Preparing for Cat Emergencies

As much as we may not want to think about it, occasionally cat crises happen.  In order to take the best care of our furry friends in emergencies, we need to be prepared.  Here are some tips for making sure you're ready if a cat emergency arises.

1. Post Numbers on the Fridge: Post the ASPCA's Poison Control and your nearest after-hours vet on your fridge.  It's also a good idea to program these numbers into your cell phone if you have one.

Open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, the ASPCA is a fantastic resource if you think your pet has eaten or ingested something toxic.  Their number is: 888-426-4435.  There is a $65 consultation fee.

To find a local after-hour vet clinic or hospital, do an Internet search, and call the vet to ensure they're still open.  I've found that the Internet sometimes lists businesses that no longer exist.  You don't want to go to the address of an after-hours vet clinic only to find out they are no longer there!  Alternatively, ask your vet for an after-hours clinic recommendation.

2. Have Enough Accessible Carriers: If you have to evacuate your home for any reason, you'll want to have a carrier for each of your cats in an easily accessed place, such as near your door.

3. Have a First Aid Kit: Caring for Your Aging Cat by Janice Borzendowski suggests making a first aid kit for your cat or dog.  She asserts it should include the following items:

• Gauze pads and medical paper tape.
• Rolled cotton and cotton balls.
• Tweezers, scissors, and nail clippers.
• Muzzle to prevent biting.
• Pillowcases or towels (to wrap kitty up in for treatment).
• Latex gloves.
• Ear cleaning solution.
• Sterile saline solution.
• Wet wipes.
• Syringe and plastic eye dropper.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Nonstick bandages.
• Ice pack.
• Rectal thermometer.

4. Learn Basic First-Aid: It's important to learn basic first-aid procedures so that you can care for your pet until you reach your local animal hospital for further treatment.  Organizations like the American Red Cross offer pet first aid classes for the public.  You could also ask your vet to teach you how to do basic first aid and CPR.

5. Keep Medical Files: Make a medical file for each of your cats, and keep it somewhere easily accessible in an emergency.  Keep vaccination records, test results, and medication lists (including dosages) in the file.  When your usual vet isn't open, the vet treating your cat will need to know this information to help you make the best care decisions for your pet.

6. When You're Traveling: Make sure your pet sitter, close family, and friends - anyone who takes care of your cat regularly - has a copy your kitty's medical file, veterinary contact information, and the ASPCA Poison Control number.  Ensure that your pet sitter also has the contact information of a close family member or friend whom you trust to make medical decisions for your pet if you cannot be reached.