AAFP and ISFM feline-friendly handling guidelines

Abstract

Background: The number of pet cats is increasing in most countries, often outnumbering pet dogs, yet cats receive less veterinary care than their canine counterparts.(1) Clients state the difficulty of getting the cat into a carrier at home, driving to the clinic, and dealing with the fearful cat at the veterinary clinic as reasons for fewer visits.(2) Educating and preparing the client and the veterinary team with regard to respectful feline handling is necessary in order to avoid stress and accomplish the goal of good health care. Without such preparation, feline stress may escalate into fear or fear-associated aggression. The resulting stress may alter results of the physical examination and laboratory tests, leading to incorrect diagnoses (eg, diabetes mellitus) and unnecessary treatments.(3-5) Without compassionate and respectful handling by the veterinary team, clients may feel the team lacks skills and compassion, or does not understand cats. Injury may occur to the cat, client and/or veterinary team.(6) Clients who want to avoid stress for their cat may avoid veterinary visits or choose another practice instead.

Goals: The use of feline-friendly handling techniques should reduce these problems. Handling is most successful when the veterinary team adapts the approach to each individual cat and situation. The goal of these guidelines is to provide useful information for handling cats that can lead to: ✜ Reduced fear and pain for the cat. ✜ Reinforced veterinarian-client-cat bond, trust and confidence, and thus better lifelong medical care for the cat. ✜ Improved efficiency, productivity and job satisfaction for the veterinary team. ✜ Increased client compliance. ✜ Timely reporting and early detection of medical and behavioral concerns. ✜ Fewer injuries to clients and the veterinary team. ✜ Reduced anxiety for the client.

The technician is about 6 feet (2 m) away. The cat is showing early signs of fear or anxiety by slightly turning the ears and lowering them horizontally. The back is beginning to arch. Note the mild tension in the face. The team should be taking action at this stage to defuse this cat's fear

The cat shows increased fear by bringing the feet closer to the body, lowering the head and making itself seem smaller

The cat is now preparing itself for fight. The back has become more arched and ears more flattened, suggesting that the cat is potentially more aggressive. (A few seconds later, the cat hissed and looked as if it would lunge forward)

The technician changed the approach and began enticing the cat with a favorite toy. Note the one extended paw and the upward ears. The back is no longer arched and the cat's overall posture is more relaxed

Progressive mydriasis and mild rotation/flattening of the ears indicate increasing fear

Slightly narrowed or oblong pupils, horizontal and forward turning ears and more tense jaw-set show escalating apprehension and fear

A variety of carrier styles exist, such as this one which zips open, allowing the cat to be slowly exposed, as appropriate, while it remains on its own bedding. Courtesy of Dr Anne-Claire Gagnon

A more conventional carrier, with removable top and front. Courtesy of Dr Sophia Yin

Relaxed kitty, with a favorite toy! Courtesy of Dr Ilona Rodan

Carrier secured with a seatbelt. Courtesy of Dr Eliza Sundahl

FIG 1

Examine the cat where it is comfortable, such as on an exam room bench. Courtesy of Dr Ilona Rodan

FIG 2

If a cat prefers to stay in its carrier, using a towel to cover the cat as the top of the carrier is removed can decrease its anxiety. This technique is also the first step to putting a towel over a cat that is displaying fear aggression. Courtesy of Dr Eliza Sundahl

FIG 3

Examining a cat while it remains in the bottom of the carrier may be less stressful for the cat. Courtesy of Dr Eliza Sundahl

FIG 4

Cats hold back their ears for different reasons; this cat is relaxed and happy. Courtesy of Dr Anne-Claire Gagnon

FIG 5

Massaging or stroking the top of the head can help relax a cat while doing procedures such as taking blood pressure. The first and fifth digits help hold each side of the head to prevent movement that could cause injury. Courtesy of Dr Ilona Rodan

FIG 6

(a) Cats may feel more secure lightly swaddled in a towel while on an exam surface, as in the case of this mildly anxious cat. She is more relaxed with this technique than exploring the room or staying in her carrier. (b) Using a towel to wrap around a cat can provide varying degrees of restraint and control. This towel technique is excellent for cephalic venepuncture. Courtesy of Dr Eliza Sundahl (image a) and Dr Sophia Yin (image b)

FIG 7

Many procedures require minimal restraint if the cat is in a natural position, such as in this standing cystocentesis. Courtesy of Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore

FIG 8

This cat has come to the clinic with its own familiar bedding. Courtesy of Dr Eliza Sundahl