How to pack an emergency cat first aid kit

September 18, 2024 - 2 min read
Close up of a Norwegian forest cat on a beige background

Whether it's extreme weather or something else, sometimes our independent kitties need some help.

We won't always know when this can happen, but we can stay prepared. A good way to do this is by packing a first-aid kit.

Below, we provide a cat first aid kit list, what to pack in your pet first aid kit, and how you and your cat can prepare for the unexpected.

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Why pack a cat first aid kit?

Young man packing the bag with documents, water,food, first aid kit and other items needed to surviveCats can look after themselves, and a lot of them seem to carry a sense of pride for how independent they are. But sometimes disaster can strike, which is where a cat first aid kit can help.

Storms, wildfires, and heatwaves have grown increasingly common. So, you'll never regret making an emergency plan and, hopefully, you'll never have to test it out.

Plus, if you have an outdoor cat, they'll come across risks every day. Having an all-in-one first aid kit can help in the short term if anything happens. 

Cat first aid kit contents

black and white cat's paw

Generally, you'll want a cat first-aid kit that has:

  • Adhesive tape and gauze

  • Alcohol swabs and wipes

  • Antibiotics

  • Bandages

  • Clean towels

  • Cotton balls and swabs

  • Digital thermometer

  • Extra bowls

  • Extra collar and leash/harness

  • First-aid book

  • Latex-free gloves

  • Pet-safe soap

  • Preventatives, like heartworm treatment and flea and tick medicine

  • Scissors

  • Something that smells like home (blanket, toy, bed)

  • Spare nail clippers

  • Your cat's medication (if necessary)

We recommend keeping these supplies in an easy-to-reach place.

What else should I stock up on?

cat foodWe also recommend stocking up on:

  • Cat food

  • Treats

  • Water

This makes sure if you're cut off or something happens, your cat has what they need. Of course, this only really applies if you live in a rural area, but it's worth being prepared anyway! 

Pet emergency documentation

man wearing baseball cap holds cat outside

We recommend having emergency documentation on hand just in case your cat gets lost. You should have these on hand:

  • Contact details and emergency phone numbers

  • Photo of you and your pet

  • Proof of ownership

  • Medical and vaccination records

  • Service animal documentation, if applicable

  • You and your vet's information

Try to keep these in a waterproof folder or pocket. You don't want this to get destroyed in a flood or a leak!

Pet preparedness tips

Veterinarian doctor examining the skin disease of a cat above its eye

Other than packing supplies, make sure you have enough for other pets in your home too. For example, cats and dogs are different, so you should know about dog first aid if you own one.

Education is key, too. You should know about risks and how to prepare for them, from wildfires to parasite attacks. Yes, even bee or wasp stings and cuts and scrapes. Staying on top of the latest advice can, at times, be more important than packing a simple first-aid kit.

Oh, and be sure to check the expiration dates for any medication and food you have.

Our article on first aid for cats can help.

How cat insurance helps

Cat insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected.

More so than having the right equipment at home, insurance can help you offset financial issues and get your cat the treatment they need. 

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Top-notch cat insurance

Insure all 9 lives.

Curious cats get into tricky situations. Insurance can help reimburse you for unexpected accidents and illnesses.

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Ben Newman
Editorial Content Lead

Ben is a writer and editor with years of experience in insurance. After spending a long time creating content for some of Britain's biggest brands as part of a marketing agency, Ben began to focus on insurance and hasn't looked back since. When he's not consuming copious cups of tea, you can find him reading a book, daydreaming about having an Australian Shepherd and shouting at Liverpool on the TV.