Emergency kit checklist for cat owners
25 things to have ready for a cat owner, with how much water and food to store for 1 adult and a cat.
For 1 adult and a cat, store 2.6 gallons (9.8 L) of drinking water and about 6,750 calories of food for 3 days1, plus pet food, water for pets, pet medication and records, pet carrier and lead.
Cats need water, their usual food and a carrier. Having those ready saves a frantic search later.
Who this plan is for
One adult, with a cat. SupKit's planning assumptions for this household:
| Who | Energy a day | Drinking water a day |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 2,250 calories | 0.8 gallons (3 L) |
| Pets | Their own food | 0.1 gallons (0.3 L) |
Water and food for 1 adult and a cat
| 3 days | 7 days | |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking water | 2.6 gallons (9.8 L) | 6 gallons (22.8 L) |
| Food energy | 6,750 calories | 15,750 calories |
What a cat owner should add
- Pet food Essential
Enough of your pets' usual food for your chosen number of days. - Water for pets Essential
An estimate based on each pet's species and size. - Pet medication and records
Any medication your pets need, plus vet and vaccination details. - Pet carrier and lead
What you'd need to take your pets with you.
Also on the US's official kit list
- The US basic kit includes a battery or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.2
- US kits include a whistle to signal for help and a dust mask to filter contaminated air.2
- US kits include plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape for sheltering in place.2
- US kits include a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, plus a manual can opener.2
Everything else every home needs
- Food: food for everyone, manual can opener
- Water: drinking water
- Hygiene: hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toilet paper and bathroom products, personal hygiene supplies
- Power & warmth: flashlight, spare batteries, charged power bank, battery or wind-up radio, blankets or sleeping bags, camping stove, warm clothing
- Health & safety: first aid kit
- Plans & essentials: emergency contacts, meeting point, utility shut-offs, some cash, important documents, insurance details
See the full household checklist for what each one involves.
A sample shopping list for 3 days
One way to reach 6,750 calories with long-life food. SupKit estimate Swap in what your household likes.
| Item | How many |
|---|---|
| Canned chili | 4 |
| Canned soup | 4 |
| Baked beans | 4 |
| Microwave rice pouch 250g | 2 |
| Canned tuna | 3 |
| Crackers | 1 |
| Peanut butter | 1 |
| Dried fruit and nuts | 1 |
| Granola bars | 1 |
| Canned fruit | 2 |
Allergies, dietary needs and children
Plan around everyone at home: allergies, intolerances and diets come first, and familiar food matters most for children. Recipes vary between brands, so always read the label of the product you buy.
| Food | Typical allergens | Typically suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Canned chili | varies by recipe | check the label |
| Canned soup | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Baked beans | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Microwave rice pouch 250g | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan |
| Canned tuna | fish | check the label |
| Crackers | cereals containing gluten | vegan |
| Peanut butter | peanuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Dried fruit and nuts | tree nuts | vegan, gluten free |
| Granola bars | varies by recipe | vegetarian |
| Canned fruit | none of the main allergens in its main ingredient | vegan, gluten free |
Typical allergens and diets are SupKit's guide to the main ingredient, not a product's label.
- US law names nine major food allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame (sesame added from 2023).3
- Labels must name each major allergen's source, either in brackets in the ingredient list or in a 'Contains' statement next to it.3
- 'May contain' warnings are voluntary in the US, so not every maker uses them and their absence is not a guarantee.4
Young children
Questions
How much water should a cat owner store?
2.6 gallons (9.8 L) for 3 days or 6 gallons (22.8 L) for a week, for 1 adult and a cat, at 3 litres per person per day plus pets.
What extra does a cat owner need?
Pet food: Enough of your pets' usual food for your chosen number of days. Water for pets: An estimate based on each pet's species and size. Pet medication and records: Any medication your pets need, plus vet and vaccination details. Pet carrier and lead: What you'd need to take your pets with you.
Sources
- SupKit planning rules (SupScore 2026.5), SupKit. SupKit's own planning data.
- Build a Kit, Ready.gov (US Department of Homeland Security / FEMA). Checked 28 October 2026.
- Food Allergies: What You Need to Know, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Checked 28 October 2026.
- Have Food Allergies? Read the Label, U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Checked 28 October 2026.
- SupKit household preparedness checklist (2026.3), SupKit. SupKit's own planning data.
We summarise official guidance in our own words. Always follow advice from your local authorities.
