Safety

It’s time to get adventuring, so make sure to take precautions against any fun-ruining accidents! These are some basic tips to get you started:

  • ASPCA Poison Control is 888.426.4435. Tattoo this onto your body. They can tell you if you need to take your cat in to the vet, or if you can skip a pricey visit and just pay their required donation (about $60). [Note that this is specific to the US]
  • Download Red Cross’ Pet CPR & First Aid App
  • Always know where the nearest emergency vet is in the area where you’ll be adventuring. The last thing you want to be doing when your cat is injured is to be frantically searching for cell service for google maps.
  • Get first aid and CPR certified! Red Cross and a number of other organizations offer Pet CPR & First Aid classes and certifications, generally for around $50, which I highly recommend. [Unfortunately, the American Red Cross has stopped offering their pet first aid and CPR certification course. They do have an online course that you can view for free, but there is no certification at the conclusion. Still an excellent idea!] If your cat is injured, you might need to be capable of keeping them alive long enough to reach medical attention. Carrying a first aid kit for your cat is also a good idea, especially if you’ll be camping or backpacking in a remote area.
  • Make sure that your cat’s microchip is registered and has up to date contact information for you. Keep in mind that there are different frequencies in use depending on country and facility.

GEAR SAFETY

  • No matter how perfect the fit of your cat’s harness, THEY CAN GET OUT OF IT. Cats have floating collarbones, which means that if they can get tension on the leash, they can get loose. This is why it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, and keep in mind what may frighten your cat.
  • Make sure that your cat’s harness is properly fitted. I rarely see harnesses on cats OR dogs that have been fitted and adjusted correctly. They’re almost always far too loose.
  • Check all gear, especially collars, harnesses, and leashes for damage each time before you use them. Nylon webbing in particular can unravel in seconds with even a minor tear. If a harness or leash is starting to show the slightest wear, replace it immediately. The peace of mind is worth the slight inconvenience.
  • My cats both wear collars with tags that on one side have two phone numbers, and on the other side say “I’M LOST IF I’M OUTSIDE”. This is so that if they do get lost, they more likely to be identified as NOT being outdoor cats. At the very least I recommend having their city and state listed so if someone finds them they’ll realize that they’re not anywhere near home. I also bring back up collars with tags for each of them, just in case. Please make sure that your cat is wearing a break-away or stretch-away collar for safety. Dog collars are very dangerous when it comes to cats.

WATER SAFETY

  • If you’re going to be out on the water, life jackets are a must. Just like for us, no matter how strong a swimmer they are, your cat can’t swim if they’re unconscious or injured. It can be a bit of a chore to find one that will fit their body type, but it’s well worth the effort, and there are more cat-specific options than there were even just 5 years ago.
  • Do not confine your cat in a carrier or backpack while on the water. If their carrier falls in it will sink with them in it, or trap them.

WALKING AROUND SAFETY

  • Always be on the look out for off-leash dogs, especially in popular recreation areas. An off-leash dog, when combined with an owner who is either inattentive or hasn’t bothered to train for recall, can turn an outdoor adventure from fun to dangerous.
  • Lights and reflective gear are important in areas with vehicle traffic if there’s a chance you’ll be out after dark. Visibility helps keep you safe as well!
  • Most cats are small enough that they are in danger of abduction from birds of prey. Even if kitty has excellent recall you might want to reconsider and use a leash. They’re also a quick grab for a coyote 😦

ROAD TRIP SAFETY

  • NEVER place a cat carrier in the front seat of a car that has airbags enabled. A deploying airbag WILL kill your cat.
  • I know it’s tempting to let kitty wander in the car, but it’s really not worth the risk. A loose cat can not only be a distraction or get tangled up in the driver’s feet and the pedals, but if there IS an accident your cat is going to be flying all over the car. Even if they don’t smash into the windshield, they could easily escape from a broken window or door and run away in a panic (where they could get lost or hit by a car).
  • Use a carrier that has been crash tested (and passed). Plastic carriers are a mess in an accident and can cause major injuries when they collapse and break. Soft carriers that can be buckled in are best, but do your research: not all are actually safe in accidents. I recommend Sleepypod‘s line of excellent carriers. They’re expensive, but they’re one of the few carriers out there that are actually safe in the car. You can always visit the Center for Pet Safety for information on which brands have passed their safety check.
  • Secure anything that is heavy enough to injure kitty. Especially in a roll-over collision everything is going to be flying everywhere, so strap things down. This is also safer for you!