RSPCA issue warning to pet owners after reports of ‘cats being lifted into air’

Storm Eunice is set to batter the North West and the rest of the UK, with red, amber and yellow warnings in place.

The Met Office is warning of strong winds of up to 90mph in some areas, with a danger to life warning in place.

While humans are being advised to ‘stay indoors’ where they can, the same advice is being extended to our furry friends, with pet owners urged to take caution.


The high winds can be a dangerous and stressful time for our pets, and with reports of cats being lifted into the air and dogs swept away by floods the RSPCA and Cats Protection have both issued warnings.

Alice Potter, an animal scientist who works with the RSPCA, advised pet owners: “Extreme weather like we’ve been seeing can spell trouble for animals as well as humans. It might be necessary to keep cats inside if the winds become very extreme.”

She added: “Dog owners should plan walks so that the extreme weather can be avoided, and dogs should be accompanied at all times.”

Cats Protection also offered advice to pet owners, saying that while cats are independent creatures who love to explore outside they need to be kept inside during Storm Eunice.

Cats Protection’s Central Veterinary Officer Sarah Elliott said in a statement: “With such severe weather warnings on the way for Friday, we just wanted to remind the public to make sure their cats are safe at home.”

She added: “We all need to be aware of risks such as falling trees, strong gusts of winds and flying objects, but our cats won’t have the same level of awareness, so we need to do our part to keep them out of harm’s way.”

They have suggested the following precautions for cat owners:

• Make sure to stock up on food and any necessary medication for your pet in case you find yourself unable to leave your home
• Keep your cat inside with access to food, bedding, cat litter and fresh water
• Ensure cats are microchipped and its details are up to date
• Have a good quality photo of them to circulate should they go missing
• Have all important documents together such as pet insurance details, vaccination details, microchip details and important phone numbers
  

Sarah continued: “If your cat is afraid of the ferocity and noise of the storm, it’s important to help them feel calm by keeping to familiar routines where possible.

“You can also make sure they have somewhere to hide and keep safe. Something as simple as a cardboard box with a blanket inside can give your cat somewhere cosy to hunker down and sleep through the storm.

“You can also make sure they have somewhere safe and up high to go to as cat’s feel most relaxed when they can look down and survey their surroundings.”