5 Things to Include In Your Cat Emergency Kit
California is currently going through a heat wave and suffering from an increase in fires. Since the threat of fire is something that many people face as a reality it got me to thinking about my own emergency plan. While Jason and I are prepared, we also want the cats to be prepared.
It has been a goal of mine for quite some time to prepare a emergency kit for the cats and I decided to take this increase in fires as the motivation I needed.
While many people know the typical things to include in a emergency kit, I began thinking of the items that most people do not consider adding.
To follow is my list of 5 items that everyone should include in their emergency kit.
Also please note that this post may contain affiliate links, but this does not change my opinion – everyone should add these items to their kits!
Pet Information and Photos – This can be as simple as a small card that includes your pets name, approximate age, microchip number (if your pet is not micro-chipped i can not urge you enough to do it, many shelters offer free or discounted micro-chipping – click here to learn more). I also made note of the cats favorite snacks and if he knows his own name to make location or apprehension a little easier. Be sure to include a couple photos that show distinguishing characteristics in case you are separated from your animal. The photos will assist in sign making, and helping to find your cat.
Brush and Wipes – Cats especially are notorious for being clean animals, and anything we can do to assist them in an emergency will help lower their stress levels. The brush will get anything out of their fur that might be making them uncomfortable. The wipes available range from baby wipes, to bathing calming wipes for cats. I included both types in my emergency kit – the baby wipes are also perfect to clean human hands.
Temporary Litter Box & Disposable Bags – Cats like to use a box to use and if possible having a disposable temporary litter box will help lower their stress levels in an emergency while providing them a place to do their business. Having the disposable bags on hand ensures you are able to clean kitties box no matter the situation.
Towel and Pillowcase – The towel can be old, and the pillowcase used – but this combo has a dual use that will prove useful for your cat. The first is the towel can be used to wrap your cat, or put in the pillowcase to make an impromptu bed. The pillowcase can also be used to calm your cat for any emergency procedures you may have to perform.
Bottle water and Wet Food – If possible include your cats favorite wet food. This will urge them to eat if they are stressed, and you will feel better knowing your animal is eating. Be sure to check your kit every couple years and dispose of expired food (you may want to use a black pen and write the expiration date on the front).
In addition to these items, I also included the typical emergency kit items of bandages, pain relieving ointment, Benadryl (be sure to talk to your vet first for proper dosage information), leash and collar, self cling band aids, gauze, tape, foil blanket, cotton balls, gauze roll, hydrogen peroxide, ice pack, non-latex gloves, jelly, rectal thermometer, blunt end scissors, tweezers, ear cleaner, eye dropper and flashlight.
I purchased a simple 12 quart clear box that sits perfectly inside the temporary litter box I purchased, which will make it easier to grab both in case of an emergency.
While these 5 items may not save your pets life it will assist your pets comfortably in an emergency situation and ease their stress levels.
Did I forget anything? Tell me below!