fast and fluid emergency situation, it’s best if the information is understood straight away. The stickers are usually bright red and show emergency responders quickly how many pets are inside.

Let Neighbors Know

So often people are away from their house when an emergency situation happens, but their cats are still at home. So it is great to let neighbors know when you are out. Emergency responders can get the information they need from your neighbor about what pets are in the house. It gives your cat the best chance of being rescued if the emergency responders know what they are looking for.

Similarly, for those who are in rental properties or managed apartment buildings, let the managing company know about your cat. It is usual for management companies to have emergency contact information for their renters. This will include the number and type of cats that might be inside your rental property or apartment.

Keep A Cat Carrier Nearby

In a fire, with smoke circling around you, and probably at night too, you’ll want to know exactly where to find a cat carrier or collar with leash. In the confusion of a fire, and the unexpected way in which it just happens when you least expect it, you need to move quickly and get your cat to a safe place fast.

Know Where To Go

If you and your cat make it to a car, where do you go then? Better to be cat ready and decide this well in advance. If you have to evacuate fast because of a category 5 tornado (the worst), then you don’t want to have to be scrolling through your mobile looking for a place to stay. Plan ahead to stay with friends or relatives who can take your cats in an emergency. Or find pet friendly hotels within a few hours drive that allow cats to stay.

Cat Ready Emergency Kit

You should have an emergency kit for you and your cat. Two separate ones that have essential medications, bandages, and medical supplies. They should be in a sturdy and waterproof container. In the kit should be contact details for your cat’s veterinarian and a summary of what medications and health issues your cat may have.

Microchip

If your cat is lost in the mayhem of an evacuation, a microchip will give you and your cat the best chance of being reunited.

A microchip is a permanent identification, unlike collars and tags that can fall off. The microchip is implanted under your cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. It’s a permanent and safe solution.

If a lost cat is brought to an animal shelter, they might have a universal scanner that can read the microchip even if it’s from another state or country. This microchip will give them your contact information so they can call you. Be sure to keep your contact information up to date.

Here in the U.S., any microchip compliant with ISO standards (International Organization for Standardization) will work. Cat owners can choose between AVID, PetLink, and HomeAgain.

Final Thoughts

When you look after a cat, or adopt one as part of the family, you take on the responsibility for their well-being and safety. Thinking ahead and being cat ready now will keep your cat safer because you have a plan and actions ready to deal with an emergency.

With a microchip, emergency kit, pet rescue sticker, contact with neighbors, cat carrier close at hand, and a plan, you can face any emergency with more peace of mind. And when the emergency is over, you’ve done everything possible to bring your cat home safely.