When disaster strikes, pop a cat in a sack

Does this cat look happy? Maybe not. But he or she (we're not sure) might be protected from disaster.

That's what the creator of that orange mesh balloony thing called the EVACSAK thought when she had the brainstorm to create a carrier designed to evacuate small animals during a flood, fire, earthquake or other crisis.

Inventor Rebecca A. Rodriguez, an animal welfare advocate, hit upon the brainstorm while developing an evacuation plan for an animal shelter, she explains in an e-mail.  She says it works for cats, small dogs, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets and rodents.

The device is described as sturdy and roomy yet easy to store.  But the website warns: "The EVACSAK is not designed to house an animal for long periods of time." (No kidding, Sherlock. What cat would want to nestle in?)

We're not endorsing--or dismissing--this product.  It hasn't been tested by our cats. (Well, mine is dead. But I can tell you he would not have liked it.) We just couldn't pass up the photo.

Evacsacked dogs look a little happier: 

-- Carla Hall

Photos: Courtesy of Rebecca A. Rodriguez