Most emergencies don’t come with a warning, so it’s best to be prepared for one to happen. Often overlooked, there are a lot of precautions you can take before one strikes to make sure you and your cat have a plan for safety. Here are some tips to follow for animal disaster preparedness.

• Rescue alert sticker – A free rescue alert sticker from the ASPCA offers valuable information about your cat including the species, breed, and name as well as contact information for your veterinarian. Be sure to apply this sticker in a highly visible spot for rescue workers in case of an emergency evacuation.
• Plan for emergency shelter for your cat – Surrounded by chaos, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a safe place for your furry friend. Not all disaster shelters accept pets; so decide where you will take your cat ahead of time. Make plans with family or friends, or create a list of recommended boarding facilities in advance of a disaster.
• Supplies and travel necessities – Keep these supplies clearly labeled and stored in a kit that is easy to carry. Be certain that all members of the house know where these supplies will be stored.

1. Pet First Aid Kit
2. Copies of your cat’s medical records
3. Two week’s supply of necessary medications
4. One week’s supply of canned/dry food
5. One week’s supply of bottled water
6. Paper towels, disinfectant, small disposable garbage bags
7. Collar, Leash and ID Tags (as well as recent photos of your cat should you become separated)
8. Crate or carrier, and a snuggly blanket
9. Disposable litter and litter tray
10. Toys, toys, toys!

Be sure to supplement this list by creating an emergency kit for the humans in your family too!

• Arrange temporary and permanent caregivers – When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility. When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your cat in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your feline and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your kitty.
• Evacuation plan - As pessimistic as it may sound, it’s important to plan for the absolute worst! If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

1. Store your emergency kit close to an exit
2. Check your cat’s tags to make sure their ID is current, and includes a name, telephone number, and any pertinent medical needs. Include this information on your cat’s carrier as well.
3. Always bring your cat indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Companion animals can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
4. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your cat outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

Additional Information:
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
PetFinder
American Red Cross