1. Feline Restraint & Handling
Introduction to Veterinary Terminology

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. Uncooperative Restraint: Cat Bag
Towel Restraint “Kitty Burrito”

14. Gauntlets: Large leather gloves
Chemical Restraint
“Cat Gloves”

15. Venipuncture Restraint: Cephalic
Sternal or “Kitty Press”

16. Venipuncture Restraint: Jugular
Sternal
“Pistol” with fingers

17. Venipuncture Restraint: Jugular
Stretch

18. Lateral Recumbency (Cat Stretch)
Includes scruffing

19. 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.

20. Modified lateral recumbency
For well-behaved cats
No scruff

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

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