Advice for Veterinary Professionals 155
It should also be recognized that owners might be in a state of distress, possibly
owing to difficulties they have experienced in getting the cat to the practice, anxiety
about the possible outcome of the veterinary visitation for a beloved pet, or having
just had bad news about their pet’s health. Although no member of practice staff
should be expected to be a victim of abuse or threatening conduct, it is important
to be aware that stress and anxiety experienced by an owner may influence their
behaviour, causing them to be less patient or tolerant and less able or willing to
communicate their concerns, answer essential questions, or to acknowledge and
understand advice they are given. Stress might even influence their interactions with
their pet.
Endeavouring to minimize stress for the client as well as the patient is therefore
an important part of overall care.
The Consultation Room
● Because cats may feel threatened just by the scent of dogs, it can be better to use
a designated ‘cat-only’ consultation room.
● Some cats will relax more easily if they are permitted to explore any new environ-
ment to which they are exposed. Consulting rooms therefore need to be escape-
proof and devoid of gaps and spaces where a cat may become trapped or could
have access to anything that could pose a possible injury risk.
● As well as a consulting table, chairs should also be provided, not only for the cli-
ents’ use but also to provide an alternative area to examine feline patients that
might feel more relaxed and amenable to examination when sat on the practition-
er’s or owner’s lap.
● The consultation room must be large enough to contain the examination table,
chairs and all necessary equipment whilst still allowing sufficient comfortable
space for the vet, a nurse/technician and the clients.
● The consultation table should be covered in a soft, non-slip, and easy to clean
material.
● To reduce the need for the vet or nurse having to repeatedly leave and re-enter the
room, any veterinary or handling equipment likely to be needed on a regular basis
must be readily at hand within the consulting room.
● Avoid automatic air fresheners. Not only can the scent be overpowering for
cats but such air fresheners often make a hissing sound that can be frightening
for them.
Handling and Examining
Minimal, gentle restraint and handling should always be employed (Fig. 11.1).
Avoid ‘scruffing’ (grabbing and holding tight the loose skin at the back of the neck)
(Fig. 11.2) or other harsh means of restraint. These practices, which can cause pain,
discomfort and fear, might appear to be successful means of restraint, but the long-
term effect can be to increase the cat’s stress and result in the increase or development
of defensive aggression towards handlers in the future.