We all know how strong the bond between a cat and their Guardian is. We take care of our furry companions’ health, safety, and happiness every day. But, fabCats, have you ever wondered what would happen to your cat in an emergency? If you (knock on wood) had an accident, got stuck away from home for an extended period, or—in the worst-case scenario—were no longer around? It’s a difficult topic, but we recently started thinking about it and realized it’s worth discussing. After all, proper preparation is the only way to ensure our cats get the best possible care, no matter what happens.

Plan Your Cat’s Future, fabCat

The best diet, veterinary care, access to all key resources, plenty of playtime, and an understanding of feline needs—these should always be a priority for any cat Guardian. They are the foundation of a happy cat’s life. But even when everything is perfectly in place, and life with your cat runs like a well-oiled machine, it’s worth having an emergency plan in the back of your mind. After all, as they say, accidents happen. We wish them on no one, but life has a way of surprising us.

What should you consider to feel prepared for emergencies?

• Communication: If something happens and you can’t take care of your cat, who will you notify, and how? If you become unreachable, is there someone who can quickly check on and care for your cat?
• Supplies: Will your cat (and the person looking after them) have access to their preferred food in your absence? Will buying it require an online search, or is it easy to find? Does your cat have allergies that their temporary caretaker needs to know about?
• Health: Is your vet’s contact number known only to you? It’s a good idea to keep it in a visible place so that, even in the worst-case scenario, your cat can receive care from a familiar specialist.

Write a “Cat Care Instruction Manual”—Seriously!

Every cat is unique, with their favorite foods, routines, and health needs. All the aspects mentioned above should be written down in one clear document and stored in your cat’s folder—alongside their health records, previous test results, microchip number, and vet’s contact details. Include dietary preferences (specific brands, flavors, and even links to purchase them), nutritional requirements, favorite toys and treats, and their preferred litter type. Keeping an up-to-date record of your cat’s medical history is crucial—whenever new test results come in, chronic illnesses develop, or medications change, ensure your folder is updated accordingly.

Another essential part of your cat care manual should be notes on their behavior. Describe their daily personality, how they react in different situations, what scares them, whether they are social, how they handle stress, and what to do if they panic. Every detail matters—once the initial crisis passes, this information will be invaluable for their new Guardian. Of course, don’t turn this into an essay—keep it simple and clear, listing only the most crucial details to help your cat adjust in difficult times.

Can You Include a Cat in Your Will?

Absolutely! If you have a will, you can include a provision stating who should take care of your cat in case of your passing and how much of your assets should be allocated for their care.

Emergency Situations: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard

Let’s go over some things you can sort out today. Do you carry an emergency contact card with a phone number for your loved ones? Whether in your wallet, jacket pocket, or phone case, we highly recommend keeping one with you—it could save your life.

If you have a cat (or another furry or feathered companion), be sure to add that information to your emergency card, along with a contact for someone who can take care of them. If, knock on wood, you’re in an accident and unable to communicate, emergency responders will know who to call.

Is your cat microchipped? That’s fantastic. Now, check that your contact details in the pet database are up-to-date and see if you can add a secondary emergency contact. If your cat ever gets lost and is found by a vet, animal control, or a shelter, they will be able to reach the right person quickly.

P.S. Make sure your emergency contact has a key to your home (or knows someone who does). This is a good safety net to ensure that, in case of an emergency, rescuing your cat doesn’t require breaking down your door.

And If One Day You’re Gone?

It’s worth considering this topic, fabCats, because we never know what life has in store.

In the ideal scenario, your cat would go to a family member or a close friend. Whether their Guardian’s passing was due to illness or a tragic accident, family and friends are always the best option for an orphaned cat. They likely know them, and the familiarity could make the loss of their Guardian a little less overwhelming. Unfortunately, ideal solutions aren’t always available. If no one steps in, the cat may end up in a shelter or under the care of an animal welfare organization, waiting for a new home for an unknown period.

What Can You Do to Prevent This, fabCat? Even if you don’t have a family member who could take in your cat, you may have friends, a trusted breeder, a neighbor who loves cats, or fellow cat lovers from social media who would be willing to take them in if needed. This should be someone you trust—someone who knows how to care for cats and has discussed this option with you.

Many breeders, for example, offer this kind of support. If you have a good relationship with your breeder, they may be open to taking your cat back and finding them a new home if necessary. In such cases, it’s worth writing an agreement or statement where your trusted person declares their willingness to take responsibility. Leave their contact information with your family so that, in a crisis, at least this issue can be quickly resolved.

Final Thoughts

Thinking about your cat’s future and potential emergencies isn’t easy, but it’s always better to be prepared. Even small steps—like a cat folder with essential details or an emergency contact card mentioning your cat’s presence at home—can save their life and well-being.

And you, fabCats—do you have an emergency plan for your cats? If not, we highly encourage you to start thinking about it. For the sake of a good life for your furry companions.