Cat Care and Floods

Pet Blogs

Editor's note: This is a P-I Reader Blog. P-I Reader Blogs are not written or edited by the P-I. They are written by readers, for readers. The authors are solely responsible for content. If you see any posts you consider inappropriate, please send us a note at newmedia@seattlepi.com.
· Want to blog for the P-I?

« Cat Care and Tornadoes | Main | Cats and Car Travel »

Cat Care and Floods

The Humane Society of Missouri was recently deployed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to assist in water rescues which resulted in over 300 animals being saved. Having grown up in the Midwest, I have closely followed the flood stories this month. When I was in Missouri a week ago, the Mississippi River was predicted to exceed levels of the devastating floods of 1993. We now know that has come true. While I was there, towns like Hannibal were putting up flood gates and cities like Quincy, Illinois, were calling for sandbag volunteers.

Planning for natural disasters includes planning an escape route for your cat. That escape route should always include taking the cat with you. Remember, if it is not safe for you to stay in a flood area, then it is not safe for the cat. In the case of the Mississippi River, it has been slowly rising, and residents generally have had time to evacuate. Sometimes flooding occurs quickly after heavy rain. Three types of flood warnings are:

1. Flash Flood Watch--A flood is possible, but not necessarily imminent.
2. Flash Flood Warning--A flash flood is imminent or currently happening.
3. Flood Warning--This is advanced notice that a flood may occur or has occurred in a specific location.

You should consider different escape routes depending on the path of the flood. When I arrived in Missouri, the creek near my mother's home had risen over the bridge, and I had to take a different route home.

The Emergency Cat Care Kit that we talked about last week for tornadoes will also be needed for this natural disaster as well. So be sure you have gathered the following items together: a plastic cat carrier along with cat food and water, a litter box and litter, a first aid kit, pet medications, a toy, and photos of your cat.

Bottom line, avoid relying on someone else to rescue your cat. Although emergency personnel and organizations like the Humane Society of Missouri save many animals, all will not be reached in time. So leaving your cat in an upstairs room during a flood with a spray painted sign on the house really does not serve the best interest and safety of your beloved cat. Put your cat in the plastic container and take with you.

Have you ever had to evacuate your cat in a flood area?

Happy Purrs!

Posted by at June 19, 2008 3:33 p.m.

Comments

#141198

Posted by Bridgetroll at 6/19/08 4:10 p.m.

Seriously? We're blogging about cats???? Emergency care kits and escape routes??? Seriously?

Wow.

Report violation

#141215

Posted by unregistered user at 6/19/08 4:28 p.m.

Come on! Cats are very important people! Some of my bestest friends are cats.

Report violation

#141239

Posted by unregistered user at 6/19/08 4:59 p.m.

you have to be kidding me...people dying and not enough personnel to rescue other people and here we have atricles about rescuing your cat....maybe if you showed so much love to your family and friends you wont have broken marriages and disputes

Report violation

#141657

Posted by unregistered user at 6/20/08 11:25 a.m.

Pets ARE family to some of us. Try a little compasion & empathy you
mean human. You must have never had a loved pet who adored you
& had feelings & wants & needs itself! Bless you that God helps your
realize that they are his creatures & we are their only voice!!

Report violation

#142240

Posted by unregistered user at 6/21/08 12:23 p.m.

I am a member of the EERU (www.eeru.org) we are non for profit organization that works off donations. Two of us took vacation time from work to go help the people of Cedar Rapids and their pets. For four days we were saving people pets out of the thier flooded homes. I we would like to thank the people of Cedar Rapids for being so kind to us. Yes, some people to view the pets as important family members (for those of you who were baffled by this article)! I am just glad to be able to help and hope if I ever need it someone would be there for me.

Report violation

#142937

Posted by unregistered user at 6/24/08 11:33 a.m.

Statistics gathered post-Katrina indicate the 67% of American households have at least 1 animal. 53% of those households indicate that they will not evacuate unless they can take their pet(s) with them. The people who choose not to evacuate because their pets cannot accompany them place themselves in danger, as well as the lives of the first responders who must go into the danger areas to try and get them out. Evacuation in disasters and emergencies is no longer a "people" only concern; it is now a "people and their pets" concern. Many of the above households view their pets as family members. In fact, for many people their pets are the only lifeline they have to a healthier life. Pets and their owners provide great comfort to each other in times of stress and thus lessen the effects of depression, emotional trauma, and health related issues.

Report violation

! Login below to post a comment.