Last week, I learned that I had better hope my apartment building never catches fire, because there is no way to get my cats out.
On Wednesday, maintenance was coming to mess with a few things, so I opted to work from home. Admittedly, I also wanted to use my “lunch break” to get my laundry done, plus any day I don’t have to get dressed up and deal with the Metro is a good day. Unbeknownst to me, there was a fire drill planned for that afternoon (apparently, a notice was placed under all the doors, but on my floor, the notices get dropped in front of the door, and as I was out of town, mine likely got picked up as trash).
While it is good to know that my fire alarm is loud and piercing and will absolutely wake me up, it also freaks the cats out to no end. Can’t say that I blame them. Not knowing this was just a drill, I panicked and raced to get out the carrier and grab the cats. Pippin was having nothing to do with getting in the crate and I still have the fairly impressive scratches to show for it. Cadu managed to crawl into the box spring of my bed and hide, making it impossible for me to get him. Finally, I just crossed my fingers that it was a false alarm and grabbed my purse to leave.
As soon as I walked out the door, a neighbor told me that it was just a drill and that I should have been notified. I was relieved, but I also wanted to punch my building managers for not posting signs about the alarm.
I’m not sure what the solution is to this, on the off chance there is ever a fire in my building. I live on the 14th floor, so I have to give myself time to get out, of course, and I would like to rescue the cats, but at this point, I’m just not sure how to go about doing it.
Loud noises (especially thunder) send Tiger looking for a place to hide. Over the years he has reached the point of bravery where the vacuum cleaner will not scare him if it is on a different floor… and sometimes even if it is just in a different room. After a good thunderstorm it we often have no idea where he might be without searching under every bed, futon, sofa in the house, plus under my computer desk or in a dark corner of the basement.
If you can get hold of a pair of soft cloth pet carriers (the zip-up sort with mesh windows), try leaving them open in a favorite sleeping place with a toy or pillow in them. Get the cats used to napping in them, then move them a bit a day (so the cats don’t lose track of them) until the carriers are in a secluded spot that the cats are likely to run to in a panic, like under the bed.
They don’t have to sleep in them all the time. You just want them to the carriers as a safe sleeping place within a safe place. To that end, avoid using them as regular transportation if you can avoid it.
I absolutely love personalized pet products! My cat has a customized food bowl with her name, and she seems to love it. Personalized pet beds and blankets are also a great way to make pets feel at home. They also make thoughtful gifts for pet owners. Have you ever gifted a personalized pet product to someone?
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Proper pet care is essential for a happy and healthy pet! Regular vet visits, a nutritious diet, and daily exercise help pets live their best lives. Grooming is also important—brushing their fur and trimming their nails prevents discomfort. I always use pet-friendly products to keep my dog’s coat shiny and healthy. What’s your go-to pet care routine?
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This is such a heartfelt post! It’s always tough when space doesn’t allow for a pet, especially when kids love animals. I’m glad your in-laws’ boxer has helped your 1-year-old become comfortable with dogs—that early bond is so important. Once you move into your new house, I bet your kids will be thrilled at the thought of bringing a dog home. Maybe even a boxer like the one they already adore! yorkie puppies
Wow, I totally relate to this! Working from home has so many perks, especially when you can use that time to catch up on chores like laundry. But surprise fire drills? That’s rough. I can imagine how scary that must have been for your cats—and for you, not knowing it was just a drill. Pets definitely know how to make stressful situations even more intense. Thanks for sharing your experience so candidly! k9
This post totally resonates with the modern remote work experience! Working from home definitely has its perks—like sneaking in some chores during lunch and avoiding the daily commute hustle. It’s funny how little things like a missed fire drill notice can throw off your day, especially when you think you’re avoiding disruptions. Great reminder of how unpredictable working from home can still be, even without the office chaos. Thanks for sharing this relatable story! Calming pet Treats
Working from home definitely has its perks, especially when dealing with building maintenance and avoiding public transportation chaos! It’s unfortunate that you missed the fire drill notice, but that seems like an easy thing to overlook, especially if it was thrown out. I totally relate to using lunch breaks for quick chores like laundry—such a time saver. Thanks for sharing this slice of real life; it’s a reminder of how everyday mishaps can pop up unexpectedly! Maine Coon Kittens
I can totally relate to the struggle of balancing working from home and unexpected surprises. It’s nice not having to dress up or commute, but things like a fire drill can definitely ruin the flow of the day. I think many of us forget how much we rely on little notices and reminders. Your story is a good reminder that no matter how much we plan, something unplanned can always happen.self-cleaning litter
I can totally relate to your experience! Some days our minds and bodies just need a break, even when we have the best intentions. I’ve learned that rest is also part of the fitness journey, so don’t feel guilty for enjoying that pineapple moment. It’s great that you’re refocusing and planning to get your strength training done today. Little resets like that often help with long-term motivation. Keep it up! weimaraner dog for sale