What To Do If Your Cat Has A Fever During A Disaster
Posted on: 2 February 2018
If you're a good pet parent, chances are you already know what to do if your cat gets ill during day-to-day life. But what if it happens in the middle of a disaster, like a hurricane or an earthquake? With roads out of service, and power and phone lines down, you could find yourself in a jam. Here's how you can prepare for the chance of your cat developing a fever during a major disaster, where you can't just hop in a car and drive to your usual vet's office.
Monitor and Record Temperature
If you think your cat has a fever, you must keep a record of their temperature. You can offer this to a veterinarian once you're able to get to one. They'll be able to get a better idea of your cat's condition by knowing what your cat's temperature was throughout the day. Since some conditions can cause a cat's temperature to spike and then go back to normal levels, it can be a helpful diagnostic tool for vets.
Take your cat's temperature several times a day and write it down somewhere safe. If need be, put your record in a zippered plastic bag to prevent it from getting wet or damaged.
Put Alcohol on Paw Pads
One good way of helping to bring down a cat's temperature is to put a little rubbing alcohol on their pads. You can apply it with a cotton ball directly to your kitty's paw pads.
Since alcohol rapidly evaporates, it helps to disperse heat from your cat's body. This may help to keep your kitty's temperature at a safe level while you wait for help.
Keep Cat Hydrated
Cats who get fevers often stop drinking water. Unfortunately, this can raise your cat's risk of complications due to dehydration. If your cat won't drink, it's up to you to make sure that they get water.
Cats can be given water through syringes with the needles removed, or even with droppers. Cats should get at least 2-4 oz of water per day beyond what their food provides. If your cat isn't drinking this much on their own, give them water throughout the day via syringe.
Keep a List of Vets
Whether it's an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, or something else, disasters can easily destroy some buildings while leaving others untouched. You may not be able to get to your regular veterinarian's office due to the disaster, or they may not be able to open their doors due to damage or power outages. Because of this, you should always keep a list of other local veterinarians, especially emergency vets. Being able to get in contact with a vet that's open following a disaster can mean the difference between life and death for a sick pet.
If your cat has a fever during a disaster, they'll need special care from you until they can get medical help from a professional. Follow these directions and make sure to assemble an emergency kit to help keep your kitty safe if they get sick following a disaster. To learn more, talk to companies like Ark Veterinary Hospital.
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