Essential Supplies, Pet Information, & Pro Tips
to Keep Your Cat Safe Before, During,
& After the Storm
Living in Miami means being hurricane-prepared isn’t optional—it’s essential. If you’re a cat parent, your hurricane readiness plan should include more than bottled water and batteries. From packing a feline-specific evacuation go bag to creating a printable pet info sheet, here’s everything you need to weather the storm with peace of mind.
Why Hurricane Preparedness for Cats Is Essential in Miami
When emergencies strike, time and clarity are often in short supply.
As a professional pet sitter in Miami for over seven years, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to plan ahead.
Having accessible, detailed pet information and the right supplies ready can reduce stress and save precious time – especially if you’re away when there is an emergency.
PRO TIP: Pack What You Can Easily Carry. If you are in a high-rise, Multiple flights of stairs could be involved.
Build a Cat Emergency Kit:
Hurricane Go Bag Checklist for Miami Pet Parents
Travel Litter Box and Hygiene Supplies
Here's what you will want to make sure to include:
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1. Waterproof travel litterboxMany can be folded for easy storage, or are multi-functional. I ordered the Petskd Portable Cat Travel Litter Box with Lid and 10 pcs Disposable Liner Bags on Amazon for $35. It came with accessories and some other supplies to get you started.
Added bonus: I can use it to store all the emergency prep supplies, making it a quick grab if needed. However, I cannot give a review since, thankfully, I have had no call to use it yet. -
2. Litter Box Liners
Help minimize mess and make cleanup quick and sanitary—especially helpful when managing a temporary setup in a hotel, guest room, or safe room.
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3. Poop Bags
Perfect for securely disposing of litter clumps or accidents when a traditional trash bin isn’t nearby, like during car rides or hotel stays.
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4. Small Pooper Scooper
Lightweight and easy to stash, this ensures you can keep your cat’s space clean even in tight quarters or makeshift litter setups.
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5. Pet Wipes
A must-have for gently cleaning paws, fur, or carriers after a long trip or any unexpected mess—ideal for both hygiene and comfort during emergencies.
Portable Food & Water Station
When packing for emergencies or travel, include collapsible food and water bowls, a small serving spoon or scoop, and a compact food mat to catch spills and tidy feeding areas.
Experts recommend storing at least 1 gallon of water and a 3-day food supply per pet—more if space allows.
Don’t forget to pack a few high-value treats for comfort and positive reinforcement during stressful transitions.
I keep it light and easy to grab: wet food pouches save space and offer hydration, and I found a stylish, wipeable food mat at my local dollar store that fits perfectly in the kit.
Collapsible bowls and a small treat pouch clip right onto the carrier or tuck neatly inside, so everything stays together and ready to go.
Safe Cat Travel & Comfort Essentials
In any emergency or travel scenario, having the right items to keep your cat both secure and soothed makes a big difference. Start with a sturdy carrier for each cat—preferably one they’re already familiar with and feel comfortable in.
Pro Tip: Easy Pet Identification. If your pet gets separated, make it easy for someone to contact you and to identify them. This will provide peace of mind for you both.
You may also want to include a harness and leash set if you need to move them safely in or out of the carrier, especially in unfamiliar environments like hotel rooms or vet clinics.
To help your cat feel more at ease, pack a favorite toy or two and a small, soft blanket—ideally one that smells like home. If you have it on hand, lightly spray the blanket with calming pheromones to provide extra comfort.
Lastly, bring a few disposable pee pads—they’re helpful in case of accidents and also make a great liner under the travel litter box to catch any stray litter or spills.
First Aid & Safety Essentials for Emergencies
Accidents don’t wait for perfect timing—so having a well-stocked first aid kit for pets and people is essential. You can find pre-assembled pet-specific first aid kits online, or build your own with essentials like gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and a digital thermometer.
Remember a basic human first aid kit because caring for your cat also means taking care of yourself. (Self-love counts as preparedness!)
Add a flashlight or headlamp in case of power outages or low-light situations.
PRO TIP: Tuck an extra phone charger into your kit so you’re never caught without a way to stay connected.
Download a Printable Cat Emergency Info Sheet for Hurricane Prep
This is essential for every pet parent. This information stems from my seven years as a professional pet sitter in Miami. When something unexpected occurs, it’s difficult to remember details due to worry. If your pet requires professional care while you’re away, time is crucial.
Make sure every cat has a completed emergency info sheet with:
- • Photo, name, microchip number.
- • Physical description and known health issues.
- • Medication names, dosages, and how often to administer.
- • Known allergies.
- • Regular vet info (full name, address, phone, preferred vet).
- • 24-hour emergency vet (full name, address, phone)
- • Owner's name on file for each clinic.
Note: Include the full vet address, not just the neighborhood or intersection, so sitters can navigate quickly in an emergency.
Tape one copy inside a kitchen cabinet for your sitter to easily access and store another in your evacuation bag. Review and update the sheet regularly to ensure everything stays accurate and up to date.
Download Your Pet Info Template
I’ve created a fillable one-page CAT EMERGENCY INFO SHEET you can download. To add more pets, make additional copies of the second page.
Peace of Mind for You—and Your Cat
Knowing you’ve prepared can ease your mind during Miami’s storm season, whether you’re home or away. Your cat depends on you—let’s make sure they have everything they need to ride out the storm safely.
Want a pet sitter who already knows the drill? I’ve supported families through Miami’s unpredictable weather for years. Learn more about how I can help keep your cat calm, safe, and well cared for—rain or shine.
