Feline Restraint & Handling Introduction to Veterinary Terminology

Objectives Know indications for feline restraint Pronounce, spell & define key terms Know how to minimize feline stress during physical exams and hospitalization List equipment & methods used to capture & restrain cooperative and uncooperative cats Be able to restrain cats for a variety of procedures safely

INDICATIONS FOR RESTRAINT Control the animal so it can receive medical care Prevent the animal from harming itself while it receives care Protect personnel Kitty Burrito – yum!

Here, kitty, kitty… The Approach Observe before approaching for fear-related behavior: Averting eyes/squinting Preparing to jump - Leaning backwards & pulling the feet in The “trusty tail”: Tucking/lowering can mean fear Swishing/flicking can mean agitation Lowering head and/or ears Dilated pupils Piloerection – Hair stands up Hissing, screaming, striking, biting

Approaching a Cat Displacement behaviors – Grooming Cats are usually in a carrier Good signs - Head-butting the kennel door or reaching through to touch Owners should familiarize the cat with the carrier before bringing Allow the cat to smell fingers through the door, but use caution

Retrieving a Cat From a Carrier Close all doors and windows Give the cat some time, “ask” nicely and practice patience. If necessary, gently slide the cat out of the carrier Helpful – top doors, taking apart kennel as needed Use extreme caution when reaching inside a carrier for a cat

Restraining a Cooperative Cat Less is always more with a cat Minimal restraint Increase only if necessary Respect personal space “Don’t be creepy” Allow to move/change position Keep scruff in easy reach Stroke the head, neck, and chin to calm Don’t over-stimulate Keep surroundings quiet

To Scruff or Not to Scruff? Only if necessary, BUT If you do it, do it right…

Transporting a Cat Cradle in a towel, if necessary Lightly scruff Stay close to walls Say (but don’t yell) “Cat” at corners Remain alert & aware Minimize time outside kennel

Working with Scared or Fractious Cats “Fight or flight” Scared or fractious cats may require: Chemical sedation Removing with a towel Feline behavioral signs tend to be more subtle than dogs Cats move fast, and scratch/bite effectively If a cat escapes: Capture quickly before further escape Cover with a towel, if possible Can climb cabinets & squeeze under kennels May run into a carrier Use a slip lead as a last resort

Feliway A synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromone Effective in calming cats Available as a diffuser or spray

Using Caution: Cats Watch body language Remember the business end Move slowly Respect the cat Don’t be creepy Keep things quiet Give the cat a break Minimize time outside kennel

Uncooperative Restraint: Cat Bag Towel Restraint “Kitty Burrito”

Gauntlets: Large leather gloves Chemical Restraint “Cat Gloves”

Venipuncture Restraint: Cephalic Sternal or “Kitty Press”

Venipuncture Restraint: Jugular Sternal “Pistol” with fingers

Venipuncture Restraint: Jugular Stretch

Lateral Recumbency (Cat Stretch) Includes scruffing

Placing a Cat in Lateral Recumbency Step 2: In one move, gently pick up the cat, turn so feet are away from you and lay back down on the table. Step: 1 Gain control of the head and hind legs.

Modified lateral recumbency For well-behaved cats No scruff

Venipuncture Restraint: Medial Saphenous Sometimes also called “femoral vein” Medial means “towards the middle” “Kitty karate chop”

“Kitty Karate Chop” Occludes the medial saphenous vein for venipuncture/IV catheter placement