NEW YORK (AP) — Kate and Warren Sherwood had to think quickly about what to take when Superstorm Sandy's surge flooded their barrier island and caused five houses on their block to burn to the ground. Luckily for their two black cats, Schwartz and Scooter, their pets were a priority.

But the narrow escape wasn't the end of the road for the felines. Their owners took refuge at a hotel that didn't accept cats.

"We sneaked them in and put a 'do not disturb' sign on the door — pretending we're on our honeymoon," said Warren Sherwood, 56, a systems analyst. "But after three days, they got restless and starting meowing."