Cats are generally less accepting of restraint compared with dogs; they commonly receive less socialization and, as a prey species, may feel vulnerable when restrained, leading to a panicked reaction. Veterinary professionals’ gut reaction to a struggling cat is often to hold tighter or pin the patient down, which typically worsens the situation. Additionally, cats are agile and can be adept at escape. During the struggle for freedom, an agitated cat is likely to bite and/or scratch the handler.1
This negative experience reinforces to feline patients that the veterinary visit is something to be feared, and it is imperative, therefore, to minimize their stress. The handling method should be tailored to the individual patient; if the initial method is unsuccessful, the technique should be changed before the patient becomes agitated, because the patient’s tolerance for restraint will be greatly diminished, chemical restraint may be less effective, and higher doses may be required to override the circulating catecholamines. If intense manual restraint occurs during handling, the veterinarian may choose to utilize chemical restraint in the patient’s best interest.1-4