Cats Protection issued the warning on 17 February 2022, a day before the storm was expected, telling the public to protect pets from "the upcoming storm on Friday"1. The charity referred to "the predicted 100mph winds hit from storm Eunice"1.
The charity's advice covered supplies, identification and keeping animals calm. It said owners should "make sure to stock up on food and any necessary medication for your pet in case you find yourself unable to leave your home" and "keep your cat inside with access to food, bedding, cat litter and fresh water"1. It also asked owners to "ensure cats are microchipped and its details are up to date", to "have a good quality photo of them to circulate should they go missing", and to "have all important documents together such as pet insurance details, vaccination details, microchip details and important phone numbers"1.
On keeping cats calm during the storm, the charity said: "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"1. It added that "putting a radio or television on low could help counteract the sound of any noisy wind battering windows", and that owners could "try a pheromone diffuser, which should be plugged in at least 12 hours prior and it will emit relaxing pheromones"1.
"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"
The charity's press release gave a media contact number, 01825 741 911, and a media email address for enquiries1. No further detail on the storm's track, the areas expected to be worst affected, or any Met Office warnings was included in the announcement1.
Why it matters for households
The warning applies to cat owners across the UK ahead of Friday's forecast winds1. The charity's stated concerns are that cats do not recognise hazards such as falling trees, strong gusts and flying objects, and that animals may be frightened by noise and wind at windows1. Its advice centres on keeping cats indoors with food, water, bedding and litter, ensuring microchip details are current, keeping a recent photo and documents together, and providing hiding places, background sound or a pheromone diffuser plugged in at least 12 hours beforehand1. Households with pets may also want to check the site's guidance on pets and animals and on storms and snow.
What happens next
The storm was forecast for Friday 18 February 20221. No further updates from the charity or from forecasters were included in the announcement1.
