FM1 Pt2-2 Cats as patients Flashcards
Why do cats need special handling in veterinary practice?
Cats have specific behavioral traits and sensitivities due to their evolution and domestication, making them require special handling to reduce stress and prevent injury.
What are the risks associated with a cat’s sharp teeth and claws?
Cats can cause injury to personnel if not handled correctly, emphasizing the importance of proper handling techniques.
How does a cat’s diet relate to its health in a veterinary setting?
Correct nutrition, including appropriate food types and feeding methods, is vital as cats have different hepatic enzyme pathways, making them vulnerable to side effects from certain drugs.
What health problems can obesity cause in cats?
Obesity, often caused by excessive calorie-dense food, can lead to various health issues, making prevention a priority in veterinary practice.
Why is managing a multicat household important?
Without proper management, a multicat household can lead to behavioral and health issues due to territorial stress among cats.
How does a cat’s sensitivity to scent affect its care in a clinic?
Cats are highly sensitive to scent, and familiar smells can reduce stress. Strong disinfectants and scents from other animals should be minimized in the clinic environment.
Why should areas in a veterinary clinic be well aired before exposing a cat?
Strong disinfectants can overwhelm a cat’s sensitive sense of smell, so areas should be rinsed and well-aired to reduce stress.
What can poor hair coat indicate in cats?
A poor hair coat can indicate an inability to groom due to illness or conditions like osteoarthritis, or a reluctance to groom due to other health issues.
What behavior might a cat exhibit if it is disturbed or frightened in a clinic?
A cat may react with aggression if it cannot escape when disturbed or frightened, as they prefer to run away from perceived threats.
Why are wellness clinics vital for cats?
Cats are excellent at hiding signs of illness until late in the disease, so wellness clinics help in the early detection of illness.
What considerations should be made for hospitalized cats in a clinic?
Providing hiding boxes and perches can help reduce stress for hospitalized cats, who are outside their preferred environment.
How should feral cats be approached in a veterinary setting?
Feral cats require careful and organized handling to avoid injury to staff and reduce excessive stress to the cat.
Why is socialization before 8 weeks important for kittens?
Early socialization is crucial for kittens to cope with stress in a human environment, and it can have lifelong effects on their behavior and health.
What role can kitten clinics play in a veterinary practice?
Kitten clinics can provide advice on early socialization, extend appointment times for vaccinations, and help with lifelong health and behavioral outcomes for kittens.
How can small changes in clinic facilities impact a cat’s stress levels?
Small changes like adding a perch to give cats a higher observation point can significantly reduce their stress in the clinic environment.
