handling cats in clinic

Handling & Moving Cats in the Clinic (Objectives)

 identify appropriate methods of lifting and carrying cats, understand safe methods of moving cats in and out of carriers, and understand general handling principles used in the veterinary hospital.

Respectful Feline Handling

Prepare the veterinary team for respectful feline handling to prevent stress escalation into fear or fear-associated aggression.
Consequences of poor handling: stress may alter physical exam and lab results (leading to incorrect diagnoses like diabetes mellitus), and injury may occur to the cat, client, or veterinary team.

Cat Handling Philosophy

"Less is more" for cat handling.

Think "Go slow to go fast":

 use a slow approach for efficiency, adopt a calm and positive demeanor.
Minimal touching is ideal for cats, but be prepared and continue the plan at a steady pace.
Cats in unfamiliar environments are already stressed; unfamiliar handlers heighten this stress.

Read Cat Body Language

• Rely on the cat's response (body language) to determine your behavior.

• Recognize early signs of arousal: break longer procedures into steps to prevent fear escalation.

If a cat shows fear: slow down or take breaks from handling.
Tips: allow cat to maintain chosen position; vary touch based on response (cats dislike long back strokes—prefer head/side of face petting).

Proper Lifting Technique

Always support all 4 limbs when picking up and carrying a cat.
Keep cat HORIZONTAL at all times—they panic if all 4 paws/body aren't supported.
Technique: place both hands on sides of chest; slide dominant hand under sternum and grasp front paws; lift straight up keeping cat horizontal/sternal.

Football hold:

gently tuck cat between side and forearm.
Right hand: behind elbows of front limbs (3-finger hold).
Left hand: gently petting or stationary over the nape of neck.
Control: use snug pressure, not too much unless needed.

Scruffing Facts

 general term for holds on cat's neck skin, from gentle squeeze to larger fold with varying pressure.
Problem: can make breathing difficult (pulls up on trachea).

Natural Scruffing Context

• Mother cats lift kittens by scruff during the first few weeks for transport/immobilization (not discipline).

Tomcats grasp queen's scruff during mating.

Cats in Carriers (Carrying)

Do NOT place carrier on floor—keep covered to reduce stress.
Place higher up (counter/front desk)—cats feel safer elevated.
ALWAYS carry horizontal.
Use 2 hands in front of body.

Carrier Removal Techniques

• Leave the carrier door open in the exam room during history to let the cat exit voluntarily.

• If the cat stays inside: remove the lid and examine the cat in the carrier.

• NEVER shake cats out.

• For scared cats: remove top of kennel to maintain calm state.

If no removable lid: gently scoop fractious cat (wear gauntlets if needed) and place carrier on floor immediately to prevent retreat.

• Placing Cats Back in Carriers

• Open the door and let the cat walk in voluntarily OR guide TAIL FIRST (less intimidating).

• Always support during movement.

• Reward with treats once inside.

• Secure door before transporting.

• If disassembled: replace all screws/covers properly before transport.

Removing from Clinic Kennel

• Close escape routes.

• Read body language: front (relaxed) vs. back (growling/hissing).

• Remove hazards from kennel.

• If touchable: turn head away before handling.

• Scoop backwards, supporting all 4 limbs (cats dislike vertical position).

Desensitization and classical counterconditioning.

Useful Tools

• Large towels

• Cat bags

• Muzzles

• Gauntlets (welding gloves)

• Cat nets

• "Open" crate/carrier

• Feliway pheromone spray

• Treats (canned pâté—Friskies)

Head restraint:

after positioning, place one arm around cat with hand cupping under mandible; repeat with other hand on opposite side.
Controls/stabilizes head for ocular exams.

Standing restraint

: one hand under abdomen/flank + neck (C or U hold).
Less is more—restrain only as needed.

Sitting restraint

 one hand over back + neck (C or U hold).

Sternal restraint:

 important for towel wrapping/IV catheter placement.
Apply gentle back pressure and slide front limbs cranially until sternal.

Lateral restraint:

proper hand placement, support head, forearm pressure over neck, control legs closest to table.

Dorsal restraint:

support front/back limbs, don't stretch cat (causes discomfort), be quick.

Relaxed Handling (General Principle)

Relaxed is best: use minimal/appropriate restraint, avoid struggling.
If struggling: fix technique, switch position, get help, or sedate before over-arousal.

Cats Beyond LSHFear is most common cause of aggression in vet practice.
Recognize early signs and prevent escalation.
Solutions: quiet room + towel wrap (Plan B), or sedation for thorough exam/procedures.