Disaster Preparation

Disaster Kit for Cats

Food
Have at least a (2) 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 may not have a way to properly refrigerate a partially used can of food - do not feed food that has been left out. Store dry food in an airtight, water proof container. Rotate food at least once every (3) months. Include in your supplies a feeding dish, a spoon to scoop and mix the food, and a hand crank can opener in case you do not have pop top cans.

Water
Have at least a (2) week supply at all times. Store water in plastic containers and keep in a cool, dark place. Rotate water at least once every (2) months.

Sanitation
Have a small litter box and litter scoop in your supplies. Have a supply of cat litter to last at least (2) weeks. Have some plastic bags in your supplies for disposing of your cat's waste. Newspaper is very helpful—easily shredded to make litter and lighter to transport.

Cleaning Supplies
Have a small container of dish soap (Dawn dish soap kills fleas, cleans dishes and gets out grease/motor oil—it is a must!) for cleaning purposes. Have paper towels for drying dishes and for other cleanup.

Collar and Tag
Have a proper fitting break away collar and tag on your cat at all times, and keep an extra collar in your supplies in case the permanent one gets lost. Have a spare temporary tag in your supplies that you can write on - if you are going to be living somewhere else temporarily, you should put that address and phone number on the tag. You may want to consider micro chipping or tattooing your cat as a more permanent form of identification.

Harness and Leash
You should have a proper fitting harness and leash in your supplies so that if you have to keep your cat confined in a cage for an extended period of time, you have a secure way to take the cat out of the cage to get some exercise. The harness is key in safely allowing your cat some time out of the crate.

Confining your Cat
Have a collapsible wire cage to transport your cat or to house him or her in following the disaster (if exterior walls fall down or windows are broken, you'll need to keep your cat safely confined). The cage should be large enough to accommodate food and water dishes and a litter box. If your cat plays with toys, include in your supplies some toys to keep your cat entertained.

Taking an additional hardside carrier is, in our opinion, the best plan. If you stay home, this is a safer space for your cat. If you have to remain in a chaotic or very loud environment for some time, a hardside carrier will make your cat feel safer. If you experience debris flying around, a hardside will keep your pet safer.

The wire crate is really to be used after the transport and to ensure the cat has enough room for a litter box and cross ventilation.

*if a cat pants, it needs to be immediately cooled. This can be accomplished by using a wet cloth to wet the inside of the tops of the ears and the pads of the paws. In extreme cases, rub cotton balls wet with rubbing alcohol on them to the foot pads.

EvacSaks are convenient for transporting cats during an emergency because they are foldable and easy to store. You can order one from www.evacsak.net.

First Aid Kit and First Aid Book
You should have in your supplies a basic first aid kit, along with 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 that cool when wet/crushed
• latex disposable gloves (several pairs)
• Net laundry bag, pillow case or evac sac
• Leather gloves (welding gloves or thick work gloves because a frightened cat may bite or scratch even if that is not their normal behavior))
• Bach Flower Rescue Remedy (Available at Whole Foods) Bach Flower Rescue Remedy
• Benadryl 25 mg capsules
• small container of beta dyne scrub
• Dawn dish detergent
• Alcohol gel hand sanitizer
• 2 leashes and 2 harnesses

Medications
If your cat is on long term medication always have on hand at least a (2) week supply, since your vet may not be able to open right away to fill a prescription. Check with your veterinarian to see if he/she has a disaster plan - if not find a veterinarian in your area who does have a plan so that you can get medical care for your cat should it get injured during the disaster. Keep your cat's medical records, including records of vaccinations with your disaster supplies.

Pictures
You should have in your supplies some current pictures of your cat to use in case your cat gets lost during the disaster - be sure to include yourself in some of the pictures in case you have to show proof of guardianship.

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