186 Chapter 12● If the centre houses both dogs and cats, aim to have a separate reception/waiting
area for cats, or separate times when dogs and cats are admitted.
● Provide shelves in the reception/waiting area that cat carriers can be placed on. Cats
can feel more at threat when at ground level, especially whilst confined in a cat carrier.
● Provide towels or similar that can be used to cover cat carriers and help the cats
inside to feel more secure.
● Avoid leaning over the cat in the carrier and/or prolonged peering into the carrier
at the cat.
● If paperwork needs to be completed, it might be better to house the cat first and
then complete the necessary forms, etc.
Housing a new admission
● New admissions should be housed individually, unless they are closely bonded cats
from the same household (see the section on housing two or more cats together).
● Leave the cat with minimal disturbance for the first 2–3 days because it can take
this long for the cat to settle and become accustomed to its new surroundings.
More time might be needed for timid, nervous or less well-socialized cats.
● As well as providing hiding places within the pen, covering the front may also
help the cat to relax and settle.
● Do not attempt to handle the cat, unless absolutely necessary, for the first 2–3 days.
● If veterinary treatment or any other intrusive handing is required, this should be per-
formed by a separate handler to the one who regularly handles or cares for the cat,
and should not be performed within the sight of other cats or other animals.
● Avoid ‘scruffing’ or any form of harsh or rough handling. Employ low-stress han-
dling techniques (see Chapter 11a and Appendix 17).
Consistency
For nervous and less well-socialized cats especially, the familiarity of the pen may be
the closest thing that the cat has to a place of safety in what it may regard as an
unfamiliar and hostile environment. To maintain this, it is best that the cat remains
in the same pen during its stay.
Feeding routine
Unpredictability can be a major stressor for cats, so try to keep to a regular daily
routine.
Anticipation and delayed reward can be a major cause of frustration. To avoid
this, try to limit the time between when food is expected and delivered.
● Pre-prepare all the food in a separate area, preferably away from where the cats are
housed and behind closed doors, to limit their awareness that food is being pre-
pared. This can help to reduce the time between the first and the last cat being fed.
● Involve as many members of staff/volunteers as possible so that more cats can be
fed at the same time.