Cat Behavior Flashcards
What smells are cats aware of in a vet hospital?
Pheromones, disinfectant, alcohol
What visual stimuli are present in a clinic?
New animals and people, open space (no hidey hole), reflections in stainless steel cage
What are the three responses to fear and stress?
Flee, Freeze, Aggression
What can cats hear in a clinic?
Clippers, barking, Centrifuge
What are cats feeling (touch)?
Gloves, scruff, painful needles, aggressive handling
Examples of fleeing?
fidgety on the table, trying to climb the bars
Examples of freezing?
Won’t move, won’t eat, won’t eliminate
Examples of aggression?
Vocalization, biting, scratching
Important notes for decreasing stress?
Go slow, be aware of your movements around the cat, stay calm, gentle touch, use your body to create a hiding place, positive distraction, avoid transitions, soft voice, keep them in one room if possible, hide options
Best vein for venipuncture?
Medial saphenous
Major point in holding a cat?
A cat wants their feet on the ground at all times.
Explain how to properly hold a cat.
…..
Best practice for medial saphenous venipuncture?
Use 25 ga needle and 3 cc syringe
Keep leg in normal conformation
Person holding should lean on back hip to prevent cat pulling leg back
Best practice for jugular vein venipuncture?
Use a towel under the front legs to elevate the body.
Use lidocaine or ice to numb the skin
The holder should rub the right ear and turn head slightly to the left
Restraint key points to know
Use towels
Cat should feel like they are in control
Go slow
Light touch
Positive reinforcement
Less is more
Try music
