Disaster Preparation
CONTINUITY OF CARE PREPAREDNESS DURING COVID-19: It’s important to make sure you have a plan for the care of your pets – for their welfare and your peace of mind. We can help with our Continuity of Care Guide.
Looking to have a disaster kit on hand? Here are the supplies that you should have for cats. Adjust the amounts depending on the number of cats that you have.
Food
Have at least a two (2) week supply at all times. Use the brand that your cat is used to eating. Buy pop-top cans of food small enough to be used at one feeding since you may not have a way to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food – do not feed them food that has been left out. Store dry food in an airtight, waterproof container. Rotate food at least once every three (3) months. Include in your supplies a feeding dish, a spoon to scoop and mix the food, and a hand-crank can opener in case you do not have pop-top cans.
Water
Have at least a two (2) week supply at all times. Store water in plastic containers and keep it in a cool, dark place. Rotate water at least once every two (2) months.
Sanitation
Have a small litter box and litter scoop in your supplies. Have a supply of cat litter to last at least two (2) weeks. Have some plastic bags in your supplies for disposing of your cat’s waste.
Cleaning Supplies
Have a small container of dish soap for cleaning purposes. Have paper towels for drying dishes and for other cleanups.
Collar and Tag
Have a proper fitting breakaway collar and tag on your cat at all times, and keep an extra collar in your supplies in case the permanent one gets lost. Have a spare temporary tag in your supplies that you can write on – if you are going to be living somewhere else temporarily, put that address and phone number on the tag. You may want to consider microchipping or tattooing your cat as a more permanent form of identification. Speak to your veterinarian about these possibilities.
Harness and Leash
You should have a proper fitting harness and leash in your supplies so that if you have to keep your cat confined in a cage for an extended period of time, you have a secure way to take the cat out of the cage to get some exercise.
Confining Your Cat
You should have a collapsible wire cage to keep your cat in following a disaster (remember that exterior walls can fall down and windows may be broken, so you need a secure way to keep your cat safely confined), or transport your cat should you need to evacuate the area. Be sure the cage is large enough to give your cat room to spread out, with extra space for a food and water dish, plus a litter box. Include in your supplies some toys to keep your cat entertained.
First Aid Kit and First Aid Book
You should have in your supplies a basic first aid kit, along with a first aid book for cats – here are some basic items to include in that kit:
Conforming bandage (3′′ x 5′′)
Absorbent gauze pads (4′′ x 4′′)
Absorbent gauze pad (3′′ x 1 yard)
Q-tips (1 box)
Antiseptic wipes
Emollient cream
Tweezers and scissors
Instant cold pack
Latex disposable gloves (several pairs)
Medications
If your cat is on long-term medication, it’s best to have a two (2) week supply available since your vet may not be able to open right away to fill a prescription. Check with your veterinarian to see if he/she has a disaster plan – if not, find a veterinarian in your area who does have a plan so that you can get medical care for your cat should it get injured during the disaster. Keep your cat’s medical records, including records of vaccinations, with your disaster supplies.
Pictures
You should have in your supplies some current pictures of your cat to use in case your cat gets lost during the disaster – be sure to include yourself in some of the pictures in case you have to show proof of ownership.
Courtesy of Red Rover
