How to Keep Your Cat Safe Today

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An emergency doesn’t need to be on a large scale to seriously impact you and your pets. In fact, the odds are higher that the average emergency will affect only you and your family. However, a problem that affects only you or other family members can have huge consequences for your cat. Good examples are an owner’s injury in a car accident with the cat left home alone or simply a decision to spend the night somewhere else due to dangerous driving conditions while your cat is home unattended for more than one night. Here’s how to prepare for those situations.

Designate a caregiver: Prepare specific cat care instructions for a trusted person or a pet sitter. He or she will welcome written directions that specify where your cat’s food and litter box(es) are located, where his medical records are kept and how often he should be fed. Include contact information for your cat’s veterinarian and an emergency veterinary clinic.

Authorize medical treatment: The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests that you prepare a pre-signed statement allowing your veterinarian to give your cat any necessary medical treatment should treatment be needed during your absence. Include the statement with the written directions for your caregiver.

Post a pet alert sticker on a visible window.This notice alerts firefighters and rescue workers that a cat or cats are inside. You can order a free sticker on the ASPCA’s website, www.aspca.org — use the keyword “disaster.” The ASPCA advises that you write “evacuated” on the sticker if you and your cat leave. Some pet stores also sell the stickers.