Emergencies can happen at any time, but you can use this list to put together an emergency cat supply kit that will last a full week if you ever have to leave your home in a hurry. Part of being a great cat owner is being ready for the unexpected.
Kitty's Seven-Day Emergency Supply List
Most of the supplies on this list will fit into a large plastic tote. Once you assemble them, you can decide just how large of a tote you'll need. Remember, you want to keep this kit as portable as possible, so don't choose a tote that's larger than you need.
Items to include:
- Canned food - Preferably with pull tab lids, or you'll need a can opener
- Water - One gallon, estimating 10 ounces or less per day, but having extra on hand anyway
- Food and water bowls
- Extra collar and identification tag
- Litter tray and scoop
- Scoopable litter
- Medication
- Copy of medical records/prescriptions/vet contact info in a waterproof container
- Travel carrier
- Blanket
- Paper towels and pet-safe cleaner
- Trash bags
- Cat first aid kit
- A photo of you with your cat for easy identification if you become separated
This supply list is based on the needs of a single cat, except for the water, which could serve two adult cats for seven days at the maximum. If you happen to have a multi-cat household, you'll need to make sure you're providing enough supplies for all of them.
More Info on Cat First Aid Kits
You can assemble a first aid kit for your cat, or it may be easier to purchase one pre-assembled from First Aid Products or Petsmart. These kits vary in what they include, but they typically contain the following items.
- Vet wrap bandages
- Gauze bandages
- Sterile lubricant
- Scissors
- Sterile gloves
- Alcohol pads
- Safety tweezers
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Sting relief pads
- Ice pack
- Eye wash
- First aid booklet
Helpful Tips
Once you have your supplies assembled, it's important to check them from time to time to make sure perishable items are still useable. There are also a few other important facts to note, so follow these tips.
- Rotate your food supply so it's never outdated. Simply replace your stored food with new cans and feed your cat the previously stored food.
- Rotate your water supply every two months.
- Also, rotate your cat's medication supplies.
- If you choose to include dry cat food instead of canned, plan on your pet consuming more water.
- If your pet is on medication for a chronic condition, it may be wiser to stock a two-week supply.
Why You Should Prepare for a Disaster
Although many people stock supplies for their family just in case an emergency ever occurs, they don't always think about gathering a similar set of supplies for their pets. If you don't plan properly, you may wind up trying to stretch your family's supplies to cover your pet's needs as well, which means they may not last as long as you need them to. Better to include your cat's needs in your preparedness plan right from the beginning. If a disaster ever does strike, you'll be very glad you're ready for it.
