Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS)
Are you prepared to care for your cat if something goes wrong? If not, NOW is the time to stock up on the items you’ll need so you don’t get caught off guard. You can use the shopping links provided below. Take this list with you when you go shopping for cat food or supplies the next time. Don’t put off doing what you need to do now; it could mean the difference between your cat living or dying in the event of a disaster.
The following items should be included in a disaster kit for cats. The amounts should be adjusted to reflect the number of cats you have.
1. FOOD
Always keep at least two weeks’ worth of supplies on hand. Use the brand that your cat is used to eating. Purchase pop-top food cans that are small enough to be used in one feeding because you may not be able to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food – do not feed food that has been left out. Dry foods should be stored in a container that is both airtight and watertight. At least once every three (3) months, food should be rotated. Include a feeding dish, a spoon for scooping and mixing food, and a hand crank can opener if pop top cans aren’t available.
2. WATER
Have at least a (2) week supply thet all times. Store water in plastic containers and keep in a cool, dark place. Rotate water at the very least once every (2) months.
3. SANITATION
Keep a small litter box and a litter scoop on hand at all times. Make sure you have enough cat litter to last at least two weeks. To dispose of your cat’s waste, keep some plastic bags on hand.
4. CLEANING SUPPLIES
For cleaning, keep a small container of dish soap on hand. Prepare paper towels for drying dishes and other cleanup.
5. COLLAR AND TAG
Keep 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 is lost. Have a spare temporary tag that you can write on in your supplies – if you are going to be temporarily living somewhere else, write that address and phone number on the tag. Consider microchipping or tattooing your cat for a more permanent form of identification.
6. HARNESS AND LEASH
If you have to confine your cat in a cage for an extended period of time, you should have a safe way to let the cat out to get some exercise.
7. CONFINING YOUR CAT
If you have to evacuate, you should have a collapsible wire cage to transport your cat in and/or keep it in after the 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). Check that the cage is large enough for the cat to stretch out and has space for a food and water dish, as well as a litter box. If your cat enjoys playing with toys, keep some on hand to keep him occupied.
8. FIRST AID KIT AND FIRST AID BOOK
In your supplies, you should have a basic first aid kit and a first aid book for cats; here are some basic items to include in that kit:
- conforming bandage (3″x5″)
- absorbent gauze pads (4″x4″)
- 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)
9. MEDICATIONS
If your cat requires long-term medication, keep at least a two-week supply on hand because your veterinarian may not be able to open immediately to fill a prescription. Check with your veterinarian to see if he or she has a disaster plan in place; if not, locate a veterinarian in your area who does so so that you can get medical care for your cat if it is injured during the disaster. Keep your cat’s medical records, including vaccination records, in the same place you keep your emergency supplies.
10. PICTURES
You should have current pictures of your cat on hand in case it gets lost during the disaster; include yourself in some of the photos if you need to show proof of ownership.
Wondering about Disaster Preparedness and Pets? Check it out on our latest post!
