By Dr Edele Gray
From fires to floods, natural disasters severely disrupt our lives in the blink of an eye. Worrying about our pets contributes to an already stressful situation. Being prepared with an evacuation kit can help reduce stress on parents and pets.
What to Include in Your Cat’s Emergency Go-Bag
Pack these 11 items in your cat’s emergency bag:
1. Administrative formalities
This should include all microchip, ownership and vaccination records. If your cat is on medication long-term, you should have a copy of your cat’s prescriptions with the doses, concentrations, and names of the medications. Ideally, you should include a photo of your cat in case it goes missing in the chaos of a natural disaster. It’s a good idea to have all information, including emergency contacts, saved on your phone, but a hard copy in case there is no cell service or the battery is dead is also vital.
2. Medicines
Talk to your veterinarian about having a small extra supply of medication for your cat, as if you were on vacation, as a backup. Enough medication to last about a week should be your minimum supply. Be sure to keep an eye on expiration dates and keep them updated if medications or doses change over time.
3. Food and water
This is a no-brainer here, but in the confusion and panic of an emergency evacuation, the essentials can sometimes be overlooked. You should have a minimum of 3-5 days of food and water for each cat in your home. Make sure it’s the same type of food your pet usually eats to avoid tummy upsets during an already stressful time for everyone. Cans of wet food are safe because they tend to have long expiration dates and meet part of your cat’s daily water needs, but if your cat only eats dry food, stick to it. Store dried foods in a ziplock bag or in sealable tubs and water bottles; then replace them quarterly to keep them fresh.
4. Travel Food and Water Bowls
Portable, collapsible bowls are perfect for easy packing and are easy to clean. Be sure to dry the bowls thoroughly before returning them to storage; otherwise, mold could become a problem.
5. Portable Litter Box and Litter Box
Portable Litter Boxes are essential for traveling with your cat, especially in an emergency. Add in a small bag of their favorite litter and you’re good to go. Use litter sparingly, so you can throw it away once used and not worry about picking it up on the road. Cats don’t need a well-filled litter box (although it’s great at home to encourage burying waste), so a small amount can satisfy their cravings.
6. Cat carrier and liners
Rapid evacuation will require a reliable system cat carrier; If possible, it is best to choose one large enough for your cat to feel comfortable in for a few days. It should also be easy to carry or have a strap to quickly put it over your shoulder. If your cat hates traveling or is having a nasty event (poop everywhere!), then carrier liners are essential, especially if you find yourself unexpectedly stuck in your car or unable to get your cat out of the carrier to go to the toilet.
7. Blanket/Bed
The emergency evacuation will be stressful for you and your feline friend, so if possible, take her bed or favorite blanket so she can smell like home and help soothe them. Although it may not be part of your prepared “go-along bag”, it is ideal for helping to overcome these stressful times for your cat and, by extension, for you. If you cannot bring a blanket, consider using a pet relaxing spray, there are many products on the market, so talk with your veterinarian about a suitable product available in your area.
8. Cat harness and leash
It’s a good idea to get your cat used to wearing a harness and leash if possible, even if you do not use one in your cat’s daily life. Emergency evacuations mean you may not have a safe place to free your cat from its carrier. A leash and harness can give your cat some freedom while remaining safe and close to you.
9. Garbage bags, gloves and paper towels
Small trash bags, gloves and paper towels help clean up those inevitable messes, especially poop or vomit. A convenient alternative for these cleanups is dog poop bags, available in many eco-friendly varieties. Gloves are essential, whether you’re squeamish or not, because they can protect you from catching bugs as you go about your cat parenting duties.
10. Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Disinfectant wipes are another essential item in your travel bag. Fresh water for washing after a cleaning may not be available if you are displaced during this time. Pet-safe wipes can help remove any mess on your cat’s paws without causing any toxic effects to your pet.
11. First aid kit
A pet first aid kit again, this goes without saying, but having one on hand and stocked is really important for a quick evacuation. You never know when scratches and wounds may occur, so a basic kit will allow you to clean any wounds and prevent infection, and possibly save your cat’s life until you get an appointment. you to the vet. You should include a few small sachets of sterile saline, wound ointment, gauze and bandages. These will also allow you to make a splint if your cat has a broken limb.
Scissors and nail clippers will also be a big help in your kit. Cats scratch when stressed and can easily get their nails caught in these emergency situations. So a nail clipper can help you keep those nails in place when they are moved. In your first aid kit, don’t forget some human bandages either, in case you are the victim of one of those stressed cat tantrums.
Article and infographic provided by The domestic animals via Infographic newspaper.
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