Misunderstood

Today I met Kit E. Kat for the first time. I knew she was coming into the clinic and had offered to assist the doctor. This particular cat has always required gas sedation for exams and treatments.

To me these situations are opportunities to possibly work with the cat and see if we can maybe get through it without drugs. I’m aware of the risks of overly stressing a cat. Not even getting close to that point is my preference. Experience has taught me that proper handling, calm energy, compassion for the vulnerability the cat feels and the loss of personal ego all contribute to success.

Maybe it was because Kit E. Kat wasn’t feeling well that I was able to handle her without incident. Certainly being wrapped lightly in a towel, held firmly, but gently, and with a steady hand all added to her ability to maintain a reasonable tolerance.We didn’t rush any part of the process. As well, we didn’t stand around talking. Our focus was on the safety of the cat and ourselves. The doctor trusted me and I trusted her. This energy translated directly to the cat. The synergy was fantastic!

Kit E. Kat made some noise off and on that would make anyone’s hair stand on end. She swatted a couple of times. She did not urinate or defecate. She did not repeatedly bite at the towel nor did she rush toward us. Given the option, she hid her head. I was grateful she submitted somewhat while being scruffed. She allowed us to lay her on her side while drawing blood from her hind leg and urine from her bladder. Being friends with this cat wasn’t an option or even the goal. Helping her to cope with a highly stressful situation when she already felt compromised was the foundation of my handling techniques.

It felt great to bring the cat back into the exam room and see the look of relief on her guardian’s face. I was proud that this 16-year-old sick cat understood my intent and made it safely back into its carrier within 10 minutes. We’ll have the results of her tests soon and will begin treatment. And now we all know it’s possible to handle this cat without sedation. Well, at least it was today.

Awhile later I have this conversation.

 “That cat was mean!”

“It isn’t mean. It was just scared.”

“I heard it screaming and growling!”

“Yes, it was really scared and sounding like that will make most people leave it alone.”

“No, it’s a mean cat.”

“No, you’re mean.”

Some laughter and we let it go. He thinks I’m just a crazy cat lady. I think he’s surely missing out. An open mind is critical to successful cat handling.

Cats are smart. Really smart. They know how to use their arsenal of body language, vocalization, claws, teeth and sheer determination to intimidate. In a stressful situation they won’t always understand your intention is help them. They see us towering over them and they can react violently. Screaming is a viable option if a cat feels immediately threatened. Those screeches are loud!! The growls are so deep it’s reasonable to look around to see where the lion is.

Some cats mean serious business with these sounds and you’re best to respect them and leave it alone. These cats will flash to biting and scratching in an instant. Sedation while under the immediate care of a veterinarian can be the safest choice sometimes.

Other cats are hoping the intensity of the vocalization will be enough. I’ve been impressed time and again by the acceptance of cats. They will fight their handler as hard as they think they need to. If the reaction to their antics is calmness it often shifts the entire experience in a positive direction.

When working with cats, your own or in a professional capacity, assess the entire situation. Don’t let those scary sounds unfairly affect your opinion of the cat.

And, yes, I am crazy about cats!!

Cats Rule!

Purrs,