10 steps to take before cat emergency happens
A feline to-do list is appropriate with just one feline and becomes increasingly necessary with multiple felines as there are more things to do. I will assist you with creating such a list, which is almost comical coming from a person who goes to the grocery store without a list. I have to admit, I am much more organized about my felines' well-being than my own, and so it should be since we are the guardians of their daily care and continued good health. This following 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 noticeable, prominent place like a refrigerator door or countertop or by a landline phone (if you still have one). 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. Education is prevention! You can ask your veterinarian for a list of toxins, including plants, drugs, pesticides, metals and any other everyday items stocked in a household. You can also ask for a list from the Poison Control Center and compare the two lists. The number for the National Poison Control Center is (800) 222-1222.
The Animal Poison Control Center is run by the ASPCA which is a 24/7 toll-free number, (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 to 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 compile 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 dispenser 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. Your feline's favorite wet and dry food, along with baby food should also be included in the kit. 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, blankets, harness with leash, tags and sweater if applicable.
• Keep a list of hours of operation of your animal hospital so you know if you make 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 programmed in your phone on speed dial.
• You should keep a list of your feline's medications and their location. They should be labeled and plastic bagged separately per individual animal.
• On a stress-free day, plan a route and take that trip to the emergency veterinarian. This is an ideal time to see if your GPS or map quest is accurate (not on the day you really need it). You can calmly experiment with short cuts.
• You will need to make a notation of where all of your felines' medical records are so that you can take them with you. Perhaps place them in the emergency kit. You should also keep a list of any previous negative reactions to 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 dentals. Try to remember to mark on a calendar the annual date for each procedure. Good planning may keep you out of the veterinary ER and all of these lists will be thankfully unneeded.
Featured felines:
• Shadow is a gray female. She came to Buddy as a kitten over a year ago and has grown up at the shelter. She is a very friendly cat that will curl up next to you or sometimes even on your lap. She is very playful and loves string toys and laser light spots. Come in and meet an overlooked gem.
• Paladin is a handsome gray male. He had a rough start in life as a kitten. He had an accident that injured one of his legs and had to have surgery on his knee. He spent several weeks with one of our volunteers recovering. Since returning he has been a little shy and skittish, but recently has started to become more social. He is currently in one of our cat rooms and can frequently be seen in one of the windows watching the birds. With a little patience and attention Paladin could become your best friend. • The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.