158 Chapter 11● After the examination and/or treatment allow the cat to go back into the carrier
of its own accord.
Compiled with reference to Cannon and Rodan, 2016b.
Hospitalization
Recognizing stress in hospitalized cats
Recognition of stress in a hospitalized cat can be difficult because the same behav-
iours can also be due to pain, discomfort and simply feeling unwell. However, as pain
and sickness are sources of stress in themselves, it may be reasonable to assume that
hospitalized cats exhibiting any of the following are likely to be suffering from stress:
● Decreased activity.
● Reduced appetite.
● Reduced sleep or sham sleeping (pretending to sleep).
● Lack of self-grooming or excessive grooming.
● No interest in play or affection.
● Hiding or attempting to hide.
● Retreating to the back of the cage.
Fearful cats may also demonstrate any of the following defensive behaviours and
signs of increased arousal, especially when approached and attempts are made to
handle or interact with them:
● Dilated pupils.
● Ears flattened back or to the side.
● Increased vigilance.
● Piloerection.
● Vocalizing (growling, shrieking).
● Aggression.
As well as fear and anxiety, frustration can also be a component of stress, so any
of the following signs of frustration in caged cats (Fig. 11.4) can also be a cause
for concern:
● Excessive vocalization.
● Continuous or frequent reaching and grabbing through the bars of a cage.
● Destructive behaviour (ripping up bedding, tipping up food, water, and/or litter
trays) (Gourkow et al., 2014).
Because of the negative and harmful effects of stress on disease and recovery, it is
important to try to limit stress as much as possible for hospitalized cats.
Housing
● A separate cat ward is preferable, away from the sight and sound of dogs and
located so that it is not necessary for dogs to be walked through the cat ward, or
for cats to be carried through the dog ward in order to access other areas.