Preparing for Disasters

If there is a disaster to either you or your home, you should be prepared.  Have accessible carriers for all of you cats for emergency evacuation or impending tornados.  Have leashes for your dogs.  Have extra food, bottled water, and litter in case you need it.  Ideally, all your pets have collars with identification tags.  Place fire rescue stickers in several windows of you home with the number and description of your cat(s). List an emergency contact for their care - a friend or veterinarian.  If a cat has a medical condition, make sure you have a copy of their medical records on hand.  If your animals need to be boarded in an emergency, having a copy of their vaccine and feline leukemia test history will make things a lot less hectic.  Keep these papers with their carriers.

Feline Emergency Kit

• Digital thermometer
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Stretch bandage
• Roll Gauze (for muzzle, tourniquet or bandage)
• Bandage scissors (blunt tips)
• Hydrogen peroxide - not for more than one use
• Betadine solution
• Syringes - different sizes including oral syringe
• Tweezers
• Kaolin
• Antibiotic ointment for skin
• Stethoscope optional

Extra items to carry in your car for rescues:

• Thick towel or blanket
• Thick gloves, preferably leather
• Cat carrier
• Leash
• Canned, smelly cat food - to entice cat.

While this list is not intended to be all-encompassing, it is a good starting point for most emergencies that you might encounter.