5 Quick Tips to Handle Fractious Cats

Managing aggressive patients is an unavoidable part of practice. Handling a fractious cat can be stressful—and potentially dangerous—for the patient, client, and veterinary team. 

With training and preparation, however, most fractious cats can be effectively managed. We asked our team of practicing veterinarians to share their quick tips and tricks for safe and easy handling.

1. Use oral gabapentin (without xylitol) and supplements (non-drug) that could encourage calming effects (eg, Feliway, Zylkene, Rescue Remedy Pet). 

Pre-appointment gabapentin can provide sedation for fractious patients. Encourage owners to leave pet carriers out at home for cats to become accustomed to them and spray with Feliway before the clinic visit. Feliway plug-in diffusers in examination rooms might also calm fractious patients. When necessary, injectable sedation can be useful.

2. Use tools to assist in restraint. 

Ensure plenty of clean towels are available for restraint use. Towels can be strategically wrapped (“burrito style”) around the cat, enabling safer handling and helping the cat feel more secure. Various parts of the cat can be accessed as needed (eg, thorax for auscultation, pelvic limb for saphenous blood draw), while the remainder of the cat remains safely ensconced.

3. Offer a low-stress, contained environment and cat-only examination room, if possible.

Do not handle fractious cats in the reception area or an open treatment area. If possible, create a cat-only examination room. If the practice is not equipped with a cat-only examination room, put the cat into an examination room as soon as possible to minimize waiting in the reception area.

4. Do not let clients assist in restraining fractious cats.  

This creates more stress for the patient, the client, and team members, in addition to introducing potential liabilities for the practice.

5. Go slowly and softly. Less is more! 

In general, minimal restraint is better for most cats. Pouncing on the cat and speaking loudly are rarely helpful. Instead, move slowly and speak in a low, soothing voice. 

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