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Building a Cat Emergency Kit
If disaster strikes, the last thing you want is to scramble for supplies to keep your cat safe. Let’s turn a simple backpack into a grab-and-go cat emergency kit, ready whenever things take a turn.
Your cat emergency kit should contain:
- 3 days’ worth of cat food (wet, dry, or both)
- Bottled water
- Collapsible bowls
- A foldable litter box with scoop
- Your cat’s medication and dosing instructions
- Your cat’s passport
- A collar with ID tag
- A first aid kit for your cat
- Your phone number
- Your vet’s information
Additional items you will need:
- Cat carrier
- Cat litter
Tip: Store your cat emergency kit in an easily accessible spot, next to the cat carrier, and check it every six months for any expired food or medication.
Include Veterinary and Emergency Contacts
In case your cat gets injured or manages to escape, an up-to-date list with useful phone numbers is a must-have! Be sure to include:
- Your primary veterinarian
- The nearest 24-hour emergency clinic
- Local animal control and shelters
Tip: Store phone numbers in your phone and keep a printed copy in your emergency kit. In addition, be sure to have a recent photo of your cat to show to people in case your feline friend goes missing.
Think about Safe Transport and Shelter
If you need to evacuate, your cat will need a secure way to travel and, more importantly, a place to stay. As you don’t want to start searching for cat-friendly lodging when disaster strikes, be sure to plan ahead:
- Ask friends or family if you and your cat can stay with them in case of an emergency
- Identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, and emergency shelters
- Label your cat carrier with your name, address, and phone number
Never leave your cat behind during an evacuation! Conditions can become dangerous quickly.
Prepare People to Pick Up Your Cat if Needed
If you end up in the hospital, someone else may need to care for your cat temporarily. Choose one or two trusted people who can bring your feline friend to safety and look after them if needed. Be sure they have access to your home and know exactly where to find your cat carrier and emergency kit.
Get a Pet Alert Sticker
During an emergency, a pet alert sticker helps rescuers quickly identify that animals are inside your home. Place it on a window near the front door where it’s clearly visible and not obscured by plants or bushes.
The sticker should include:
- Number of cats
- Number of any other pets
- Your phone number
Tip: If you’ve evacuated with pets, write “EVACUATED” on the sticker so responders don’t risk their lives searching unnecessarily.
