Cats
Indications for Restraint and Handling
Feral
Venipuncture, catheterization, immunization
Administering medicines
Physical examination
Grooming
Transport
X-rays etc.
Tips for Approaching Cats
Use your voice! Tone is important- soothing tones calm cats
No distractions i.e. loud noises, dogs
Stay quiet and calm, let them come to you
Be aware of how you smell- don’t slather yourself in perfume or dog fur
Precautions
Use minimal restraint- Can always adjust to more restraint if necessary but once you’ve started
high you have to stay high because the cat will get stressed and struggle
Close all portals into the room (doors, windows, drawers, cabinets)
Work in an area cleared of debris
Read cat’s body language
Use distraction techniques- tear duct bopping, or hard massage, etc.
Approaching Cats
Veterinarian Office
Carry crate to exam room before removing cat
Close all doors
Place crate on floor
Open door and encourage cat to come out on its own
Manual Removal
Open top of kennel
Scruff cat
Tilt carrier to gently “dump” cat
Once cat is out of carrier, put it out of site- Cat will try to return to “safe area” of carrier if they
can see it as an opportunity
In a Rescue Situation
Approach in crouch or sideways
Move slowly
Speak slowly and softly
Offer food
Allow cat to approach
Be purposeful in movements, don’t hesitate- Cat will control situation if given a chance
Carrying and Transporting Cats
Indications for Restraint and Handling
Feral
Venipuncture, catheterization, immunization
Administering medicines
Physical examination
Grooming
Transport
X-rays etc.
Tips for Approaching Cats
Use your voice! Tone is important- soothing tones calm cats
No distractions i.e. loud noises, dogs
Stay quiet and calm, let them come to you
Be aware of how you smell- don’t slather yourself in perfume or dog fur
Precautions
Use minimal restraint- Can always adjust to more restraint if necessary but once you’ve started
high you have to stay high because the cat will get stressed and struggle
Close all portals into the room (doors, windows, drawers, cabinets)
Work in an area cleared of debris
Read cat’s body language
Use distraction techniques- tear duct bopping, or hard massage, etc.
Approaching Cats
Veterinarian Office
Carry crate to exam room before removing cat
Close all doors
Place crate on floor
Open door and encourage cat to come out on its own
Manual Removal
Open top of kennel
Scruff cat
Tilt carrier to gently “dump” cat
Once cat is out of carrier, put it out of site- Cat will try to return to “safe area” of carrier if they
can see it as an opportunity
In a Rescue Situation
Approach in crouch or sideways
Move slowly
Speak slowly and softly
Offer food
Allow cat to approach
Be purposeful in movements, don’t hesitate- Cat will control situation if given a chance
Carrying and Transporting Cats
