Advice for Veterinary Professionals 159
● The cat ward should also be isolated from other intrusive sounds and
activity, such as telephones, alarms, the sound of metallic instruments or
equipment being used or cleaned, and noisy machinery such as washing
machines, etc.
● Cat cages should also be designed or adapted so that they can be opened and
closed with minimal noise and/or reverberation.
● Avoid bright or harsh lighting and avoid or cover reflective surfaces within the
cages.
● The ward should be escape-proof with a self-closing door, and without gaps or
spaces where a cat may become hurt or trapped.
● The ward should be kept at a constantly warm (20–25°C) but not overly hot
ambient temperature. If individual heating is provided, e.g. lamps or heat pads,
ensure that they are safe and do not become over hot and increase the tempera-
ture to an uncomfortable level for the patient.
● Cages should be large enough to contain the following:
● Space for food, water, comfortable bedding and a litter tray to be positioned
with as much distance as possible between them.
● An elevated area such as a shelf or solid structure that the cat can
climb on.
● A hiding place, e.g. a cardboard box, a solid-sided cat carrier, an igloo bed or
high-sided bed, a covered litter tray converted into a bed, or a towel or similar
draped over a fitted shelf to provide a hiding place. All these items should be
easy to remove to allow for cleaning and for any time when the cat may be at
risk of harm from obstructions within its hospital cage, for example, during
recovery from anaesthetic.
● Cages should be sufficiently large but not be so deep that removal of the cat from
the cage is difficult.
● It is preferable that cages are situated so that hospitalized cats cannot see each
other. If this is not possible a towel can be used to cover the cage door if a cat
appears fearful, anxious or requires increased sensory isolation.
● Cages should not be at ground level or positioned so high that it is difficult to
access or observe the cat. Not only can this make it difficult and potentially
dangerous should the cat become fractious when attempts are made to tend to
it or remove it from the cage, it can also make it very difficult to observe the
patient.
● Avoid using any strong smelling disinfectants, cleaners or air fresheners.
Fig. 11.4. Frustration is also an aspect of
stress in hospitalized cats.