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Cats
What Do I Do Before a Disaster?
Our cats rely on us for their safety, especially during an emergency. Planning ahead is key to a successful evacuation.
**If You Need to Evacuate Without Your Pet**
Plan
Plan for different types of emergencies.
Ask a dependable neighbor or friend living nearby to take care of your cat in case disaster strikes and you cannot return home. He/she should have access to your house, know where your Go Bag is located and be familiar with your cat's hiding places when it becomes scared.
Have a dependable neighbor or friend that lives outside of your general area willing to take care of your cat if you are not home when an evacuation is ordered.
Contact hotels and motels in your surrounding area to see if your cat can stay with you in a room during an emergency. A list of websites of Pet-Friendly Hotels.
Have of list of veterinarians/ boarding facilities/kennels, or local animal shelters willing to take care of your cat in an emergency.
Prepare
- Prepare a "Go Bag" for your cat and keep it in an easily accessible place (by the door or in a closet).
- Fill out "My Pet Vital Information" form and place it in your "Go Bag."
- Have a carrier for each of your cats. Use the same carrier for veterinary visits or other travel trips. Keep it by the door or an easily accessible place.
- Attach your cat's name, your name and emergency contact information, and your veterinarian's name and number to the side or bottom of the carrier in a clear document holder or plastic bag.
- Become familiar with the different evacuation routes.
- Have current ID on your pet or attached to your carrier.
- Visit your local Office of Emergency Management website to sign up for automatic alerts.
Act
- Practice placing your cat in a carrier. Cats can be difficult to place in carriers when they are scared. Take your cat for short rides to familiarize it with riding in a vehicle.
- Take your cat and "Go Bag" with you in an emergency.
