For Pet's Sake Column

I’m almost embarrassed to tell you what Michael and I were doing last Thursday evening. About 5:45 pm, as the first sparks began to ignite the hills and homes of Montecito, we were…sampling cupcakes. As we sat in a cozy café and nibbled on cakes made of pumpkin, peppermint, chocolate-chocolate and gingerbread (and then another pumpkin and chocolate-chocolate, for good measure), our only thought was deciding which flavors to select for our upcoming "Champagne and Cupcakes" holiday party.

By the time we emerged from the café, stuffed and just the tinsiest bit tipsy (they were also serving champagne), we were nearly knocked over by the whipping wind and the acrid smell of smoke. It was at that moment I began reciting the list I had memorized long ago: “Cat. Computer. Cash/Credit Cards. Car. Cosmetics.”

The “Five C’s”—as my mantra became known—are the items I absolutely, positively, without a doubt, must take with me if I’m ever forced to evacuate because of a natural disaster. (OK, the last item is a bit of a stretch, but you’d be surprised at how many gals agree with me on this one.) Taking your pets with you may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised to learn that many people flee without their four-legged friends in tow. And cats, it turns out, are left behind far more frequently than dogs. But why?

Nobody knows for sure, but theories abound. Many rescuers contend that pet guardians assume their cats are very self-sufficient and can be left home alone for several days with only food and water. (In theory, this is true, but cats under stress can easily become ill and require immediate medical attention.) In addition, many evacuees are only given a few precious minutes to gather their belongings and cats—unlike dogs, who usually run to people for comfort—can make themselves virtually invisible when the dreaded carrier appears (especially when they equate the carrier with a trip to the veterinarian).

Which brings up an important point: take some time to get your cat accustomed to a carrier before a disaster strikes. First, place the carrier in an open area of your home, like to middle of your living room floor. Put a couple of treats inside and allow your cat to explore the carrier and go in for the treat on her own. Next, quietly close the door while your cat is inside. Wait a minute or two and then let your cat out. Build up the time your cat spends in the carrier and pretty soon she’ll either ignore it or decide it’s a nice place for a nap.

Be sure to have a carrier handy for each cat or other small animal in your household. Even if your pets are the best of friends under normal circumstances, they can lash out during times of stress and accidentally injure one another. A sturdy, plastic “airline approved” carrier will not only help move your pets to safety, but if it’s big enough, it can act as a temporary home in an emergency. (Cardboard carriers, on the other hand, are not designed for long-term use and will turn into a mushy mess if they become wet.)

It’s human nature to postpone preparing for a disaster, but in the wake of the Tea Fire and other blazes that engulfed portions of Southern California, it’s vital to put a plan in place for your pets NOW. Begin by gathering together the essentials such as a collar and up-to-date identification tag and/or microchip (with your cell phone number as you may not be reachable at home), a week’s supply of food, water and medications (remember a can opener and spoon for serving wet food), a litter pan and litter, a leash for each dog in your family, current photos of your pets for ID purposes, and a few toys, towels, and blankets. Lastly, have a supply of paper towels and plastic baggies on hand for easy clean-up. Put everything in a large plastic storage bin with a lid and handles and keep it in an easily accessible area.

Most importantly, never leave your pets behind when you evacuate! If you cannot keep them with you (for instance, if you’re staying at a public shelter), make arrangements ahead of time to take them to a family member, a veterinary office, or an animal shelter. And what happens if you’re not home when a disaster occurs? Place “Please Save My Pets” stickers on your front and back doors to notify rescue personnel that animals are inside. Ask a neighbor to tend to your animals until you can return home (and offer to do the same for them). Give this person a house key as well as a list of emergency contacts. Be sure you have their contact information too (keep copies in your wallet and at home).

I volunteered at an animal hospital on Friday to help the staff check in several cats and dogs whose families were being evacuated. I saw the worry on the people’s faces and the confusion in the animals’ eyes. Everyone’s world had turned upside down and there was little I could do except lay down a soft towel for the kitties and give the pups a reassuring hug and a bowl of water. Today, I learned that most of the pets staying at the clinic had been reunited with their families, while others will have to wait a little longer people until their displaced families can find a new place to live. Things may be slowly getting back to normal, but for many people—and pets—life will never be the same.