I actually had occassion to put my plan into action a few years back. I lived in an apartment building in Chicago and Saturday morning the building alarm went off. Not just the smoke detector, but the fire alarm! The absolute very first thing I did was put Peanut in the carrier and put Tubby's leash on him - good and tight! Only then did I investigate as to what was going on and what I should do. It was a mid-rise building, and most times you're supposed to stay put until further notice - and don't open any doors. Well, my apartment was the end unit - right next to the fire exit, so I risked it and opened the door to see what was going on. Turns out the maintenance guy was walking by right then and he told me to not worry, that the fire was already out. Some lady had left a towel on her stove - with the stove on - and it had created enough smoke to set off the building alarm, but it was nothing serious. Whew! I let everything calm down - including myself - before I let Peanut out of her carrier and took Tubby's leash off.

The good news about all this though, was that it was a small apartment and neither cat could really hide anywhere. Now, in the house, there are way too many hiding spots and I know Peanut would find the best one possible - for her that is - and the worst one possible for me to be able to find her. She's the only one I worry about. Tubby doesn't move very fast and doesn't get excited about anything so he'd be easy to catch.

It's good to have a plan, but I sure hope that none of us have to ever put that plan into action!