As wildfires raged through Southern California this past summer, and as the cold weather raged through the Pacific Northwest, concern has been heightened about the conditions of the animals affected by Mother Nature’s whims. The Cat Adoption Team (CAT) reminds pet owners across the region to get prepared for a crisis, emergency, or disaster. All pet owners should have an emergency supply kit for their animals, which should include:

• Three-or-more-day supply of food in airtight, water proof container, and drinking water.
• Bowls for food and water.
• Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details on markings.
• Medications, vaccination records and first aid pet supplies.
• Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.
• Small garbage bags.
• Litter and litter box
• Sturdy carrier large enough for transport and for your pet to use as a temporary  ‘apartment’ for several days

CAT also advises:

• Placing the pet emergency supply kit by the door or directly in your car so it is ready to go if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Making sure your pet has visible identification on right now, before you have to leave home. Also, take this time to get a microchip for your pet, as a supplemental form of ID.
• Talking with a trusted neighbor who is home during the workday and can evacuate your pets if you are away.
• Knowing your pets’ hiding places around the house.
• Practicing finding, crating, and loading your pet and emergency supplies into your vehicle so you are able to get out quickly. Many in Southern California were given just minutes to evacuate.

More than 358 million pets reside in 63 percent of American households. A Zogby International poll found that 61 percent of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them. Article written by and used with permission from Kathy Covey, Cat Adoption Team kathyc@catadoptionteam.org

The Cat Adoption Team (CAT) is the Pacific Northwest’s largest non-profit, no-kill cat shelter with its own full service veterinary hospital on-site. A leader in feline adoption, sheltering and medicine, CAT’s mission is to work with the community to save the lives of homeless, sick and injured cats and kittens by offering shelter, adoption, foster, hospice, spay/neuter and veterinary services to end needless feline euthanasia in our community. CAT, a 501(c)(3) publicly-supported charity, will save over 3,000 lives this year and relies heavily on the support of the public and generous volunteers. CAT is located at 14175 SW Galbreath Drive in Sherwood, just off Tualatin-Sherwood Highway Road. For directions and more information, call (503) 925-8903 or visit CAT’s Website at www.catadoptionteam.org.