When Disaster Strikes - Will You and Your Cat Be Ready?
Hurricane season starts on June 1 and runs through November. With the climate getting warmer, chances are there will be more hurricanes every year during these months.
For BCR, hurricanes passing through are the most frequent the natural disasters that bring with them strong winds and flooding. Thankfully, past hurricanes that have gone through or around BCR have not caused large-scale damage, but BCR is always prepped and ready to make sure the cats are always safe.
Hurricanes aren't the only disasters that can happen. Whether it's a hurricane, a tornado, fires, ice storms, flooding, drought, blizzards, or whatever nature brings, preparing your pets for those events is critical. Just like BCR does, all pet owners should be ready in case of an emergency and have a plan for keeping pets safe.
First, always be aware of the weather in your area. Weather folks on the news can go a little crazy when reporting on a big storm or event, but at the heart of what they're saying is that something is coming. Stay on top of the reports so you know. If you live in a hurricane-prone area or one that experiences snow and ice in winter, you'll have time to put your plan into motion. Tornadoes and severe pop-up storms don't give much warning.
When you get the word that weather is happening, put your plan into motion.
Every pet owner should have these things ready to go:
*Enough food and water for five days for each pet you have. Don't forget bowls and a can opener if you feed your pets canned food. Experts also suggest that you have extra water to wash your pet with if its been in polluted flood waters.
*Your cat's litter box, extra litter, a scoop and garbage bags.
*Cat carriers and harnesses or leashes. Also make sure your cat is wearing a collar with your correct contact information on it. Carriers and cages need to have enough room for your cat to stand up and move around in case it has to be in one for a long time. Putting your pet's favorite blanket or towel in the carrier - and maybe even a favorite toy - will help your cat feel safer.
*Recent photos of you with your cat and detailed descriptions of them in case you get separated. This will help prove that your cat is yours when you're reunited.
*Make sure your pet is microchipped and the company has your current address and phone number on file. Even in non-emergency situations, all pets should wear collars with ID tags as well as being microchipped. Pets' microchips can be registered free at Found.org!
*A written record of your cat's medical conditions, behavior issues and a feeding schedule with the name and number of your veterinarian. This will help if you're forced to leave your cat with a temporary foster.
Other things that are helpful to have on hand include newspapers, paper towels, trash bags, household bleach and your cat's brush and maybe nail clippers.
Pet owners can also take a few tips from how shelters and rescues prepare for big weather events. The shelter emergency list includes some things pet owners would find helpful, like:
*Flashlight
*Heavy gloves that can help keep you safe if you have to pick up a panicked animal.
*Tarp
*A radio
Whatever you do, don't abandon your cat to fend for itself even if you think your house is secure. BCR's Gabriel (left) (who crossed the Rainbow Bridge in March 2019) managed to survive all alone through Hurricane Irma in 2017 underneath a car in Miami. He was the rare exception and it's a miracle he did survive. He arrived at BCR very emaciated and covered with wounds, either from flying debris or from other animals. As covered extensively on the news, there were many other heartbreaking cases of pet abandonment in Florida and Texas during and after recent hurricane disasters. The truth is that it's very likely your pet won't survive on its own.So, be ready! Have your emergency kit prepared and keep your cat safe!
CLICK HERE to read about how shelters get ready.
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