FM1 Pt2-5 Cat Friendly Consult Room Flashcards
What is the main aim of a cat-friendly consulting room?
To provide a safe, non-threatening area where cats can be examined calmly and effectively.
Why is it important to keep the consulting room clean and hygienic?
A clean room with adequate ventilation reduces stress for the cat, especially by eliminating strong odors from other animals like dog anal glands.
What can be done to prevent a cat from escaping the consulting room?
The door should ideally be lockable to prevent anyone from accidentally opening it and allowing the cat to escape.
How can Feliway® be used in a cat-friendly consulting room?
Feliway® can be used to impart a general relaxing mood and reduce the cat’s sense of threat during handling.
Why should the consulting table be cleaned thoroughly between patients?
To ensure any alarm scents left by preceding patients are removed, reducing stress for the cat being examined.
What are the drawbacks of using stainless steel examining surfaces for cats?
Stainless steel surfaces are cold, noisy, reflective, and slippery, which can increase a cat’s stress levels.
How can the comfort of a cat on the examining table be improved?
Using a rubber mat, a blanket from the cat’s basket, or a pheromone-impregnated towel can make the table more comfortable. Heated table tops can also reduce stress.
What should be done with breakable or harmful items in the consulting room?
They should be kept in cupboards to prevent damage or injury if a cat becomes agitated.
Why is it important to have a set of cat scales in every consulting room?
To avoid the stress of opening doors to fetch scales or weighing cats on dog scales, which can expose them to the smell of dogs and increase anxiety.
How should a cat be handled during an examination?
Cats should be handled gently and slowly, allowing them to leave the basket on their own and roam freely while history is taken. Forcing the cat out should be avoided.
What alternative examination locations can be considered for cats in a consulting room?
Cats may be examined on a windowsill, the floor, or in their basket where they feel safer, depending on the cat’s preference.
What should be avoided when removing a cat from its basket for examination?
Forcibly removing a cat from the basket should be avoided. Many cats will leave of their own accord if given time and patience.
