Advice for Veterinary Professionals 161
inside while cleaning takes place. While the cat is out of the cage and in the carrier,
a towel, preferably one from the cage containing the cat’s own scent, should be
draped over the carrier to provide extra security for the cat.
● Try to maintain the cat’s scent profile within its cage. Scent is important, and rec-
ognition of its own scent can help to make a place feel familiar and safe to a cat.
Care should therefore be taken not to remove this scent during cleaning by
employing a 'spot cleaning' method as follows:
● Only change or wash bedding if it is sufficiently soiled that it could be harm-
ful to the cat’s health.
● It may help to have more than one layer or piece of bedding in the cage so
that if one needs to be removed, others containing the cat’s scent can remain.
● Clean areas that have been soiled with urine, faeces, blood or food, but leave
other areas untouched, especially where the cat may have deposited scent
signals by rubbing. These areas may be recognized as a brown/black slightly
oily mark.
Removing a cat from a hospital cage
● Ensure all doors and windows are closed and any potential escape routes are
blocked. Also remove litter trays, and food and water dishes from the cage.
● Observe the cat to assess its temperament (see Chapter 3) before approaching and
attempting to remove it.
● If the cat appears calm, confident and friendly, approach calmly and slowly from
the side, avoiding prolonged direct eye contact.
● Avoid sudden movements, and sharp or loud sounds.
● Speak to the cat in a calm measured voice.
● Offer your hand for the cat to sniff before attempting to stroke the cat.
● If the cat is happy to be stroked and appears calm, only then attempt to pick the
cat up and remove it from the cage by supporting it well underneath and lifting
the cat out of the cage and securely into your arms.
● If the cat retreats into its hiding box it can often be less stressful for the cat and
easier for the handler to remove the box or bed with the cat inside.
● If the cat is unhappy about being picked up and does not retreat into its hiding
box, a towel or the cat’s bedding can be used to gently wrap the cat before attempt-
ing to remove it.
● If the cat is likely to be aggressive it is advisable to wear gauntlets to ensure your
safety.
● If the cat is to be placed into a carrier it can be a good idea, if possible, to replace
the cat’s hiding box with the carrier and then gently encourage the cat into the
carrier.
Returning home following hospitalization
Problems can sometimes arise when a cat returns home after a period of hospitaliza-
tion. For example, the cat may have difficulty in readjusting to life back home, or
there could be a disruption in the returning cat’s relationship with other cats that live