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Disasters and Animals
Disasters happen every where. Don't think it won't happen here, because it just may. Being prepared and staying calm are the two most important things you can do to insure the survival of your family and cats.
Planning and keeping calm are the keys to keeping yourself and your companion animals safe during a disaster Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, landslides-- no one wants to think about them. Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.
We as cat companions we can't avoid our responsibilities to our kitties, our famlies or yourselves.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
The Red Cross will not accept pets at emergency shelters, so make a list of "pet-friendly" motels in case you need to temporily relocate with your cats.
As an alternative, ask your vet and/or your local shelter if they provide emergency care for pets following disasters. Some shelters are just begining to allow pets with humans. Manythat do allow pets have seperate areas with cages whiich pets must stay in
Obtain the numbers to several veterinarians outside your immediate area in the event your own vet's office has to close because of the emergency. Ask your Vet if he has an emergency disaster plan. Your animal may need medical attention after a disaster has struck and you need to know where to take your animal. If your regular veterinarian does not have a plan, locate a veterinarian in your community who does. Knowing in advance where to take an injured animal may save that animal's life if it is in critical condition and time can't be wasted. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
# 1 Locate a Temporary Refuge for your Cats -
Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
#2 Identify your Cat
A collar or harness and tags. Make sure emergency phone numbers are on it, along with your name and address. (Your cell phone would also be good.)
Tattooing. The identification number you choose must be registered with one of the tattoo registries. (listed in Resources.)
Microchip. Microchipping involves implanting a tiny device under the animal's skin. Many shelters and veterinarians have microchip scanners nowadays, however one problem is that there is no single universal standard yet. Check with your veterinarian and your local shelter to see if microchip is a viable alternative in your area.
#3 If you Have Warning
Although earthquakes seldom give warning, often people in hurricane or tornado areas are given some advance notice.
At the first hint of disaster, call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your cats. Also check to see that your emergency kit is up-to-date, and keep it in a central location so you can grab it in a hurry.
If your cat is of the indoor-outdoor variety, bring him inside. Remember your cat's only resource is you, so try to stay as calm and reassuring as you can be during this time, as your stress will transfer to your cat. If you have been evacuated and are going to be living away from home for an extended period of time, you should put a temporary tag on your animals with a phone number, other than your home number. If someone finds your animal and tries to call your home number, there is a good chance it will not be working during a disaster.
If you are not home when evacuation warning is given, and there is no time to return home, call your neighbor "emergency partner" and ask if he or she can bring your cat and emergency supply kit to a halfway meeting place.
Know where the animal shelters or animal rescue organizations are in your area. You may need to visit them after a disaster to look for a missing animal. It is important to start looking for a missing animal as soon as you realize it is gone.
#4 Have assembled and ready to go,
A cat carrier to evacuate each cat in your household. An "Evacsak," is an alternative to a carrier. It is similar to a pillow case, but is a much safer and more secure way to transport a small animal. They take up a lot less space than carriers, and if you have a house full of animals that need to be transported, you can get a lot more Evacsaks into a car. A carrier would then be used to house a cat if you have to be away from your home for an extended period of time. Be sure to have a shoe box size litter box and a food and a water dish to use in the carrier.
Tips
Do not leave a cat unattended though while it is on a leash, otherwise, the cat might end up strangling itself.
Be sure and comfort your animals during a disaster. They are frightened too, and having you near to give them a hug will help. It will probably do a lot to help you too. If an animal is not ready to be comforted though, do not force it. This is especially true for cats. Let an animal come to you when it is ready.
This is very important to you and your cats.
ANY CAT CAN FREAK OUT ON YOU WHEN SCARED!
The most kick back and lovable cat in the world
can instantly react like a tiger if scared or hurt.
More tips
1 If you live in a Tornado area and have a disaster routine
such as going to the basement. Practice this with your cats.
2 A cat that is scared will try to hide. They may not come to you.
Know where your cats hiding spots are.
3 Your frightened cat, may seriously bite and scratch you
in an attempt to get away and hide.
You may want to have a muzzle handy.
4 Always approach and frighten or hurt animal
slowly and cautiously.
5 A thick blanket can be used to toss
over a cat that is freaking out on you
Cats will usually either lay down or ran when thisis done
So be prepared to grab them as soon as the blanket is over them
Then roll them securely up in the blanket to transport.
6 In the event of a fire in the middle of the night
your plans and disaster kit may be of no use.
If you need to get out quickly with a cat,
grab a pillow case and drop the cat in it,
then tie a knot in the end of it
It's quick, safe and fast.
If you'd like a list of first aid supplies to make a cat or dog first aid kit, or a list of survival supplies you should have ready for your pets .Send me an email and I'll be happy to send you either or both lists.
nemesis1im at 11:03:00 PM EDT Blog about this entry |
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Hello - good to see you again. These are all excellent tips, I think many don't plan on the unexpected until it is too late. Just look at all the poor Katrina animals who had thier lives turned upside down. I have already decided since there isn't any possible way for us to evacuate with ALL the animals I will have to stay. I hope I never have to face this situation as it would mean something catastrophic has happened.
Lisa
5/14/08 7:49 PM
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