 The
Cat's Meow
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| Issue 34, vol 4 |
The Cat Survives Katrina |
August 31, 2005
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The Cat Survives Katrina |
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Today's Music:
"Blueberry Hill"
On/Off
"Blueberry Hill" was a top hit for both jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong and singer Antoine "Fats" Domino. ''Fats" Domino, a 77 yr. old resident of New Orleans' 9th Ward, who had opted to remain in his home with his family, was found safe on Thursday, after being unreachable all week. Late Thursday, "Fats" was plucked from the flooded city by a helicopter. He was reported to be in good condition.
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Hurricane Katrina struck the city of New Orleans, LA with unprecedented force on Monday, August 29, 2005. Those who could escape had already left the city for safer ground. Those who could not leave, and their pets, were left to cope as best they could. Many companion animals were left in empty homes by fleeing owners....
Those people and animals who survived have been evacuated to neighboring states. They're finding shelter wherever they can. But, most hotels and shelters don't accept animals. The animal shelters are overflowing and food and care supplies are stretched to the breaking point.
It's traditional, in trying situations, to say "Our prayers are with these unfortunate people." But, prayers don't buy petfood, feed hungry homeless people, or rebuild homes! So, while we ask you to pray for these poor souls, please also, DONATE!
If you have no money to spare, take a look around your house... Do you have old clothes you no longer wear? Blankets you don't use? Empty plastic jugs? Newspapers? A case of petfood from a deceased pet? These things can be useful, too! Bag them up and take them downtown to the truck in your area that's providing relief supplies. We guarantee they'll be put to good use.
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Emergency Preparedness For Cats
(and Other Animals) |
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Our friend, Peggy Fisher, at Seaside Scoop, says that the month of September is traditionally the time when most hurricanes occur. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, please keep these tips handy: |
Safety Planning for Your Pets
Your pets are an important part of your family, and their safety during
an emergency needs to figure in your planning . If you need to evacuate,
it is important to remember that shelters DO NOT ALLOW pets, so you will
need to have other arrangements ready. Plan now for how you will help your
pet best weather the storm.
- Acquire large carrier and familiarize your pet with the carrier
- Acquire non-spill water and food bowls
- Stock up on pet food, kitty litter, newspapers, plastic bags and
disinfectants
- Keep vaccinations/medical records up to date with written verification
- Keep documentation of medications with dosing instructions
- Acquire a collar and leash, with current license, rabies and id tags.
If you face evacuation, it is a good idea to attach to the collar
the phone number of a friend or family member who is well out of disaster
range. That way, if you and your pet are separated, anyone who
finds your pet will be able to reach a person who knows how to contact you.
- Photograph your pet. Carry a photo of your pet for identification
purposes.
- Carry a list of emergency telephone numbers with you. This should
include your veterinarian, local animal control, local animal shelters,
the Red Cross, and any other individual or group you might need
to contact during the disaster.
- Determine the best location in your house for your pet to ride out
a storm - bathroom, kitchen, etc. - if you remain at home. This
may not be the same place the rest of the family takes shelter within the
home, depending upon your situation. DO NOT leave your pet at home
alone if you evacuate, unless absolutely necessary.
- Decide where you might take your pet if it becomes necessary
- boarding kennels
- veterinarian hospitals
- friends and relatives
- motels that accept pets...
Because emergency public shelters do not admit pets, call
hotels in a safe location and ask if you can bring your
pet. If the hotel has a no-pets policy, ask the manager if the hotel
can waive the policy during the disaster.
| Birds: |
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Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold
weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing
birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds'
feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.
Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.
Have a photo for identification and leg bands. If the carrier does not
have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Try
to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage
or carrier.
| Reptiles: |
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Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred
to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site. If your snakes
require frequent feedings, carry food with you. Take a water bowl large
enough for soaking as well as a heating pad. When transporting house
lizards, follow the same directions as for birds.
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| Pocket Pets: |
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Pocket Pets: Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported
in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while
sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.
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| Farm Animals: |
Larger animals, such as horses, present special challenges when
they need to be evacuated. It is vital that you plan ahead for the
protection of your animals. If you intend to evacuate animals, arrange
for safe transportation and make sure that you have available trucks,
trailers, or other vehicles suitable for transporting farm animals.
Also arrange to have experienced animal handlers and drivers to help
transport them. Take all necessary supplies with you. At evacuation
sites, you should have, or be able to readily obtain, food, water,
veterinary care, handling equipment, and generators if necessary.
To help you prepare, work with the state Department of Agriculture.
If your animals cannot be evacuated, the Department of Agriculture
may be able to provide on-farm oversight.
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| A Final Word: |
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If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate
them to a prearranged safe location if they cannot stay with you
during the evacuation period. (Remember, pets are not allowed in
American Red Cross shelters.) If there is a possibility that disaster
may strike while you are out of the house, there are precautions
you can take to increase your pets' chances of survival, but they
are not a substitute for evacuating with your pets. For more information,
contact The Humane
Society of the United States, Disaster Services, 2100 L Street
NW, Washington, DC 20037.
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Reprinted from Chesapeake, VA City website |
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Copyright © 2006 - Jane Cate - All Rights Reserved
Editor: Jane Cate - JC@online-thecatsmeow.com
Artistic Angel: Chelle Thompson www.inspirationline.com
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