IACUC Learning Module - Cats

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Cat Restraint

1. Catching Cats

1. NO cat will respond solely to verbal command

2. Cats will often try to find a place to hide rather than run away

a. May respond with ears laid back, hissing, scratching and biting at an extended hand

b. Most cats will cower, lowering their body to the floor and scooting backwards

3. You may also try throwing a towel or blanket over the animal, then attempt to grasp the scruff, towel and all

2. Restraint Aids

          A. Cat muzzle

a. Covers eyes and mouth leaving a little hole for the nose

b. Unfamiliar surroundings may startle cats; they may feel more secure if they can’t see what’s going on

B. Cat bag a. May give the cat a sense of security b. Confines the 4 weapons (feet with claws) c. Zippers allow utilization of specific body areas

C. Towels

a. Readily available

b. Can be used like a "baby blanket" wrapping claws and allowing them to gouge at the material instead of you

D. Restraint for examination

a. Any type of physical restraint must be used with caution, cats stress very easily

b. Allowing some supervised freedom is sometimes the best method

E. Restraint for Venipuncture

Cephalic restraint. Place one hand around the head and jaw from the bottom of the jaw. Use other hand to extend the leg and hold off the cephalic vein at the top of the leg.
Jugular withdrawal You should stretch forefeet over edge of table for better control Keep paws from slipping by placing one of your fingers in between the cat’s feet While restraining for the jugular, you should hold the cat’s head with the palm of one hand over the top of the head The jaw of the zygomatic arch is grasped with the thumb on one side and 2 or 3 fingers on the other side
NOTE: This leaves the index finger free for scratching the cat’s nose to distract the cat from the procedure
"Stretch" restraint - can be used for medial saphenous withdrawal or injection The "stretch" restraint is the best method utilized Grab the cat at the scruff of the neck with one hand  With your other hand grab the two rear legs again slipping a finger in between his paws Lay animal on its side, using the forearm of the hand holding the scruff to support the back
Note:  The "stretch" method can also be used for any task if more than supervised freedom is required on a rowdy cat.

F. Chemical Restraints

1. Ketamine

a. IV injection
b. IM injection - extremely irritating, causes immediate pain, take precautions in restraining
c. Causes tetany when used alone
d. Reduces blink reflex
e. Apply ophthalmic ointment

2. Acepromazine

a. May be used alone or combined with ketamine to reduce rigid effect

b. May be given IM or subcutaneously

Interesting Links

Restraining a cat	Cat Anatomy
Sexing a kitten	Trimming toe nails
Cardiovascular system	Digestive system
Urogenital system	Respiratory system