Staying Safe During a Cyclone When You Have Pets

Cyclones and flooding are serious and frightening events, not only for people but also for their pets. Dogs and cats rely entirely on their owners for protection and guidance during emergencies. Preparing in advance and understanding how different pets behave during severe weather can save lives and reduce distress for the whole family.

1. Plan Ahead for Your Pets

Preparation is the most important step in keeping pets safe.

• Include pets in your household cyclone plan. Never leave planning until the last minute.

• Decide where pets will stay within your home during strong winds and flooding — ideally a safe, dry, indoor space away from windows.

• Make sure pets are identifiable. Dogs and cats should wear collars with ID tags, and microchipping is strongly recommended where possible.

• Prepare an emergency pet kit, stored in a waterproof container, including:

  • Several days’ supply of pet food and clean water

  • Food and water bowls

  • Any medications and basic vet records

  • Leashes, harnesses, or secure carriers

  • Blankets, towels, or bedding

  • Waste bags or litter

  • Familiar items such as toys to help reduce anxiety

  • Newspaper and garbage bags are also handy for potty situations when it is unsafe to go outdoors.

2. Understanding Cats and Dogs During Cyclones

Dogs and cats behave very differently during extreme weather, and understanding these differences helps keep them safe.

Dogs

• Dogs are more likely to become anxious, restless, or vocal during cyclones.

• Loud wind, rain, pressure changes, and thunder can cause dogs to panic and attempt to escape.

• Dogs should always be brought indoors early, kept on a leash if needed, and never tied up or left outside.

• Keep dogs in a secure room to prevent them from bolting through doors or windows.

Cats

• Cats are often better at instinctively seeking higher ground and hiding places, especially during flooding.

• They may hide under furniture, inside cupboards, on shelves, or climb to elevated areas.

• While this instinct can help them avoid floodwaters, it can also make cats difficult to locate during emergencies.

• Owners should proactively confine cats indoors before the storm worsens, placing them in a safe room or carrier so they cannot escape, hide in unsafe places, or become trapped.

Importantly, natural instinct alone does not guarantee safety for cats or dogs — they still depend on humans to provide a secure environment.

3. Before the Cyclone Hits

When cyclone warnings are issued:

• Bring all pets indoors early, before heavy rain, wind, or flooding begins.

• Do not leave pets outside, even in kennels or cages — flooding and debris can be deadly.

• Prepare carriers early, especially for cats, birds, and small animals, as pets may hide once they sense danger.

• Walk dogs early and secure gates, doors, and fences to reduce escape risks.

4. During the Cyclone and Flooding

During the cyclone:

• Keep pets indoors at all times.

• Never allow pets into floodwaters. Floodwater may carry sewage, sharp debris, chemicals, and disease.

• Place pets in a quiet, secure room away from windows and doors.

• Stay calm and speak gently pets can sense stress and panic.

• Keep cats contained so they do not hide in dangerous or inaccessible areas.

If conditions become unsafe, pets should always stay with their owners. Never abandon animals during floods or cyclones.

5. After the Cyclone Passes

Once the storm has passed:

• Inspect your home and yard carefully before allowing pets outside.

• Watch for hazards such as broken glass, sharp debris, fallen power lines, contaminated water, or unstable structures.

• Keep dogs on a leash and supervise cats until the area is confirmed safe.

• Check pets for injuries, infections, or signs of stress such as:

  • Shaking or hiding

  • Aggression or fear

  • Loss of appetite

  • Lethargy or vomiting

Seek veterinary care if your pet appears unwell or injured.

6. Helping Each Other in the Community

In Fiji, community support is essential during disasters.

• Check on neighbours who may struggle to move or manage pets.

• Share accurate pet safety information.

• Report injured or stranded animals to local animal welfare organisations when it is safe to do so.

Pets are family. While cats may naturally seek higher ground and dogs may look to their owners for reassurance, no animal can survive a cyclone or flood safely without human care and planning. By preparing early, keeping pets indoors, and understanding their behaviour, we can protect the animals who depend on us most during extreme weather.

Please note images in this article are AI generated.