09/12/2018
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EVACUATING WITH ANIMALS - THANK YOU!
I am so grateful to every evacuee who brought their pets with them! Cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, mice, and birds all made the trip away from the approaching storm. Having watched Dana hunched in front of the computer for literally thousands of hours trying to reunite people with their pets after Katrina, I am thrilled with each pet whose human loved them enough to bring them along on the evacuation, despite all the issues that traveling with our animals can bring us.
We have gotten a number of calls about pets ‘going crazy’ from anxiety – mostly cats. Here are some non-drug options to consider. Place your cat’s carrier in a small bathroom. Cover the carrier (except for the door) with a blanket/towel so it is cave-like. Leave the door open so the cat can come out and use the litter box, drink water, eat. Get some rescue remedy and place some in a separate small bowl of water, or put a drop on your finger and rub it onto the tip of the animal’s ear. For cats only, get some Feliway and spray for one second toward the bathroom ceiling.
Your animal picks up on your feelings so if you are frightened or feeling helpless, your animal will feel that way as well. Breathe in slowly through your nose, put your shoulders down, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Comfort in, tension out. Do this at least three times and remind yourself to relax. Easier said than done, but it will help you and your animals.
I am not a vet, but in many cases Ace may relax the animal’s muscles but it can cause confusion in their minds. It is a good drug but it can be better for your animal’s state of mind to try Rescue Remedy, or breathing exercises, or grooming the animal.
It may not seem like it, but YOU are the center of the world for your animal, so spend as much time as you can spend reassuring your pets and just hanging out with them. It can be very helpful to speak aloud, visualizing a few more nights and then everyone returning home together. Repeating this frequently can go a long way toward calming your animals – and yourself.
Let your worries over things you cannot control be blown out with each exhalation. Know that soon you will be able to return home. Know too that you are a rock star for bringing your animals with you. It is not the easiest way, but pat yourself on the back because it is definitely the most loving and responsible thing you could have done. Thank you!
Photo of Cat 3 Hurricane.
