Be prepared in an emergency by making lists
A feline to-do list is appropriate with just one, and it just keeps growing when you have multiple cats in your home.
To assist you with such a list is almost comical coming from a person who goes to the grocery store unprepared. I have to admit, though, I am much more organized about my felines' well-being than my own. And that is how it should be since we are the guardians of their daily care.
This list is a short summary of suggestions, and is by no means exhaustive.
A list of emergency numbers might include your veterinarian, the emergency, 24-7 veterinary hospital, pet-sitter, neighbor or best friend that is comfortable caring for your feline if you are called away. These should be displayed in a prominent place, like a refrigerator door or countertop by a landline phone. You will need to inform all family members and caregivers where these numbers are located.
You should take the time to educate yourself on everyday toxins and poisons that can harm your feline. You can ask your veterinarian for a list of toxins, including plants, drugs, pesticides metals and other everyday items stocked in a household. You can also ask for a list from the National Poison Control Center, (800) 222-1222.
The Animal Poison Control Center is run by the ASPCA, which is a 24-7 toll-free number at (888) 426-4435. You will be able to talk to a veterinary toxicologist that has an extensive database. This call may save you precious minutes and get a remedy going on the way to your veterinarian. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card, but will cover a follow-up consult after you see your veterinarian.
It is a good idea to have a poison control kit in the home in anticipation of such an emergency call. The kit is easy to prepare and is nowhere nearly as exhaustive as an emergency evacuation kit.
Some items might include bottled water, sealed bottle of hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, a large syringe or baby medical dispense to administer liquid like peroxide or other medicines, saline solution for the eyes, mild grease-cutting detergent like Dawn, tweezers to remove blisters and foreign objects.
Also include your feline's favorite wet and dry food, along with baby food. You might throw in a small can opener to anticipate the flip-top breaking on the can.
To ensure you are in ready mode to leave quickly, the pet carrier must be immediately accessible. You will not have time to go hunting around in a garage or closet. Your carrier should be stocked with bedding, blanket, harness with leash, tags and sweater, if applicable.
Keep a list of hours of operation of your animal hospital so you know if you are closing or they may wait for you if you call ahead. You might be going straight to animal emergency depending on the time. In any event, have both veterinary numbers programed in your phone on speed dial.
You should keep a list of you feline's medications and their location. They should be labeled and in plastic bags separately per individual animal.
On a stress-free day, plan a trip and a route to the emergency veterinarian. This an ideal time to see if your GPS or map quest is accurate.
You will need to make a notation of where all of your feline's medical records are so that you can take them with you. Perhaps in the Emergency kit? You should also keep a list of any negative reactions to previously prescribed medications.
To help avoid emergencies, keep your medicine cabinet locked if it is accessible to your feline. Our friends are jumpers and have dexterous little paws that can find mischief.
Do plan ahead for annual wellness checks, vaccinations and dental. Try to remember to mark on a calendar an annual ballpark date for each animal so you do not get too far out-of-date for each procedure.
Good planning may keep you out of the veterinary E.R. and then all of these lists will not be needed.
Featured felines
Mae Mae is a domestic shorthair, female tabby born in June 2009. She has a lot of white patches and a round head with adorable almond-shaped eyes. She is very affectionate, loves to be petted and to hang around people. In a home of her own, she would become a most wonderful companion to any family.
Summer is a front paw declawed, golden brown, female tabby. She is a great cat; playful as a kitty and always alert and watching you. She would be a lap cat if she discovered how comfy the couch was.
• Buddy Foundation is a volunteer nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. The shelter is at 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, and can be reached by calling (847) 290-5806 or by email at BuddyFoundation@att.net. For details, visit thebuddyfoundation.org.