Advice for Veterinary Professionals 157
within the cat’s sight, it may attempt to retreat into the safety of the carrier and
become agitated if prevented from doing so.
● If the carrier has a large top opening or can be separated into two halves, it can
be easier and less stressful for the cat if it is examined in the carrier (Fig. 11.3). If
the cat is fearful and defensive, use a towel to cover it and only expose the area
that needs to be examined.
Examination
● Start with the cat facing away from you.
● Stroke the cat, especially the areas of the facial skin glands, i.e. under the chin, the
corners of the mouth and either side of the forehead (see Chapter 3).
● Talk to the cat in a calm and measured voice, and keep to the same cadence and
tone of voice when speaking to the clients.
● Avoid making ‘shhh’ sounds or similar that the cat may misinterpret as hissing.
● Avoid fast, sudden or unpredictable movements.
● Avoid prolonged direct eye contact.
● Always start with the least painful area and progress towards areas that are more
likely to be painful or uncomfortable.
● If the cat is difficult to examine, wrap the cat gently yet sufficiently, but not
over-tightly, in a large towel so that only the area that requires examination is
exposed.
● Not all cats will take food treats, but for those that will there can be an increased
chance that the cat may learn a positive association with handling and with the
veterinary context. Having a variety of highly palatable treats available can therefore
be a good idea, especially for kittens, which are more likely to take food treats and
less likely to have already made a negative association with the clinic.
● Don’t restrict examinations to the examination table. Other places where a cat
may feel less stressed and may be easier to examine can include:
● On the owner’s lap. The practitioner should be on the same level, and not
leaning over the cat.
● On the practitioner’s lap.
● On a chair or bench while the practitioner, and possibly the owner as well, is
sat next to the cat.
● On the floor.
● On an elevated shelf.
Fig. 11.3. A cat may be more relaxed and
easier to examine if allowed to remain in
the carrier.