Are you subscribed to our newsletter? Get the latest CATalyst Council news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our monthly eNewsletter here.

Hey, there. CAT Stanley here. I always share my person’s newspaper and read along when she reads. (Don’t tell her though. She doesn’t know I read along. She thinks I just like laying on the paper.) If you read the newspaper too or listen to the news, you probably already know it’s tornado season. To all the people and animals impacted by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, my heart goes out to you. Nobody, two-legged or four-legged, should have to go through the devastation and tragedy that you have.

For the rest of us, these recent disasters remind us that we need to be prepared in case of emergencies too. Whether the emergency is a tornado, a hurricane, a fire, a flood, or something else, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death for our families. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has put together this booklet to help: Saving the Whole Family.

You should take a few moments to read through the booklet but here are some of the highlights:

  • Don’t wait until a crisis occurs to make a plan. Know where you will go and how you will get there. Make sure your pet is welcome or that you have an alternative location in which to house your pet.
  • If you have to evacuate your home, take your pet with you. Even if you believe you’ll only be gone for a short time, don’t leave your pet behind.
  • Prepare an evacuation kit and a first aid kit. (More information about what should be included in these kits is included in the booklet.)
  • Be sure your pet has identification. This identification should include rabies and license tags. Forms of ID for dogs and cats include tags (with your name, address, and telephone number engraved) and microchips. Ideally, your pet will have both an identification tag and a microchip.
  • Include your pet’s medical records and other important documents (licenses, etc.) in your evacuation kit.
  • Be sure you have a carrier available to transport and, if necessary, house each of your pets.

These are just a few of the more important suggestions provided. Cats, be sure your person reads this booklet thoroughly and makes an emergency plan now. Don’t wait. The booklet provides lots of information about including cats in an evacuation plan. That’s as it should be because, of course, we’re the most important species around. But there’s also lots of information about planning for dogs, livestock, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and small mammals in the booklet. It also talks about what to do during an emergency and after.

{ 0 comments }

What Would You Do in an Emergency? What Would Happen to Your Cat?

By on
What would you do if your home were threatened by a tornado? Or a hurricane? Or another form of disaster? Is your cat included in your disaster plan?

Cat Vaccines – What Vaccinations Are Really Necessary for Your Cat?

By on
All cats need vaccinations but which ones? It depends on your cat. Each cat's risk needs to be evaluated on an individual basis and vaccines chosen accordingly.

Are Grain-Free Foods Really the Cat’s Meow in Diets?

By on
Grain-free foods are a popular option for cat owners looking for a quality cat food. Let's talk about the benefits and the limitations of grain-free diets.

Cats and Lilies – Beware These Beautiful Plants

By on
Lilies are beautiful plants but are quite deadly for your cat. Learn the facts about lily poisoning and how your cat can be affected.

Cat Language, Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying to Tell You?

By on
Cats have evolved a secondary language reserved only for communicating with the people in their lives. Learn more about how your cat makes his wishes known.

How To Be a Responsible Cat Owner

By on
Being a responsible cat owner means much more than just providing food and water. Find out if you pass the test of being a responsible cat owner.

Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Does Your Plan Include Your Cat?

By on
What would you do if you had to evacuate your home? Where would you go? What would you do with your cat? Being prepared can save your lives.

Cats and Birds, Responsible Pet Owners, Cat Health and More

By on
CATalyst Council responds to negative media commentary involving cats and prepares for National Cat Health Month, National Pet Dental Health Month and more.

FAQs About Microchips and Cats

By on
A microchip is your best chance of being reunited with your cat if your cat ever becomes lost. Learn more about microchips.

Switch to our mobile site