The extreme weather may be over, but it will take time for us and our animal friends to fully recover. Here are some tips for you, whether you have a stressed, missing, or lost kitty.
Calming Kitties
If you and your cat survived the storm, you are both probably on edge and in need of some stability in your life.
- If you need to go to a shelter, consider whether you have someone who can care for your kitty until you find more permanent lodgings. While it will be hard to be separated, it may be safer and less traumatic for your cat to temporarily be in another’s home.
- If you don’t have anyone who can look after your cat, seek a shelter that accepts pets. There are pet friendly shelters set up across Western NC. The list here can direct you to one in your area.
- If you are your cat are in a home, give your cat some space. She may want to hide for a few days, and that’s ok. Spend some time in the room with her, talking gently or reading aloud, and make sure she has easy access to food, water and a litter box.
- Try to distract your cat with a special toy or a rare treat.
- If time has passed and your cat still does not act like herself, or if you notice your cat is not eating, drinking or using the litter box, consult a vet.
Missing Kitties
Don’t give up hope. If your cat went missing during the extreme weather, it is possible he or she survived. Take these steps to try to help your furry friend find its way back to you:
- If kitty is microchipped, alert the microchip company that (s)he is lost.
- Go outside at dawn and dusk, when it is quieter, and call for your cat. Don’t move around, and make sure your voice is calm. Shake a can of her favorite toys or squeeze his favorite squeaky toy.
- Put clothes that smell like the family outside near the home. He may recognize the scent.
- Make fliers. Include all the basic details about your cat including distinguishing marks and where she was last seen and hang them up in the neighborhood, vet offices and resource distribution centers.
- Share on social media that you have lost your companion. Post in local groups like We Love Waynesville or Asheville Cat Weirdos.
- Talk to your neighbors. The more people you speak to, the more eyes are watching for your kitty.
Losing Kitties
Those who experience natural disasters often find themselves having strong emotional reactions, even if no lives were lost. But if you have lost a loved one, including your furbaby, you may find the grief overwhelming. Here are some ways to cope in this difficult situation:
- Remember that it is ok to mourn what is lost. Don’t try to ignore or hide your feelings. Give yourself time to experience the grief and to eventually move past it.
- If you can, bury your cat. There is a reason most cultures have funerals – it allows loved ones to say goodbye and come to terms with the death. Have a small funeral to say your final farewell to your furry family member.
- Share your experience. Whether it’s with local friends, a social media group or a support group, it helps to talk about the one you lost. Remember the good times and give voice to your grief.
- Create new routines. If you used to wake up in the morning and immediately feed your cat, start feeding the birds outside instead, for example.
- Realize that you may have suffered a trauma during the storms and the grief you feel over your animal friend may be the trigger to let out your emotions. If the grief does not subside, seek professional support, whether it’s with a local or online therapist.
Final Thoughts
Going through a natural disaster is hard enough, but thinking about your kitty companion suffering adds another layer entirely. We hope you and your fur-babies are safe as Western NC emerges from the devastating effects of Helene, but if you are struggling, please know you are not alone. Together, we will get through this.
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