Introduction to Cats and Cat Handling

What are the main roles of cats in society?

• Companionship

• Pest control

• Therapy and assistance

• Urban strays

• Breeding

• Pedigree shows

Briefly describe the domestication and development of cats

• Similar to their ancestors, domestic cats have an inherent desire to maintain an independent territory, and are generally happy to live alone

• Many pet cats live in close proximity, and are still trying to maintain a territory, which can lead to conflict (e.g cat-bite abscesses)

• They have not developed facial expressions to communicate, but have a highly developed use of smell

What is the socialisation period, and when should it be established in cats?

• Exposure to different experiences, which can make the cat more adaptable to novel situations as an adult

• 2-7/8 weeks of age

What are some of the key socialisation categories for kittens?

• Gentle handling

• People

• Other pets

• Surfaces

• Sounds

• Scents

• Litter

• Food

• Scratching posts

• Toys

• Activities

• Outdoor environments

What are some factors affecting socialisation in adult cats?

• Genetics

• Socialisation as a kitten

• Previous experiences

• Relatedness

• Same social groups

• Social maturity

How can you tell that 2 cats are in the same social group?

• Allogrooming

• Allorubbing

• Sleeping together and touching

• Spending lots of time in close proximity

• Greeting with tails up and touching noses

How can you tell that 2 cats are not in the same social group?

• Fighting

• Aggression

• Spraying

• Sleeping not touching

• Facing away from each other

What are some key behavioural characteristics in cats?

• Territorial: maintaining boundaries and being in control of their environment

• Predator: obligate carnivores, hunting

• Prey: naturally fearful, good at hiding and climbing to escape danger

How can you safely approach a cat?

• Acquaint yourself with how the cat might be feeling, and think of ways to accommodate

• Avoid eye contact and use slow blinking

• Work from behind/from the side

• Calm them with rubbing- releases pheromones to soothe them

• Invite the cat to approach us- allows them to feel in control

• Recognise aggressive behaviour: flattened ears, dilated pupils, lashing tail, hissing and standing in an upright frontal stance (usually because of pain (medical) or fear (behavioural))

• If they are upset, put them in a dark, quiet place to calm down for 30 mins to an hour (sometimes it is best to try another day and try medication (gabapentin))

What are some zoonotic diseases that can be transferred by cats?

• Pasturella multocida    

• Microsporum canis (ringworm)

• Capnocytophaga canimorsus    

• Toxoplasmosis gondii

• Bartonella henselae (cat-scratch disease)    

• Ascarids (roundworms)

• Rabies

What initial observations can you make before starting your clinical exam?

• Observe whilst in the carrier  

• Respiratory rate/ pattern

• Assess body language  

• Facial features (e.g discharge from eyes/nose)

• Look for obvious injuries

What is the normal temperature of a healthy cat?

38-39.5℃

What is the normal heart rate of a healthy cat?

110-180 bpm

What is the normal respiratory rate of a healthy cat?

20-30 bpm

What is the normal mucous membrane colour of a healthy cat?

Pink

What is the normal capillary refill time of a healthy cat?

< 2 seconds

What are some common routes of medicine administration in cats?

• Topical (skin, eyes, ears)

• Oral

• Subcutaneous (between shoulders or into loose skin)

• Intramuscular (quadriceps, lumbar)

• Intravenous (cephalic)

What are the best sites for blood sampling?

• Jugular vein

• Cephalic vein

• Saphenous vein

What can you use to make blood sampling more comfortable?

EMLA cream

Where might you find cats kept in close proximity?

• Shelters

• Breeding

• Boarding catteries

• Farms with low levels of neutering

• Hoarding households

• Vet waiting rooms

How do shelters and boarding facilities manage biosecurity?

• Individual housing to reduce disease transmission

• Good ventilation systems

• Good cleaning and hygiene procedures