Why is cat emergency preparedness overlooked?
More than 40 million American households own at least one cat, second only to dogs. Yet cats are the pet most often left out of a household plan.
Part of it is reputation. Cats read as independent and self-sufficient, and those qualities translate badly to an emergency. A frightened cat hides. It refuses unfamiliar food. It may freeze or turn aggressive.
Independence works against a cat exactly when it matters.
What food does a cat need in an emergency?
Cats are obligate carnivores. Human emergency rations don't meet their nutritional requirements, and several common human foods are actively dangerous.
Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, and raw eggs are among the worst. Cats are more sensitive to onion and garlic than dogs, which surprises most people.
Palatability matters too. A stressed cat in a strange place will eat food she recognizes and refuse anything improvised. The Purr-Prepared kit includes cat food pouches ready without preparation.
What comfort items help a stressed cat?
Dogs seek their owners when frightened. Cats do the opposite.
Familiar objects do real work here: a favorite toy, or a small blanket carrying her scent. The Deluxe Purr-Prepared includes a toy mouse, a teaser toy, and a blanket for this reason. Not luxuries, but tools for managing a stressed animal over several days.
What about litter during an emergency?
This is the cat-specific problem dog owners never face.
A cat needs a litter solution even in a shelter or a car. Without one, she becomes stressed and may refuse to eliminate, which becomes a health problem quickly.
Both the Basic and Deluxe Purr-Prepared kits include a portable litter tray, litter, and a shovel.
Where will you go with a cat?
Most public shelters can't accept animals. That's the same problem every pet owner faces, and it's why transport matters.
The Deluxe kit includes an 18 by 9 by 9 inch carrier, which makes a car, a pet-friendly hotel, or a friend's spare room workable. The Basic kit provides a large nylon bag for organizing supplies.
Both include a pet first aid book covering feline basics, supplies worth adding, and how to build a pet emergency plan.
What to add yourself
Current vaccination records. Shelters that take pets require proof.
A photo of you with your cat. Cats are harder to identify than dogs, and more likely to bolt.
Any medication, with dosing written down.
Practice with the carrier. Leave it out a week before you need it, not the morning you do.
