SPECIAL ARTICLE / AAFP/ISFM guidelines on feline-friendly handling Going home
When cats return home they may carry un familiar materials (eg, bandages), or unfamiliar odors (eg, elimination of inhalation anesthetic byproducts may create odors for 24–48 hours). Other cats may fail to recognize the returning cat and may attack them. To reduce problems, ask clients whether problems with re-intro- duction have occurred in the past, and consider the procedures that were per- formed at the veterinary practice.
General tips for reducing inter-cat aggression at home ✜ Ask clients to bring something that ‘smells like home’ when they drop off or pick up their cat (Fig 8). ✜ Consider the use of a synthetic FFP analog in the carrier and at home. ✜ Advise clients to be passive when bringing a cat home (do not encourage or force interaction between the cats or communal feeding).
Where there is no history of aggression If the cats have no history of aggression after veterinary visits, try these steps: ✜ Leave the returning cat in the carrier to see
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how the other cat(s) react; if no hissing or signs of aggression/fear occur, leave the cats together (with the returning cat still in the carrier and with supervision) for approx imately 5–10 minutes. ✜ Next, leave the cats free in the same room together and monitor for any reaction. If signs of aggression occur, distract the cats to separate them. Avoid getting between them or picking them up in that aroused state because redirected aggression may occur.
FIG 8 This cat has come to the clinic with its own
familiar bedding. Courtesy of Dr Eliza Sundahl
Where aggression is a potential concern If prior home-comings have led to aggression, or if there is a negative reaction after trying the above approach, recommend that the client tries these steps: ✜ Put the patient in another safe, quiet room (with all necessary resources) for at least 24 hours until the cats consistently respond to food and toy play from both sides of the door. ✜ If problems continue after slow reintro - duction for 3 days, clients should seek veterinary advice regarding slower introduction or medication to facilitate the process. Often, in these situations, bringing the cats to the clinic together for future visits will prevent problems, as both cats will carry the scent of the clinic.57
Useful websites and online information for veterinary teams and/or clients Information resource
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) ✜ Client area with links to medical explanations and management strategies ✜ Veterinary guidelines (eg, senior care, life stages, vaccination, pain management)
American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists ✜ List of anesthesiologist consultants
Catalyst Council ✜ Videos about taking your cat to the veterinarian, and cat carrier training ✜ Health care information
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine ✜ Cornell Feline Health Center videos demonstrate acclimating a cat to accept procedures such as brushing teeth, giving medication, trimming nails, taking temperature. Techniques can be adapted to other areas that may not be covered in the videos
Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) ✜ Information for cat owners and breeders about feline medical concerns, behavior issues and environmental needs ✜ Tips on giving pills or liquid to cats
International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) ✜ Veterinary information formerly on the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) website, including ‘Cat friendly practice’
Ohio State University – Indoor Pet Initiative ✜ Comprehensive information helping owners and veterinarians understand the behavior and environmental requirements of the pet cat and offering strategies to facilitate providing a lifestyle less likely to result in stress-related disease
Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia Support Group ✜ Details about specific medications ✜ Medication protocols
URL
www.catvets.com
www.acva.org
www.catalystcouncil.org www.catalystcouncil.org/resources/video
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/pet/cats
www.fabcats.org www.fabcats.org > advice > owners > general cat care > medicating your cat
www.isfm.net http://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats
www.vasg.org www.vasg.org/information_by_drug.htm www.vasg.org/protocols.htm
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