Be prepared for any feline emergency by making lists
A feline to-do list is appropriate with just one feline, but becomes a necessity when you have multiple cats.
To assist you with a list is almost comical coming from a person who goes to the grocery store without one. 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 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, a neighbor or best friend that is comfortable caring for your feline if you are called away. The list should be displayed in a prominent place like a refrigerator door, countertop or by your landline phone. You will need to inform all family members and care givers 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 household items.
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 date base.
This call may save you precious minutes to get a remedy on the way to your veterinarian. A $75 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card, but will cover a follow-up consult after you see your vet.
It is a good idea to have a poison control kit in your home in anticipation of such an emergency call. Some items might include bottled water, sealed bottle of hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting, a large syringe or a 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, blanket, harness with leash, tags and sweater, if applicable.
Keep a list of hours of operation for your animal hospital so you know if you will 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 medication and their location. They should be labeled and plastic bagged separately per individual animal.
On a stress-free day, plan a trip and route to the emergency veterinarian. This is an ideal time to see if your GPS 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 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 visits. 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 emergency room, and all of these lists won't be needed.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with all funds directly assisting its animals. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.