I have lived in the Tampa Bay area long enough to know we are getting into hurricane season in Florida. Every year the subject comes up about what to do, what to get, and where to go if a hurricane is forecast.
So, my question is: While everyone human is running around getting supplies and all and sometimes only just talking about it and not really taking serious action, what should I do to help?
Ammy
Dear Ammy,
It is true that even one little cat can be of help when preparing for a disaster. Most humans who are involved in the care of animals believe we critters have some sort of special sense when it comes to picking up on changing weather patterns – especially serious changes. Some of us have that sense and some of us do not. Some of us are just plain afraid of thunder.
If you are one of the sensitive varieties, you can provide a first alert. For example, you may be aware of a tornado watch before your people hear about it on the news and your sensitivity will start to show. You may be more energized, make more noise, and rush around the house a little more than usual. If your sensitivity turns to hyper-sensitivity, your people can expect to hear news that the watch has become a warning and they must find cover immediately. The same is true of a hurricane, although you could wear yourself out early on, as an approaching hurricane can take quite some time before it gets to your area. On the other hand, the path of a hurricane can change rapidly and you must immediately step up your frenzy so your humans will pay serious attention.
Maybe you are not one of the gifted bio-meteorologists. The simplest and most thoughtful act you can perform for your loved ones is to stay around them. Humans tend to panic when it is time to go for cover and their precious kitty seems to have evaporated into thin air. You know the drill: move calmly, single file, no running, and settle in to the make-shift quarters formerly known as the bathroom. Oh yes, and no loud talking.
It is very important for your people to make a new emergency plan every year. Kids come and go, the condition of your house may have changed, or maybe another critter was added to the fold. Perhaps this is the year of the fish. Planning evacuation with the fish is much different than the plan required to evacuate the cat. See what I mean? Every little detail counts, and the time to start making a plan is well before the probability of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
A quick outline of steps your people should follow includes:
Step 1 Get a Rescue Alert sticker.
Step 2 Arrange a safe haven if you cannot take your pets with you.
Step 3 Purchase and organize emergency supplies and traveling kits.
Step 4 Choose “Designated Caregivers”.
Step 5 Prepare for evacuation.
Step 6 Remember to make special considerations for smaller animals.
Tell them to visit http://www.aspca.org and look up disaster preparedness for more detailed information and by all means, follow their excellent guidelines. Minimize stress, make your plan, and be ready to activate it.
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay Out There weekend edition
Dear Fisher,
I am just tired and I feel like an old dog. Pretty soon it’s going to be hot out there and my boy always wants to play like it’s no big deal. I AM older, and I really enjoy a lot of resting around the air conditioned house. But, you know, I sure don’t want to disappoint the lad. He’s still young and full of energy and I am his best friend in the world. Got any ideas?
Sugar
Dear Sugar,
You may be a little on the older side, but certainly wiser for asking. You are right to get rest and not overdo in the heat of summer. My advice is to get up a little earlier each day – before the sun is bearing down and the humidity curls your hair even more.
If your boy is a slow starter, you will have to work on that. Egg him on and do your puppy-hearted best to get him moving with you. A small boy who loves his dog is just as eager to please as you are. He just isn’t aware that too much play can be harmful to you.
- • Always know where your next gulps of water are just in case…and never go romping out in the heat just after a meal. Stay off hot sidewalks if you are a city guy, and if you have your own yard, play in the grass, preferably under a big shade tree. Hopefully that will give you enough room for the morning exercises.
• Don’t go to the beach – no shade trees there!
• As soon as you feel yourself overheating or dehydrating, grab your comb and coax the boy into the house for some quiet grooming time. It is great bonding and by now, he is probably a little tired himself.
• You might want to get a serious haircut if your coat is thick, but never get it shaved down to the skin, lest you want to join the rest of the sunburn crowd.
• Keep your walks to a minimum during the high heat parts of the day and do not stand around on hot asphalt. That can heat up your body very fast and your sensitive paw pads could burn.
• By all means, stay alert for signs of overheating, which can include excessive panting and drooling, mild weakness and elevated body temperature. Sound serious? It is if left unattended, so keep a check on your activities.
Repeat in the evening as the breezes come up and the sun goes down. Stay safe and happy! Go to ASPCA online for more hot weather tips.
Your friend,
Fisher
My problem is about going on the boat with my family. It’s not that I don’t love the water, but there’s so MUCH of it! I get scared of the noises and boats coming and going. Can you tell me how to get rid of my scared-y-cat behavior?
Tater
Dear Tater,
I have not personally gone boating - yet! I do know of a cat who rode around on a speed boat on a giant lake in Northern Minnesota. He loved it! It isn’t uncommon for some dogs and cats to go on boats. On the other hand, it is common that some cats and dogs fear going on boats - so do not get too hard on yourself. I think that just going over some rules and precautions will set your heart rate at ease. The same would go for humans, too. Knowledge can go a long way in easing fear.
Dogs are better boaters if the adventure is shorter, like a day trip. They adapt quickly to their new surroundings. Cats, on the other hand, may take a little longer to adapt to the boat, but once there and settled in, they could go forever. I highly recommend Diana B. Jessie’s book, Cruising with Your Four-Footed Friends. Her book is full of great advice for both you and your owners. It addresses both cat and dog issues, and I think once you read it, your fears will be replaced with excitement.
Jessie has some great recommendations, like:
- • Do a trial run before planning that “ultimate” adventure. Your humans should start out introducing you to your new quarters and pathways - slowly - without leaving dock.
• Take a short romp around the deck to get used to the feel of being on the water.
• Add motor noises and activities as you are feeling more comfortable to best to ensure a happy sail.
• Go ahead and sniff around - when you are ready for the next step, stop for a nap. That will let everyone know you are calm and confident - so far anyway.
Everyone on the boat should have a PDF - except the cat. What is a PDF? A PDF is a Personal Floatation Device. You must learn to put in on quickly in case of an emergency.
And, “Why?” you might ask does the cat get excused from wearing a PDF. According to Jessie, even the smallest “dog” PDF’s do not fit a cat well and if in trouble, would limit their movement. Instead of a PDF, the author trains her cats for self rescue by hanging a towel off the boat and teaching the cats to climb it. If they were to fall off, they can swim to the towel and get themselves back on board. Brilliant! (And don’t you know it would be done with style!)
These are just a few of the many great ideas for “four-footed boaters”. Visit
Boat U.S.
for more about Diana Jessie and more of her great tips. Happy sails!
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay Out There weekend edition
