Emergency Go Bag 101: People and Pets.
Double-purpose go-bag strategy
I have been writing about emergency preparation and pets for many years.
See Emergency Preparation Tips for Your Pet
ASPCA Disaster Portingness Pets Infographic
And recent cat fire safety: an emergency guide for pet owners
I have now developed a comprehensive approach to creating go-bags that meet the needs of both you and your cat mates. What matters is integration, efficiency, and thoughtful preparation.
I’ll go to the basics of bags
– 1 main bag (waterproof, durable)
– Lightweight but robust
– Easy to carry
– Split compartments of human and cat essentials
Shared Compartment Essentials
Important Documents (Waterproof Folder/Bag)
Human Documents:
– Government ID
– Passport
– Social Security Card
– Insurance Card
– Medical Records
– Emergency Contact List
– Credit/Debit Card Copy
– Cash (small and large sects)
Cat Document:
– Veterinary records
– Microchip information
– Vaccination certificate
– Recent photos
– Medical history
– Medication prescription
Communication and navigation
– Fully charged smartphone
– Portable Battery Pack/Solar Charger
– Emergency battery powered radio
– Waterproof notebook and pen
– Laminated emergency contact card
– Local Area Map
– Small mouth s for signaling
Personal Health Compartment
Human First Aid Kit
– Prescription drugs (7 days supply)
– Painful medication
– Bandage
– Preservative wipes
– Tweezers
– Small scissors
– Thermal emergency blanket
– N95 mask
– Hand sanitizer
– Compact first aid manual
Added first aid for cats
– Cat-specific first aid kit
– Cat painkillers
– Liquid electrolyte solution
– A small towel
– Soft muzzle
– Compact cat carrier/bag
– Disposable gloves
– Mite/Flea Removal Tool
Nutrition and hydration
Human regulations:
– 3-day water supply (1 gallon per day)
– High energy, fresh food
*Energy bar
*Dried fruit
*nut
*Compact meal exchange packet
– Water Purification Tablets
– Compact water filter
– Lightweight cooking kit
– Tools
Cat nutrition
– Dry cat food (vacuum dense)
– Wet food packet
– Compact, easy to fold food/water bowl
– Portable water filtration system
– Electrolyte powder for cats
– Handling (for comfort and motivation)
Clothes and protection
Human clothes
– Replacing clothes that absorb moisture
– Lightweight rain jacket
– Sturdy walking shoes
– Extra socks
– Lightweight gloves
– Wide hat
– Compact thermal layer
Comfortable cat items
– Lightweight cat harness
– Compact cat blanket
– A small towel
– Cooling Bandana
– Protective booties (for rough terrain)
Survival and comfortable tools
Multipurpose Tool:
– Swiss Army Knife or Multitool
– Paracord (15-20 feet)
– Duct tape
– Zip tie
– Emergency light stick
– Waterproof match
– Compact emergency shelter
– Emergency Thermal Blanket
Stress management
– Small comfortable items
– Portable charger
– Headlamp
– Small Entertainment (Card Deck)
– Stress relief items
– Cat Pheromon Spray
– Compact cat toy
Technology and Tracking
Identification and Safety:
– Backup Power Bank
– Portable GPS devices
– Pet Tracking Device
– Spare phone charger
– Compact solar charger
– Emergency contact information
– Medical Information Card
Special considerations
Customization Tips:
– Consider your individual health needs
– Explain a specific drug
– Adjusts the climate and potential emergency
– Update your bag every 6 months
– Turn food and medication supply
Weight control
– Total bag weight: 15-20 lbs
– Distribute weight evenly
– Practice carrying bags
– Use the wheeled option if mobility is limited
Psychological preparation
Mental health essentials
– A small notebook for journaling
– Compact Meditation Guide
– Stress relief items
– Photos of your loved one
– Comfortable cat items
– The familiar blankets and toys
Pro Tip: Practice regular go-bag drills with your cat to reduce stress in real emergency.
Storage and Maintenance
– Store in a cool, dry place
– Uses airtight waterproof containers
– Check the contents by year
– Exchange expired items
– Vacuum seals where possible
– Easy access to your bag
The ultimate survival wisdom: Your Go Bag is more than a collection of items. This is a lifeline of preparation, comfort and survival for both you and your cat companion.
Prepared with love and packed with purpose, but I hope you don’t need it!
Love, Leila
