This cat isn't a "beep"! Are you sure that your feline patient is…

Presented by Colleen Wilson, BSc, DVM, Dipl. ACVB

Continuing education questionnaire

CE credit: 1

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Name

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Questions

1. When feline patients growl, hiss or try to bite a veterinary staff member, this means the cat: *

Is mad at the staff member and hates people in general

Is a calico, as it’s well known these cats are always nasty

Woke up this morning and decided she wanted to give the staff a hard time; this was planned, knowing how she hates going to the vet’s clinic

Is very anxious and fearful; these are severe signs of stress and you’ve missed the more subtle signs

2. Cats that travel are often anxious and stressed. When they arrive at a veterinary clinic, they are often even more stressed and fearful. Which of the following could benefit the travel experience for such cats? *

Alprazolam

Gabapentin

Veterinary approved natural supplements

All of the above

3. Preferably, the most comfortable position for cats undergoing a cystocentesis at the vet clinic would be: *

Held on a veterinary professional’s lap, on their side, while a staff member gently palpates the abdomen to locate the bladder and obtain a sample

Turned over on its back, with the front and back legs pulled taut and tight. That’s the way the staff member is most comfortable and experienced in doing a cysto. It is quick for the cat and more importantly, quick for the staff

In the car in the parking lot, with the owner holding it any way they can, no matter if the cat is stressed, because it’s COVID and owners are not permitted in the clinic

You cannot perform a cystocentesis on cats during the pandemic

4. When it is necessary to move cats around the clinic, you should: *

Scruff them so they are not able to get away; this keeps everyone safe

Scruff them because that’s how their mommy would carry them when little

Swaddled, wrapped in a towel and/or in the bottom of their carrier to help them stay calm

It doesn’t matter; all cats like to be carried, and most like to be introduced to many different staff members and new animals, especially when staff use really loud voices

5. “Mrs. La-di-da” calls the veterinary clinic and details how stressed her cat, “Mr. Wantsfornothing” is when travelling in his carrier to the clinic. You should never advise: *

It is helpful to get the cat accustomed to the cat carrier days to weeks in advance; feeding him there, leaving the carrier around the home so it's part of the environment and nothing new

That several calming products which help curb stress and anxiety in cats (like swaddling jackets and calming music ) could help curb anxiety and stress

About the availability and safety of several different veterinary approved natural supplements and several antianxiety medications. Then ask if they want more information from the vet

Too bad, so sad Mrs. La-di-da, (you find her annoying and she talks too much anyway), but Mr. Wantsfornothing needs to suck it up because you know he's just being dramatic

6. You walk into the treatment area and notice a F/S 10-year-old DSH pinned down, on a thin towel with three staff members attempting to get a blood sample. The cat is vocalizing in distress. What could you do next to improve the scenario? *

Walk away ‘cause that’s simply how it rolls at this place, per usual, and there’s nothing you can do because you aren’t the one in charge of the case

You complain to the manager; even though there’s a better way, it’s not your problem and you’d prefer not to get involve

You get a towel and suggest that perhaps the comforting “swaddling” effect would help this cat feel better

You quit. This is the last straw; it’s too hard to watch cats being handled like this

7. “Mr. Wonderful,” a large grey 10-year-old M/N cat that comes in for blood work. Historically, he's a great patient but this time he shows signs of severe anxiety. What can be done to improve this scenario? *

Nothing; he can take it, he always has

The vet explains he getting old and this is normal and ok; older cats gets grumpy with age so just keep going

Consider he might be in pain and devise a plan to address this and his anxiety

Secretly call the owner and tell them to meet you out back in 30 min, where you then recommend they find a different vet

8. You go to work at the “Exceptional Veterinary Staff Clinic in Ottawa.” Today is a new day, the staff just finished the “Your cat isn't a BLEEP” webcast. “Miss Lovely” is next up to be spayed and is exhibiting moderate-to-severe signs of anxiety. *

You state venomously, “I hate this place and all you people. I quit”

“Ok, let’s keep on keeping on because I have a lunch date at noon sharp with a guy I met on Tinder and I can’t be late"

Decide CE is useless, no one applies anything they learn

Suggest a couple of tips you learned from the webinar

9. “Kevin” a 3-year M/N DSH was sedated for rads and treatment for his broken toe. He urinated on his way to the clinic, and then upon arrival bit the technician when they reached in his carrier. Could you plan to improve this recheck? *

Yes! Get more people, thicker gloves and pin him down ‘cause he’s obviously a “beep”

No. Tell the owners to get another vet

It's not up to me. Schedule this cat when it's your day off and your nemesis is working

Communicate what stress looks like in cats for the owners, and explain that there are solutions to improve his visits

10. “Marmalade,” an orange overweight diabetic cat, often comes in to monitor his blood work. He's known as an “easy cat”, but last visit you noticed his body language: dilated pupils, ears back, stiff and tucked up body posture. What should you do? *

Nothing

Mention these signs indicate a stressed “shut down” cat, but there are solutions for improvement

Walk away and complain to other staff members about the situation

Ask if you can handle this cat next time to prove you are just as good as the other tech