FM1 Pt2-6a Cat Friendly Ward Flashcards
What is the aim of a cat-friendly ward?
To keep the cat in a safe, clean, quiet environment conducive to recovery, where it can be handled with minimum stress to both the cat and staff.
What is an ideal setup for a cat-friendly ward?
A completely separate cat ward is ideal, but if cats and dogs must share a room, measures like using DAP® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) and organizing species-specific timetables can help reduce stress.
How should the environment be for hospitalized cats in terms of temperature and humidity?
The ambient temperature should be between 72 and 75°F (22-24°C) with a relative humidity of 35%. Air conditioning and adequate ventilation are important, especially in summer.
Why is it important to avoid visual contact between hospitalized cats?
To reduce inter-cat stress and prevent the spread of infection, cages should not be placed opposite each other.
What are the recommended dimensions for a cage for overnight or longer-stay cats?
Overnight patient: 60cm Height x 70-80cm Width x 75cm Depth. Longer stay patient: 70cm Height x 100cm Width x 75cm Depth (or larger).
What materials are recommended for cat cages in a ward?
Materials should be hard-wearing and non-porous, like laminate or white fiberglass, which are warmer, quieter, and easy to disinfect compared to stainless steel.
How can noise be minimized in a cat ward?
Use rubber stoppers on metal cage doors, avoid loud talking, soundproof where possible, and reduce other stress-inducing sounds like clanging doors.
Why is consistency and routine important in a cat ward?
Consistency, predictability, and a sense of control are vital for cat welfare, so routines for feeding and procedures should be maintained, and ward personnel should be limited.
What should be provided in the cage to reduce stress for the cat?
Places to hide, such as disposable cardboard boxes, commercial ‘igloo-type’ beds, or sack-type beds, and a towel with the cat’s scent for restraining the patient.
What is recommended for isolation facilities in a cat-friendly ward?
Isolation facilities should be self-contained with a separate entrance, proper ventilation, strict hygiene protocols, and limited access to avoid cross-contamination.
Why is it important to monitor hospitalized cats unobtrusively?
To avoid stressing the cats while ensuring they are observed frequently, possibly through a glass wall that allows for monitoring without being in the ward.
What is a recommended solution if a dedicated isolation facility is not available?
A portable cage can be set up in a separate area when required to isolate infectious patients.
How should personnel handle cleaning and disinfection in an isolation unit?
There should be a water supply for washing and disinfection within the room, with cleaning utensils remaining in the isolation unit and a footbath with disinfectant outside.
What should be available in the isolation unit for personnel protection?
Appropriate protective clothing such as aprons, disposable suits, gloves, face masks, and shoe covers should be available.
