Hey there, fellow humans! It’s me, your friendly neighborhood cat, here to talk about something super important—disaster preparedness. I’m sure you know that March 11th marks the anniversary of the big earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, and ever since then, both humans and cats like me have learned the importance of being ready for the unexpected.
So, let’s get to it! I’m going to share our 猫のための防災マニュアル (our disaster preparedness guide) and show you how you can get ready in case something goes wrong. After all, a happy cat is a prepared cat, right?
1. Always Have an Emergency Kit Ready for Me (避難セット)
First of all, if there’s a disaster, I’m going to need to get out of the house as quickly and safely as possible. So, have a disaster kit ready for me! This means making sure you’ve got my carrier, food, water, and litter on hand. You wouldn’t want me to get hangry or have an accident, would you? 😼
2. Safe Hiding Places During Earthquakes
When the ground shakes, I don’t know about you, but I get scared! That’s why safe hiding spots are essential. Under the couch or in a cozy cupboard would be perfect, but I also love the carrier you’ve been keeping ready for me. If I’m feeling extra nervous, it’s nice to have a familiar place to hide.
3. Confirm Family Contact Information (Don’t Forget Me!)
You might get separated from the rest of the family during an emergency, so make sure you’ve got a plan in place. Have contact numbers ready, and don’t forget about me! Also, be sure you’ve got all my important health records and any other info, so if I need to see a vet, you’re prepared.
4. Keep Me Healthy, Please!
I’m going to need to stay healthy if we’re going to make it through any disaster. Regular check-ups and vaccinations are a must! If I take any medications, don’t forget to pack extra. I don’t want to get cranky if I miss a dose, okay?
5. Stress Relief (For Me!)
Let’s face it—disasters are stressful. You’re going to be worried, and I’m going to be stressed, so it’s important to have some comfort items. My favorite toy or a soft blanket will make me feel a lot better. The familiar scent will help calm my nerves while we figure out what to do.
6. Find Pet-Friendly Shelters (避難所)
If we need to leave home, be sure to know where pet-friendly shelters are located. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to leave me behind, right? So make sure there are places where we can stay together.
Important Organizations Helping Cats Like Me During Disasters
Did you know there are awesome organizations out there who help cats like me when disasters happen? These groups are all about taking care of us—food, medical care, rescue operations, you name it! Some of the groups who are making a difference are:
- World Animal Protection (WAP)
- Human World for Animal (HWA)
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)
- Animals Asia
- Fondation Brigitte Bardot
If something goes wrong, these organizations have your back. They can help with rescue efforts and animal welfare, including for us cats who need a little extra care.
Essential Emergency Kit for Cats (避難セット)
Alright, now that you’ve got the basics, here’s the important stuff—the emergency kit! Here’s what you should pack for me (your precious feline friend):
- Carrier – A sturdy carrier to keep me safe and comfy.
- Cat Food – I don’t want to go hungry! Pack enough for 3-7 days, just in case.
- Water – Hydration is key! Make sure you have enough water to last.
- Litter and Litter Box – Gotta go, gotta go! Make sure you have a portable litter box and extra litter.
- Medications and Health Essentials – If I’m on meds, don’t forget to pack them. Also, bring my medical records just in case.
- Toys and Comfort Items – Bring my favorite toy or a blanket to help calm my nerves.
- Identification – If I somehow get lost (which I really hope doesn’t happen), make sure I’ve got a collar with an ID tag, microchip, and a recent photo of me.
- Leash and Harness – A leash to keep me safe if we need to go outside or walk somewhere.
- Cleaning Supplies – Wet wipes or a towel to help clean me if I need it.
- Important Documents – Copies of my health records and anything else important.
Final Thoughts on Disaster Preparedness (For Us, Of Course)
Look, disasters aren’t fun. But if we plan ahead, we can make sure that I’m safe and comfortable no matter what happens. By keeping my emergency kit stocked and knowing what to do, you’ll be ready to take care of me during a stressful time.
Start preparing my 避難セット today so I don’t have to worry about a thing when disaster strikes. Remember: a prepared cat is a happy cat! 🐾
Now I will pass to my Mom that want to share a word!
Even though you’re well-prepared, we can never predict everything. Especially in emergencies, how your cat will react is a big question. I believe it’s important to understand your cat well: Where do they hide when they get scared? How will I get them into the carrier? Is the carrier easy to use to shelter our cats quickly?
In addition to the list above, I suggest adding these items:
Towel / Laundry net: Wrapping your cat in a towel or using a laundry net makes it easier to carry them and can help them feel a little safer.
Working gloves: In case your cat gets nervous and tries to scratch you, these will protect your hands.
I really hope we never have to use these items, but it’s always better to be prepared just in case. Like Kombu said, A prepared human is a happy human!
~ from Kiki~
OF, BY AND FOR CATS LOVERS! 
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