4.8). The cat bag should be make of a heavy canvas or nylon material and have a zipper or Velcro closure. The bag has openings for the cat’s front and rear legs so one limb at a time can be removed for procedures. As cats come in all sizes, a variety of bag sizes are available. Health‐care team members should never leave a cat in a feline restraint bag unattended because the cat can easily roll off the table. When it is time to remove a cat from the feline restraint bag, the whole team must be alert and prepared. To remove the cat, the bag closure should be undone, and then the neck strap loosened. Cats typically walk out of the bag at this point, although they may be slightly put out by the procedure. If the cat is stressed and aggressive, health‐care practitioners should draw their hands back quickly after loosening the neck strap.
Figure 4.7 Feline towel restraint.
Source: Courtesy of Dr Lori Renda‐Francis, LVT.
Figure 4.8 Cat restraint bag.
Source: Courtesy of Dr Lori Renda‐Francis, LVT.
As with dogs, muzzles are available commercially for felines. Feline muzzles typically cover the cat’s eyes, leaving a small opening for the cat to breathe through. However, muzzles typically add to a cat’s stress and anger, so thought and planning should be used prior to muzzling. Another restraint technique might be better.
Gauntlets can also be used when handling cats, as these heavy, thick gloves will help to protect from scratches or potential bite wounds from the cat.
Another method to use specifically with cats to help in their restraint is distraction. Heavy but gentle patting or rubbing of the cat’s head can be used to draw its attention to the distraction and away from the procedure being performed. It is recommended to vary the stroke and the force (but never to the point of roughness). Another idea that is commonly used and typically successful is blowing air into the face of the cat. Light blowing onto the cat’s face will help the health‐care team to distract the animal from the medical procedure. The speed and direction of the air flow should vary, and as always, the utmost care should be taken when a health‐care team member approaches the cat’s face.
When physical examination of a cat is warranted, the health‐care team member should hold the cat in a sitting or sternal recumbent position with one hand at the front of its chest and the other hand steadying the hind end. Team members should talk quietly to the cat and when possible gently pat it to try to ease its stress. As the examination of the cat moves to the head, one hand of the restraint should encircle the neck with the hand holding the mandible. The other hand can then move over the back to hold the front feet of the cat. This positioning allows the restrainer to hold the cat against his or her body. The less restraint, the better for everyone involved, especially the feline patient.
Another restraint technique often used for SQ or IM injections, temperature taking via the rectum, or for access to the saphenous vein is the lateral recumbency restraint. The team member should scruff the cat behind the neck/dorsal area, grasping as much fur as possible with one hand, while grasping the back feet of the animal with the other hand (Figure 4.9). The cat is held and slightly stretched at the same time. When in this position, most cats seem to believe they are unable to use their front feet to scratch.
Not all cats react to restraint in the same manner. All members of the health‐care team must be familiar with the various restraint techniques. Most importantly, all team members must be prepared and have all equipment ready when performing any procedure on a feline patient. This helps to assure the success of the procedure and decreases the stress and impact on the feline patient.
Figure 4.9 Lateral recumbency restraint.
Source: Courtesy of Kara M. Burns, LVT, VTS (Nutrition).
Fear Free®
The mission of the Fear Free initiative is to ease fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets, in addition to educating and motivating the owners who care for them. Fear Free is about improving the health and welfare of animals.
Pets need members of the veterinary health‐care team to look after their physical and their emotional well‐being. Fear Free provides tools, protocols, procedures, and guidelines on how to decrease FAS in patients. Decreasing FAS in patients has a domino effect and we see a decrease in pet owners and veterinary team members as well.
The focus of Fear Free is on preventing FAS in every patient and the concepts should be used with all patients, whether they are relaxed and happy to be in your care or afraid and displaying avoidance or aggression.
Remember, animals and clients have specific preferences. The first step is noting these preferences in the pet’s medical record. Also consider starting an emotional record for each individual patient, in addition to the medical portion.
Some of the key concepts of applying Fear Free while providing medical care include communication, considerate approach, gentle control, and touch gradient. Creating a plan of action for each patient can be a quick process that saves time and creates a more pleasant experience for the veterinary healthcare team, patient, and client.
Common behavior signs associated with fear, anxiety, and stress in cats and dogs (Figure 4.10)
Obvious signs
Cowering/crouching
Ear lowering
Growling
Hiding
Hissing (feline)
Lifting lip
Tucking tail
Trembling
Subtle signs
Avoiding eye contact
Blinking slowly or squinting
Closing mouth tightly
Dilated pupils
Licking lips
Lifting paws
Pulling mouth back
Pacing
Panting
Self‐grooming
Shifting eyes
Staying close to the owner
Tail flicking/thrashing (feline)
Taking treats roughly, being pickier than usual about treats, or refusing treats
Unable to settle down
Yawning
Every member of the health‐care team should be able to recognize signs of a relaxed or stressed patient, as this is critical to establishing a Fear Free environment. As noted above, some signs may be subtle, and the owner will not recognize these as being associated with FAS. It is imperative