Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Just In Case

Living with four cats makes me a little nervous. I am often worried that something catastrophic, such as a fire, will occur and I won’t be able to get them out. This fear has been predicated mainly upon means and not opportunity. To ease this feeling, I at last bought two more cat-carriers, and now have one for each of the beasts.


I should have done this long ago, of course. When I was fostering cats for the PAW Society, I had some of their carriers for transporting the cats, but when I had no more fosters, I didn’t think it fair to use the group’s equipment. Thus, for a while, I had only two carriers. There is no cat I would want to carry indefinitely if I had to leave the apartment building in a hurry. Two are too heavy and big, a third would quickly become too restless and a fourth, Cammie, would not only want out of my arms immediately but, if she were able to get away from me outside, would probably never be seen again. I miss the trusting docility - and feather-lightness - of Tungsten.


But now, these problems are solved. I have two new carriers - which turn out to be identical to one I already had. The blue box is my original, which I bought for transporting the orange one years ago. It is still in very good condition. I did not purchase the most expensive models, those with heated seats, cruise-control and intercoms to see who is visiting. These are for containment to and from the veterinary hospital and for emergency transport only. I think they will suffice in any instance.

And my peace of mind is considerably increased - just in case.

22 comments:

  1. Smart! Though I suspect rounding them all up and stuffing them in carriers while fire alarms are blaring might be challenging. Let's hope you never have to find out.

    I do think of this quite often with the boys. I have 2 big carriers, but the problem would be getting them, and quickly. I hope I never have to deal with this, either.

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    1. I wouldn't spare the beasts their feelings if I had to collect them swiftly. I'd probably scare the wits out of them, but I'd get them to safety.

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  2. So many people think that they only need one carrier since they only ever take one cat out at a time, not considering the just in case options

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    1. I always think ahead; my problem is that I procrastinate in executing my plans.

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  3. something to be aware of....mom knows we don't have one for each cat, but fortunately some of us would be ok doubling up since we have a couple of bigger carriers

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    1. Mine would never take to doubling up, even if the carriers were big enough for it. I'd save them from a fire or flood but they'd end up killing each other.

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  4. Good plan! My sister had an emergency situation and had no cat carrier. She ended up trying to hold the cat in her arms. Muffin ( the cat) struggled so much that my sister broke her (Muffins) leg! Muffin recovered but a lesson learned the hard way.

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    1. Good Heavens! Muffin must have been a rocket in your sister's arms. That would teach me a lesson, too.

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  5. guyz...yur dad iz smart in thinkin a head...coz most peepul dont think bout thiz sort oh thing til itz two late.....de food gurl haza small emergencee "kit" reddy ta "go" which ree mindz uz.... it kneadz a checkin on ~~~~ ♥♥♥☺☺☺

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    1. I should have an emergency supply too to take with me but, considering the needs of my diverse lot, it may be pretty bulky.

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  6. At one time I had three, one each for Sasha, Sami, & Silver. I added three cats to the mix and didn't buy more. Even though I'm down to three cats again, I no longer have any carriers. I've lent them out to various friends and family members and none have been returned. This reminds me of the need to have at least a couple around the house. Or perhaps see if I can remember who might have the others.

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  7. I have one carrier per cat since I needed them when I last moved. This does provide a level of comfort. However, I still have my collection of thrift shop laundry bags with clasps which formerly served as my emergency evacuation system. I have a friend who realized all of her hard cases wouldn't fit into her car at the same time when a coastal evacuation was called. She put her cats into pillow cases and zip tied the tops. The cats didn't like it much but they all fit in the car and were safely evacuated.

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    1. Roberta mentioned pillowcases, too, and this is a new one to me, though it is obvious effective. I will keep that in mind, in case something goes amiss with the carriers.

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  8. Ours is by the door with a supply of cat food, blankets , dishes and water inside. Mum just needs to pick up a harness in case she has to camp outside with me. On top is an emergency bag with a few things for her too. We have had some earthquakes recently and want to be prepared in case we have to get out in a hurry.

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    1. I often thought of you when earthquakes hit New Zealand. Your mum's preparation is admirable - let's hope it is never necessary.

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  9. I have a carrier for each cat, but I do worry about how I'll get everyone rounded up and into their carrier quickly. I'm also concerned about an emergency situation occurring when I'm not home. Unfortunately, you can't control every situation. However, in an emergency you may be able to place the cat in a pillowcase and tie the open end closed if you don't have a carrier handy.

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    1. Kari, too, suggested pillowcases, of which I would never have thought. If my cats panicked in an emergency, I wouldn't use finesse in trying to collect them. If Tucker hid under the bed, I'd just flip the bed on its side. They would think it the end of the world, but I'd get them to safety.

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  10. Great idea. I have one cat and her carrier. But I keep an extra carrier in my car just in case I come across a stranded cat on my daily travels. A (people) shelter worker once gave me this advice as she often had to move people and their pets out of precarious situations. I keep my carrier at home within easy reach in case of fire. Holly's dignity will not be a consideration if I have to quickly stuff her the box in an emergency. I do like the pillow case solution, clever idea.

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  11. Be sure you have zip ties and that they work with your cases. It would be awful to save the kitties from danger only to have them run away. If you have a thrift store near, laundry bags with the type of closure you depress to slide the cord through to open and close is probably more secure because you could then knot the cord.

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  12. Being prepared and peace of mind is all important.

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  13. I only own 3 which isn't enough for the pups, but I figure I can shove them in the car if desperate. One for each cat and Bree for now.

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