We are watching Hurricane Irma closely. Currently, the projected path is unclear. Some forecast models have the storm turning north and heading up the east coast of Florida. Other models have it turning north and heading up the west coast of Florida. Others have it going straight up the state. We live in Clearwater, on the west coast, and are considering our options about what we are going to do.
National Weather Service MapThe problem is we have four cats and few options on where to go. Rose considered going to stay at her sister’s vacation condo. Her condo is on the eighth floor, well above any chance of flooding. It is also high enough to be less affected by blowing debris. On the other hand, the wind blows harder at those heights and right now Irma is a category 5 storm, so even if it is downgraded, those winds will be very strong. In addition, the condo sits on a peninsula in Tampa Bay, so it is essentially surrounded by water. Worse, the parking garage is below the building so our cars won’t stand a chance.
Her other thought was to stay at her other sister’s house but where she lives isn’t much better than where we live. There’s no sense in packing up four cats to bring them somewhere just slightly better.
The other problem is, we have one large and one small cat carrier. Enough for three cats. One short. I went to Petco today and they were sold out of carriers. According to the woman there, everyone was sold out. It is like gas and water around her. There’s none to be found.
I decided to look online. I found a cheap carrier on Amazon for just over $11. I then paid almost $12 to have it shipped here by Friday. I don’t care how good it is, I just need it to work twice.
Our best option now is to stay with friends who live about six or eight miles east of us. That is a last resort. We don’t want to leave and we will ride it out if we feel safe to do so. We should know more by Friday.
Bad Cat Chris 
I hope that, whatever you do, you are all safe.
I appreciate that. Thanks.
We are so worried for all our friends in Florida, and you are on the list. It seems no matter what track Irma takes, unless she starts to lose steam, everyone in Florida is going to get hit with something. Whatever you decide, we will be praying for you. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Mom Janet
Thank you. They are comparing this storm to Andrew. I hope it won’t be that bad.
Many hopes that you and everyone else stays safe!
Thank you much.
I will be praying for your safety.
Thank you. Pray for the cats, especially. ☺️
Prayers for the safety of ALL,
Every little bit helps. Thanks.
We hope you all stay safe, whatever you decide to do. Our thoughts are with you and everyone else in Florida.
Thank you. We will be thinking about you too and how we wish we were there now. 😀
Good luck. Better to be prepared to leave, just in case. We hope it doesn’t come to that.
Thanks. We are preparing to leave and also preparing to stay.
I’m so worried – we have SO many friends in Florida! Up and down the coast, on both sides. Whatever you decide to do, you are in our thoughts.
Thank you. I hope your friends are okay too.
the main thing is that nothing will happen to you and the furkids… we hope so much that irma will calm down before she comes to the us…. hugs to you you are in our thoughts and we send prayers and hope…
Thank you. It’s looking like the odds of it staying to the east are better this morning but we shall see. what happens.
My kitty and I will be riding it out, we are north of WPB… Prepared and prayingy.. I wish
Oops hit enter..wish I had gotten a carrier, hopefully we can be ok home, our pets familiar with their envmt. I made a safe spot for us to hang out, I hope all of you will be safe too, didn’t know you were here too 🌴
Do you have a collar and name tag or is your kitty microchipped, just in case you have to leave?
She is always inside that never crossed my mind, wow… Well she is very trusting of me, at least I know I could keep her in my arms and even wear a jacket to stuff her in or even in a small duffle bag as last resort
It might be overly cautious but you might want to pick up a collar and a tag if you can get one. Otherwise you can just write your phone number with a magic marker on it.
It is looking like you might get it worse than us. I hope you will be okay. Be careful.
I guess no matter where in Florida you are, you’re going to get some “Irma” but hopefully on the Gulf side maybe not as bad as up the center or east side……..I lived in Clearwater for several years back in the 70s before moving back to Virginia. I hope that wherever you decide to stay, you are all SAFE and SECURE and that you’ll make it through just fine. We’ll be praying for everyone there………..
Pam and Teddy too
Thanks, Pam and Teddy. I didn’t know you lived here. Small world. 🙂
whatever you decide (I would probably take the kitties and go with friends), be safe. I have family in Miami and Plantation so I am quite worried. Be safe! xoxo
Thank you, Caren. We haven’t decided yet. If we leave it will probably be early Saturday.
guys….we hope what ever decision mom and dad makes; and we know it is a very hard one TO make; we hope everyone stays safe and by God’s grace Irma turns out to sea ~~~~~~ ♥♥
Thanks. I turn to the sea would be ideal.
Irma has been here also the main subject in newspaper. She looks very ugly. I hope she will calm down and run to the Atlantic ocean. Do you have in your house some kind of a safe room for winds or high waters? I understand the difficulty to travel with four cats, and we wish you safe days without Irma.
Thank you for your concern. We live in a mobile home so there is nothing safe about it. That is why we are more serious about leaving.
Scary times. I hope you all stay together & safe.
Thank you.
Whatever you decide to do, I hope you all stay safe.
Thank you, Carole.
I appreciate that.
Good luck and I hope you are all safe. It looks like the hurricane is going to hit your side of Florida.
It looks worse every time I turn on the TV. Friday was my last day at my job and today I see the track brings the eye of the hurricane right over my former place of employment. Glad I don’t have to go back there.
Hopefully they will still have a building next week. Stay safe and I wish you well
Thank you.