For Cats
You need to be prepared to take care of your cat if a disaster strikes. Below is a shopping list, along with some helpful hints, that can save the life of your cat during a disaster.
1. Food |
- Have at least a one (1) 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 many not have a way to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food. DO NOT feed your cat 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, and a hand crank can opener in case you do not have pop-top cans.
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2. Water |
- If the tap water is not suitable for humans to drink, it is not suitable for animals to drink.
- Have at least a one (1) week backup supply at all times.
- Store in plastic containers and keep in a cool, dark place.
- Rotate water at least once every two (2) months.
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3. Sanitation |
- Have a small litter box and litter scoop in your supplies.
- Have a supply of cat litter to last at least one (1) week.
- Have plastic bags in your supplies for disposing of your cat's waste.
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4. Cleaning Supplies |
- Have a small container of dish soap for cleaning purposes.
- Have a roll of paper towels.
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5. Collar and Tags |
- Have a proper fitting, break-away collar and tag on your cat at all times. Keep an extra collar in your supplies.
- Have your name and address on the tag, plus an alternate telephone number of a friend or family member outside of your area who would know how to reach you during a disaster.
- Micro-chipping your cat is a more permanent form of identification, but this does not replace a collar and tag.
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6. Harness and Leash |
- Keep a proper fitting harness and leash in your supplies so if your cat has to be confined in a cage for an extended period of time, you have a secure way to take the cat out of the cage for exercise. DO NOT leave a cat unattended when on a harness and leash.
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7. Confining Your Cat |
- Have a wire, collapsible crate to transport your cat and/or to keep it in while you are displaced.
- Be sure the crate is large enough for the cat to lie down with room for a food and water dish, plus a litter box.
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8. First Aid |
- Keep a first aid kit and book for cats in your supplies.
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9. Medications |
- If your cat is on long-term medication, always have at least a two (2) week supply, since you may not be able to refill it in a disaster.
- Check with your veterinarian to see if they have a disaster plan. If your veterinarian does not, find one who does so that you can get medical care for your cat should it be injured during the disaster.
- Keep your cat's medical records with your disaster supplies.
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10. Pictures |
- Keep current pictures of your cat in your supplies in case it gets lost during the disaster. Include yourself in some of the pictures to show proof of ownership.
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Click here for other suggestions to keep your cat safe during a disaster.
This information is provided by:
United Animal Nations Emergency Animal Rescue Service
www.uan.org
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