Creating a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Your Cat | Lola The Rescued Cat
Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Creating a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Your Cat

Depending on where you live in the country, having a COVID-19 plan for your cat (or any pet) may be a good idea. It is something I actually didn’t think about until I came across some information while I was doing research for another post. And quite honestly, I didn't want to think about it. The thought of not being here for my girls is terrifying, but it's something I know I need to be prepared for. This may be a little late, but if you live in an area that still has a high number of cases it is something to consider.

I have been very fortunate during this pandemic and lockdown in New York State – I’m able to work both of my jobs from home, and I'm still bringing in my salary (something I give thanks for every day.) Lola, Lexy, and I have everything we need, and as usual, my girls want for nothing. But what would happen to them in a sudden emergency? 


covid-19 preparedness plan for your cat


Below are some tips for creating a COVID-19 pet preparedness plan.


Creating A COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for Your Cat



Know the Facts


It’s important to stay informed about COVID-19 and pets. Many people have been worried that they can catch the disease from their cats, or vice versa. To date, there is no evidence that cats, or other pets, can spread COVID-19 to humans. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) states that “there is no evidence to suggest that animals, including pets, that may be incidentally infected by humans are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19. Human outbreaks are driven by person-to-person transmission.” The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)  and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also support this.

Additional information:

It is always good to have information that you can use to inform others. Especially if you need help with your cat.



Plan Ahead


Designate a Caretaker

If you become ill and are unable to care for your cats, or you are hospitalized, they will need someone to take care of them. It will give you peace of mind to choose this person ahead of time. This could be someone in your household, or if you live alone it could be a friend or family member, co-worker, neighbor, etc. If your cat needs to be boarded, do an internet search to see what facilities are open in your area. 

If you become ill but are still able to care for your cats, it is best to keep them at home with you. 


covid-19 preparedness plan for your cat



Make Sure Your Cats are Identifiable

In the event someone who may not be very familiar with your cats comes into your home to take care of them, or they need to be boarded, you want others to know who they are (especially if there is an emergency and your cat needs to go to the vet.) If your cat doesn’t wear a collar with ID tags, you can download a template for a free pet ID card here.  You can also download this ID card from Lollypop.org for your wallet so medical professionals know you have cats at home and who to contact in an emergency. 

(Note: It is also a good idea to make sure your cat’s microchip information is current.)



covid-19 preparedness plan for your cat



Stock up on Supplies

Food:
If you have to be quarantined for any reason you will have to stay indoors for two weeks, so have at least an extra two weeks' worth of food for your cat on hand. I would recommend more than that in case you are hospitalized. (I have an extra month's worth on hand.)

Litter
Don’t’ forget litter! If your cats are picky about their litter (like Lola and Lexy are) you’ll want to have plenty of the type they prefer on hand.

Extras: 
Have extra bowls handy. Extra treats are always a plus, too.


covid-19 preparedness plan for your cat



Additional Information


  • Take your carriers out of the closet so they are easily accessible.
  • Make sure your cat’s favorite blankets and toys are available to them.
  • Write down all the daily care instructions someone would need to know to take care of your cat. This includes feeding instructions, litter box instructions, favorite toys, your cat’s personality (for example, I wrote down “do not pick up Lexy”), hiding places, etc.
  • Veterinarian’s address and phone number.
  • Medication.

covid-19 preparedness plan for your cat
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It really doesn’t take long to prepare the above. I’m glad I did because, if nothing else, it gives me peace of mind. Although this post focuses on cats, the information is useful for any pet.

Do you have a preparedness plan for your cat?


Dawn



Would you like to comment?

  1. My human needs to be a little more thorough with her plan - she does have a designated caretaker, but even though they've talked about everything, she should have detailed notes and she doesn't yet.

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  2. Gosh, we've got three all-black cats in the house! Hmm....

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  3. That's a great way to plan and having to implement it is a scary thought, but it beats not thinking about it.

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  4. Great info. I have a one-page info & care sheet attached to the front of a file folder that holds each pet's vet records. It also has their photo. We always have plenty of food and I try to get prescriptions refilled a week or so before needing them. Emergencies can happen at any time, so it's always a good idea to be as prepared possible.

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  5. Such a smart idea to have a preparedeness plan! Great info!

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  6. This is some good info...not just for Covid, but for any emergency situation.

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  7. This is such important information! We've been very lucky here in Vermont, if anything our governor has been overly cautious given the low number of cases we've had, but it never hurts to be prepared.

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  8. Excellent post. I am glad your mom can still work and is staying healthy. XO

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  9. We are so glad you're staying safe and well, Dawn. This is a great post. We've also been fortunate so far. We have all of the above. We just need to make sure it's all staged and ready to go.

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  10. We are so lucky compared to some parts of the world, America and Europe is hit hard but NZ is doing its bet to keep things from going crazy. Lots of stay at home and helping local companies by ordering click and collect. We will get through this!

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  11. I failed to have detailed notes. This is an excellent article and I will take care of these things I failed to do.

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  12. L & L.....thiz iz a grate post.....thanx for sharin....we haz been off line sinze 1836; we hope thiz commint findz everee one happee healthee N livin large N in charge; say well, bee well, happee momz day two mom !! :) ♥♥

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  13. no but we will now- thanks for the heads up! Be happy and stay safe!

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  14. I hadn't thought too much about preparing for emergencies I might have. It's not the COVID-19 variety that get me - but something like a car accident or a shooting in public. I definitely need to think about this in the short-term (24-48 hrs) and long-term (permanently).

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  15. Great plan for any kind of emergency, Lola and Lexi😸Clean Pawkisses for a Happy Caturday. Stay Safe, Healthy and Yourselfie🙏🐾😽💞

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  16. So scary thinking about not being here for our pets and sitting down to PURRpare an emergency plan, but as you said, it offers such peace of mind. Love your posts... very informative!

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  17. It's hard to think about things like this, but we definitely need to. Thank you for the great tips!

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