Sadly, we cannot avoid certain natural disasters that occur in our world. Every year many cats and other beloved pets are forced from their homes to flee or sadly reach a horrible fate, due to being forced from their homes. Although we don’t have a lot of control in the onset of natural disasters, we can make sure that we and our kitties are prepared.
Most workplaces have an evacuation or a disaster plan, but do you? With the current state of global warming causing increase earthquakes, fires and tornadoes as well as political unrest, it is a very important time to start to think about how you can protect yourself and your special pet if something were to happen.
Important things you should have planned for your family and your furry family.
1) Know where evacuation points are in your city. There is often a safe area; such as a sports stadium where emergency services are in the case of a serious emergency. Be aware of where these places are and know that these can often change per when/ what type of natural disaster that may be present.
2) Have a cat carrier and portable cage. These are essential items to take your cat with you. These are important not to only protect your cat from run aware into a more harmful area, but to also ensure they have comfortable private space to relax. As we know, cats are a very defensive animal and they tend to try to flee from their homes when under pressure or stress. Sadly, they can wind up in less safe places than their original home.
3) Ensure you have some canned food and pet food just in case. This is a very important to note. In the case of any disaster, often food sources are scarce so it’s important to ensure you have a few basic levels of supplies, at least to help you get through 2-3 days without another food source. Also, having some additional bottled water is advised as well especially if during the warm summer months, as cats don’t regulate their body temperature very well.
4) Ensure your kitty has a safe place to go to the toilet. This is very important, if your cat doesn’t have a safe place to go to the toilet, you increase your risk of getting toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasmosis is a very severe disease, which can be especially dangerous in; pregnant women, the elderly and children. If left untreated for a long period it can become fatal.
5) Have an escape plan. Be sure to know of 3 or more routes you can travel to get out of your city or your town. In the case of any natural disaster, there is always a risk that one or more roads may be closed. Also, if you intend on taking public transport to evacuate, you will require a strong kitty cage to ensure your cat will remain safe and to create a minimal stress environment.
6) Importantly, try to be able to keep calm. Our pets have an amazing ability to feed off our emotions and to become incredibly anxious when we do. This is also why it’s very important to have an action plan in place, in case of any disaster occurring.
7) Be sure that your family and loved ones also have a copy or at least are aware of your action plan. Especially if you live in more distant cities or areas. It’s important that your family know of a few meeting places you may flee to (with your furry companion) if there ever is a natural disaster. If your family does live close by, then it’s safer and smarted to construct your action plan together creating a communal meeting place.
8) Be sure to let your pet know they are loved. In a crisis point, it is very easy to become overwhelmed, however your pet needs to be aware that you are safe and they should feel safe as well. Cats are a highly intelligent animal; they know when you’re scared and they care for your wellbeing as much as you care for theirs.
Natural disasters can be very unavoidable and we have little control in these situations. But what you can control, is how prepared you and your cat are in the case of an emergency. To ensure your pets safety, be sure to invest in a good quality evacuation cage, which will help to keep them safe and avoiding fleeing from you or their home. Cats also tend to panic if you take them to an unfamiliar location, to the cage helps the cat to feel as though it still has some of its own territory. Also, put a soft blanket or your kitties favourite toy in the cage. Cats are very tactile and like to feel and smell familiar things (ever wondered why they will always kneed the same woollen cardigan you own or blanket.
Although people tend to think that because cats are descended from a strong predator, they can survive on their own. Our special little domestic cats cannot survive and thrive on their own. It’s a very important role as a responsible cat parent that you take this seriously. Because when you look after your cat well, you can have a long time loyal and very special furry friend.