Ebook Animal behavior for shelter veterinarians and staff (2/E): Part 2

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Part 2 book "Animal behavior for shelter veterinarians and staff" includes content: Handling shelter cats, feline behavioral assessment, feline housing for behavioral well being, feline enrichment, training and behavior modification for shelter cats, welfare and ethical decision making, behavioral care during transportation and relocation, behavioral care of animals in disasters, cruelty cases, and long term holds, behavioral pharmacology, caring for small mammals, equine care, animal placement and follow up.

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Nội dung Text: Ebook Animal behavior for shelter veterinarians and staff (2/E): Part 2

349 Part IV Cats in the Shelter
351 14 Handling Shelter Cats Brenda Griffin 14.1 ntroduction to Safe I a cat’s neck or thorax, using the pole to pull and Humane Handling them from their enclosure to the floor, and finally stepping on their hindquarters to When it comes to handling cats in the shelter, restrain them while injecting euthanasia solu- handler safety must always be a high priority. tion into the cat’s chest. Methods such as this Many shelters receive large numbers of cats might be safe for the handler if executed with- with unknown health histories, including out error, but certainly are neither safe nor individuals that display aggressive behaviors. humane for the cat and should never be used These animals can be challenging to handle today. In particular, forceful handling must and pose substantial safety risks to untrained always be avoided, and rabies poles should and unskilled staff who attempt to do so. Not never be used for capture or handling because only are bites and scratches painful, a variety they can cause serious, even fatal, injuries as of serious zoonotic diseases are associated well as emotional distress to cats. “Scruffing” with cat- elated injuries. Transmission of dis- r cats is a more widely used restraint technique. eases such as rabies and cat scratch fever may With this method, the handler grasps the cat occur, and cat bite wounds frequently result in by the scruff of the neck with one hand while serious bacterial infections, all of which may holding their hind feet in the opposite hand. be life- hreatening. For these reasons, the use t The cat is then stretched out longways on their of handling techniques that protect the han- side across a table or other surface (see dler by minimizing the risk of scratches and Figure 14.1). Though less extreme than the bites is essential. “pole and boot” technique, many cats experi- Historically, a variety of techniques have ence unnecessary fear and stress when been used to handle cats in shelters, ranging restrained in this manner, increasing the odds from gentle handling of tractable cats to the of defensive aggression and handler injury. routine use of cat tongs and rabies poles for Techniques such as this are still taught and moving or restraining cats. The “pole and used today, yet they are rarely necessary or boot” technique was a particularly aggressive appropriate, and their use should be avoided. method used by some shelters to restrain cats Over the past three decades, science has at the time of euthanasia. It involves placing greatly expanded our understanding of cat and tightening the loop of a rabies pole around behavior, which has led to the development Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff, Second Edition. Edited by Brian A. DiGangi, Victoria A. Cussen, Pamela J. Reid, and Kristen A. Collins. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2022 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Companion website: www.wiley.com/go/digangi/animal
352 14 Handling Shelter Cats Box 14.1 Benefits of “Low- tress” or S “Fear- ree” Handling F ●● Enhances animal care by reducing animal stress and fear ●● Improves handler safety ●● Reduces handler stress ●● Improves animal safety and welfare ●● Improves tractability with repeated han- dling of animals ●● Facilitates adoption Figure 14.1 A handler restrains a cat on his ●● Enhances community reputation and side by holding the scruff of his neck and hind feet while leaning over him. With no control in relations his current situation, this cat is experiencing stress and fear as reflected by his facial tension, large round pupils, and twitching tail. In this an expert and pioneer in developing and dis- state, he is more likely to struggle and fight to attempt to escape— osing a safety risk to the p seminating information on these techniques. handler and himself. Restraint such as this The term “Fear Free” was coined by Dr. Marty should not be used. Becker, a veterinarian and founder of an edu- cational company by the same name, which provides online training courses related to and use of improved handling techniques. We decreasing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets in now understand that cats commonly experi- numerous contexts where animals are han- ence fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration in dled. Of particular note, the Fear Free Shelter animal shelters. These negative emotional Program (https://fearfreeshelters.com) pro- states are the reasons that they struggle and vides online training and resources at no cost resist restraint or behave aggressively when to shelter staff and volunteers. Some education they are handled. In contrast, cats that are not companies and several professional organiza- highly stressed or afraid remain relatively tions also provide online educational resources calm during handling and are less likely to aimed at reducing cat stress associated with struggle, scratch, and bite. For this reason, care and handling, including the American handling techniques that minimize fear, anxi- Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), ety, stress, and frustration (often referred to as the American Society for the Prevention of “low- tress” or “fear- ree” methods) improve s f Cruelty to Animals, the International Society handler safety. Of note, when handling is of Feline Medicine, and the CATalyst Council minimally stressful for animals, they are (see Box 14.2). Finally, some professional more likely to accept and respond positively organizations as well as a number of authors to repeated handling over time. This is a cru- have published guidelines, journal articles, cial consideration in shelters, where animals and book chapters describing techniques and may require frequent handling, and further methods to reduce feline stress and fear during enhances staff safety as well as animal wel- handling and care (Carney et al. 2012; Ellis fare and adoptability. Box 14.1 contains a list et al. 2013; Ellis and Sparkes 2016; Griffin of benefits of these techniques. 2020; Griffin 2011; Griffin and Hume 2006; The term “low- tress handling” was origi- s Hammerle et al. 2015; Herron and Shreyer nally coined by the late Dr. Sophia Yin, a 2014; Lloyd 2017; Overall et al. 2004; Rodan veterinarian and animal behaviorist who was 2010; Rodan et al. 2011; Yin 2009).
14.1 Introduction to Safe and Humane Handlin 353 Box 14.2 Online Educational Resources and Videos American Association of Feline Practitioners (https://catvets.com) Feline Friendly Practice Program educational resources and videos https://catvets.com/ education/online/videos American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (http://aspcapro.org) Humane handling videos and webinars available by searching this site International Society of Feline Medicine (https://icatcare.org) Cat Friendly Clinic Program educational resources and videos https://catfriendlyclinic.org/vets-nurses/handling-of-cats/ CATalyst Council (http://www.catalystcouncil.org) Cat Friendly Practice educational resources and videos http://www.catalystcouncil.org/resources/health_welfare/cat_friendly_practices/ Fear Free Shelter Program (https://fearfreeshelters.com) Complimentary comprehensive online courses and resources for shelter staff and volunteers including recommendations for Fear Free handling, housing, behavioral care, monitoring, and more Low Stress Handling University (www.lowstresshandling.com) Fee- ased certification in low- tress handling, developed by Sophia Yin, DVM b s Minimizing fear, anxiety, stress, and frustra- fear. Even small changes in a shelter’s practices tion in animals should always be a high prior- and its environment have the potential to dra- ity for shelters. Indeed, safe and humane matically impact the well- eing and behavior b handling is a key requirement for animal of cats. Shelters should have policies and pro- health and well- eing. Although it is not pos- b tocols in place for environmental management sible to completely eliminate animals’ negative of animal stress and fear, including safe and emotional reactions, a great deal can be done humane handling of cats. Of course, there will to promote a “low- tress” or “fear- ree” envi- s f always be some individuals for which reducing ronment. It may be tempting to think that cre- stress and fear is more difficult. Therefore, in ating such an environment would be too addition to general protocols, special protocols time- onsuming, difficult, or expensive in the c should also be established for those animals context of a busy shelter. To the contrary; there displaying signs of severe stress and fear, are many simple, practical, and inexpensive including feral- ehaving animals. Protocols b approaches that can make a huge difference in should be flexible enough to allow staff to meet terms of reducing animal stress and fear, the needs of individual cats whenever possible. enhancing comfort, and making cats easier to Staff training should include working with handle, work with, and care for in the shelter. animal models to practice using handling tech- For these reasons, shelters should have pro- niques and tools before attempting to use them tocols in place to minimize feline stress begin- on cats. ning prior to their arrival at the shelter and This chapter briefly reviews common trig- continuing throughout their stay. Staff should gers for fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration in be trained to be proactive and encouraged to shelter cats and the impact on their health always think ahead to minimize stress and and behavior. In particular, it describes how
354 14 Handling Shelter Cats cats perceive the environment and how they possess for engaging in activities that would communicate their emotional feelings. With help them to feel better or cope. For example, regard to handling cats in the shelter, con- a cat may be motivated to retreat to a quiet cepts, guidelines, techniques, and tools for spot for a nap but have no option to do so. She reducing these negative emotional states are may be unable to move to a comfortable loca- presented and discussed, including environ- tion where she could feel safe and escape the mental management and handling cats of sounds of barking dogs. varying levels of tractability and socialization during routine movement, intake procedures, 14.2.1 Impact on Health and Behavior daily care, and euthanasia. The time invested in learning these concepts and techniques Stress and related negative emotional states can will ultimately lead to safer, more humane, have a profound influence on both health and and more efficient animal care. The best pos- behavior. Acutely, these negative emotional sible results will be achieved when the entire states are accompanied by catecholamine (also shelter team embraces and implements stress known as adrenalin) release, which prepares reduction protocols and humane handling the body for “fight” or “flight.” Catecholamine techniques. release increases heart and respiratory rate, as well as blood pressure, while influencing behavioral responses. When acutely stressed, cats may hide, refuse to eat, attempt to escape, 14.2 riggers for Stress, Fear, T or behave aggressively. On occasion, they may and Other Negative Emotional temporarily freeze, and some may remain fro- States in the Shelter zen, immobile, and “shut down” in a catatonic- like state of helplessness— n this state, they i Admission to any shelter is a stressful event may be unable to move or respond as a result of because of the sudden and dramatic change overwhelming stress and fear. For some, a sin- in environment. The strange sights, smells, gle traumatic event such as forceful handling and sounds combined with the presence of results in a learned negative association, which unfamiliar people and animals trigger stress, could make handling and care much more dif- which is often accompanied by feelings of ficult in the future. In contrast, if stress and fear fear, anxiety, and even frustration. Virtually are minimized, animals are calmer and more all cats experience at least some degree of tractable, facilitating the delivery of efficient stress when they enter a shelter. Triggers for quality care. If chronically stressed, cats may stress, fear, and other negative emotional develop serious, ongoing behavior problems states in the shelter include transport; con- and remain difficult to handle throughout their finement in a new environment; social isola- shelter stay. tion; strange smells; noises; other animals; In addition to affecting the emotional health diet changes; handling; restraint; irregular and well- eing of cats, stress and related nega- b caregiving schedules; unpredictable events; tive emotional states can have a significant crowding; changes in temperature, light pat- impact on physical health (Sparkes et al. 2016; tern, and/or ventilation; illness; the absence Horwitz and Rodan 2018). Acute stress is of familiar human contact; and the presence known to reduce appetite, induce gastrointes- of unfamiliar human contact. In fact, any- tinal upset, and exacerbate existing medical thing unfamiliar to a cat can trigger the stress conditions including heart disease, hormone response. In addition, when cats are housed imbalances, urinary tract disease, and aller- in shelters, stress and frustration frequently gies. Stress is intimately related to immunity, arise from the lack of opportunities they and when stress persists, it compromises the
14.2 Triggers for Stress, Fear, and Other Negative Emotional States in the Shelte 355 immune system, lowering resistance to infec- and fear, they generally become tense— heirt tion. The link between stress and feline respir- bodies stiffen, and tension can also be seen in atory disease (especially infection with feline their faces. As stress/fear increase, their herpesvirus- ) is well known. Simply stated, 1 pupils become increasingly large and round, stressed shelter cats are more likely to develop their eyes widen more and more, and their upper respiratory disease— nd take longer to a ears tend to flatten and shift sideways or recover— ompared to those who experience c rotate back. Some individuals remain silent, less stress. Indeed, reducing stress not only while others may growl, hiss, or even scream. improves the behavior of shelter cats, it also In addition to active communication, cats reduces the incidence and severity of respira- also communicate passively. Passive commu- tory disease, further facilitating handling, care, nication includes behavioral inhibition or and adoption. “lack of behavior” such as freezing in place, avoiding contact, or failing to perform routine maintenance behaviors such as eating and 14.2.2 Understanding Cat Communication grooming, and physiologic changes that one Signals and Emotions might discover through careful observation or Communication is the transfer of information physical examination. For example, one from one individual to another when an indi- might notice rapid breathing and dilated vidual sends or emits a signal that may modify pupils in a fearful cat. Excessive shedding is another individual’s behavior. Signals carry also common when cats are nervous or other- information that the individual wants to con- wise stressed. A careful observer can deduce vey as well as information about the internal what an individual animal is experiencing state of the signaler (Landsberg et al. 2013). emotionally by accurately interpreting body Cats use auditory, visual, olfactory, and tactile language and vocalizations, as well as by signals to communicate. Carefully observing understanding these more passive forms of what cats are and are not doing is key to communication. understanding their communication signals. It is important to recognize that there are Caregivers must strive to understand feline many ways that cats communicate stress communication so that they can respond and related emotional states— ehavioral b properly to the different signals emitted by responses will vary among individuals. The cats (Landsberg et al. 2013). “four Fs” are used to describe common types Individual cats display a wide variety of of behaviors associated with stress and fear: emotional reactions in the shelter environ- fight, flight, fret/fidget, and freeze behaviors. ment depending on their genetic makeup, Some cats display “fight” behaviors including personality, level of socialization, and past struggling, growling, hissing, scratching, or experiences. In other words, what one cat biting. Such aggressive behavior is their finds distressful, versus positively stimulating attempt to drive away a perceived threat. or even relaxing, will be different from one Others display “flight behaviors.” In this individual to the next. With training and case, they may cower, look away, and move experience, staff can ascertain a great deal away as they attempt to escape or hide, or about a cat’s emotional state by observing otherwise try to avoid or evade contact. Still their behavior: behavior is a reflection of others display “fret or fidget” behaviors— emotional state. Cats actively communicate they might move restlessly, pacing or shifting how they are feeling through a constant about. A careful observer might notice their stream of signals, the most obvious of which eyes scanning the environment or that they involve changes in their body postures and nervously lick their lips. Finally, some dis- vocalizations. When they experience stress play “freeze” behaviors. These cats should
356 14 Handling Shelter Cats not be mistaken as relaxed, instead they are more likely they will be to suffer harmful tense and frozen. Many stressed and fearful effects from it. When stress is perceived as cats display a mixture of fight, flight, fret/ inescapable, uncontrollable, or unpredictable, fidget, and freeze behaviors. The presence of it is especially severe. That said, cats can cope these behaviors tells us that the cat is stressed with new and novel stimuli provided that fear and fearful, and not that they are “mean,” responses are not overwhelming or sensitizing. “nasty,” or unsocialized. When one sees these It is especially helpful for staff to critically con- behaviors, they should respond with compas- sider the environment from the cats’ perspec- sion, adjusting their interactions with the tive. Thinking in terms of what they are animal to reduce their perception of a threat, experiencing— hat they are hearing, smell- w for example by moving away from them and ing, seeing, and feeling— s a key to environ- i giving them more space. In addition, an mental management for stress reduction and attempt should be made to ascertain addi- successful handling. tional triggers in the environment that may be contributing to the cat’s stress and fear so 14.2.3.1 Cats’ Senses and Perceptions that steps can be taken to reduce or eliminate The ways in which cats hear, smell, taste, and them as soon as possible. see, as well as their sense of touch, influence their perception of the world around them 14.2.3 Environmental Management and greatly influence how they feel emotion- ally and how they behave. Understanding The goal of environmental management is to how cats’ senses contribute to their percep- minimize environmental triggers for stress tions goes a long way toward helping staff and fear in order to help cats stay calmer and manage the environment so that it is less more relaxed. The calmer the cat, the easier intimidating and more relaxing for them. they will be to handle. By reducing cat fear Chapter 2 provides a detailed review of the and stress, the handler optimizes safety and uniquely specialized senses of cats. Box 14.3 increases the odds of safe and humane (“low- contains a brief summary of cats’ senses and stress”) interactions with the cat. Safe and perceptions and highlights simple means of humane handling begins with understand- management. ing the potential impact of the shelter envi- ronment on cat behavior. Staff can learn to prevent and minimize negative emotional responses by carefully considering how cats 14.3 eys to Successful Handling K are likely to perceive the environment and making adjustments to avoid or mitigate Safe and humane handling and restraint of potential stressors and fear inducing stimuli. cats of varying ages, personality types, social When staff are observant and in tune with experiences and stress/fear levels requires how the environment, as well as their own skill, knowledge of normal feline behavior and actions, impact cat stress, they can take sim- communication, and flexibility. Knowing ple, practical steps to mitigate it. when to ask for help and when and how to Not only does a cat’s response to environ- properly use tools or equipment for handling is mental stimuli depend on their unique self, it also essential. Staff members should be well also depends on the severity and number of trained to recognize signs of stress and fear in given environmental stressors, as well as their cats and to mitigate them through environ- duration of exposure to them. Obviously, the mental management, positive, calming inter- more severe the stress and the longer it lasts, actions, and the use of appropriate distractions the more difficult it is for cats to cope and the and rewards. Cat savvy caregivers who are
14.3 Keys to Successful Handlin 357 Box 14.3 Understanding Cats’ Senses and Managing Their Perceptions Hearing ●● Highly sensitive to sounds: loud and novel noises including the sounds of other animals, such as barking, increase stress and fear. ●● Keen sense of hearing— hey may hear things we do not. t ●● Management: minimize loud and sudden noises; use white noise to blunt loud sounds. Smell ●● Highly sensitive to odors: strong and noxious odors increase stress and fear. Odors and pheromones from other animals may also increase stress and fear. ●● Keen sense of smell— hey may smell things we do not. t ●● The smell of tasty treats can help them feel better. ●● Management: avoid strong and noxious odors. Provide pleasant odors. Spot clean to preserve familiar scent. Taste ●● Especially attracted to meats including fish and liver: both taste and smell make these pleasant and rewarding. ●● Management: offer delicious foods to entice, distract, and reward cats. Vision ●● Highly sensitive to motion: rapid movements increase stress and fear. ●● Greater peripheral vision: they may see things around them that we do not. ●● Management: move slowly, calmly, and deliberately; avoid threatening postures; block stressful visual stimuli (e.g., close doors to block outside activity or gently place a towel over a cat to provide a visual shield) Touch ●● Highly sensitive to approach and touch. They may feel threatened if we lean over them, approach head on, or get too close too fast. ●● Certain areas of the body tend to be especially sensitive including the feet, mouth, genitals, and belly. ●● Management: use slow, steady contact while avoiding rapid stroking, sudden manipulations, or overly restrictive restraint; avoid contact with areas of the body that tend to be most sensitive. comfortable around cats and who are patient humane handling. These key concepts involve and creative may find that they are particularly reducing feline stress and fear by: adept at working with cats in a safe and humane manner. ●● Going slow when working with cats In all cases, success begins with developing a ●● Ensuring that cats maintain a sense of control clear, scientifically valid understanding of why and perceive that escape or hiding is possible and how cats behave and respond as they do in ●● Minimizing physical restraint the context of being handled in a shelter. Once ●● Continually observing body language, this is well understood, one can then under- apprising behavior, and adjusting handling stand and apply key concepts of safe and accordingly.
358 14 Handling Shelter Cats By applying the following knowledge and take the behavior of cats personally. Instead, we concepts, shelters can successfully reduce must remember that behaviors associated with cat stress and fear, while optimizing han- stress and fear are involuntary expressions. It is dling safety. our job to help cats feel safe and comfortable in the shelter because when they do, they are much easier to handle. 14.3.1 Understanding Feline Stress and Fear Responses 14.3.2 Handling Concepts Imagine what it would be like if your body automatically released adrenaline into your Working with cats requires patience. The blood stream anytime you experienced some- expression “you can’t rush a cat” is true: rush- thing the least bit new or unusual. Suddenly, ing increases stress and resistance. Safe and when you least expected it, you might find humane handling must aim to keep cats as your heart pounding in your chest, your comfortable and relaxed as possible during cheeks flushing, your respiratory rate increas- handling. Going slow is an important means of ing, and your palms sweating. With all of that doing this. Ultimately it is not only safer, it is adrenaline coursing through your system, you more efficient because the cat will be much might be jumpy, defensive, or otherwise reac- more likely to accept handling when the han- tive. And, if your adrenaline continued to flow dler proceeds in a slow, calm, and deliber- while you were uneasy, you just might begin ate manner. to panic. This is what it feels like to be a cat in In some instances, appraisal of a cat’s behav- the unfamiliar, unpredictable environment of ior may indicate that selection of a more pri- a shelter. Compared to many other domestic vate and quiet environment will be the key to species, cats have heightened fight or flight providing a safe and humane handling experi- responses. They are biologically programmed ence. For cats that appear stressed or fearful to release epinephrine (adrenaline) into their from the time of initial contact, providing even bloodstream when they feel even the least bit a short period of time for them to acclimate to apprehensive, fueling their bodies for fight or new surroundings and calm down prior to flight on a moment’s notice. When stress or handling is often rewarding. This is especially fear is triggered, cats are literally hardwired important for cats because once highly stressed for escape or defense. If they feel threatened or provoked, they often remain reactive for a and perceive that they cannot escape the prolonged time and may become more reactive threat, their response is heightened even if they are stimulated again before they have more, and they are much more likely to behave been allowed a period of time to calm down. aggressively. As previously stated, when stress is per- When working with cats, it is crucial to keep ceived as inescapable, uncontrollable or unpre- in mind that aggressive responses do not occur dictable, it is especially severe. When cats are simply because a particular cat is “mean,” faced with situations in which they perceive “nasty,” poorly socialized, or feral. They occur that they have no control and no ability to because cats are sensitive and responsive to per- escape, their stress responses will be height- ceived danger regardless of their level of sociali- ened, and defensive behaviors will be more zation. Indeed, experiencing apprehension, likely. This is because a sense of control is very stress, or fear is not a willful act. These involun- important to cats: it helps them cope and “keep tary emotional reactions result in epinephrine it together” in stressful situations. In and of (adrenaline) release, and the behavior that fol- itself, handling can be stressful and fear invok- lows is the result of biochemical activation of ing for cats. Many cats will be teetering on the the stress response. As such, it is crucial not to edge of defensive aggression during handling.
14.3 Keys to Successful Handlin 359 By avoiding force and using the minimal remain more relaxed if you cover them with a amount of restraint necessary to manipulate towel or let them nestle under your arm while them, cats are less likely to struggle, resist or to working with them, presumably because they behave aggressively. Although it is not possible feel safer if they perceive they are hiding. to know precisely what an individual cat is In contrast, the traditional restraint tech- experiencing during handling, we can criti- nique of scruffing cats and stretching them cally presume that cats will feel less threatened out on their sides (see Figure 14.1) increases and maintain more of a sense of control when cats’ stress and fear response because it com- we handle them in non- orceful ways and f pletely takes away their freedom of move- restrict them as little as possible. By simply ment and sense of control. This type of allowing cats to assume preferred postures restraint is seldom necessary and frequently when we work with them, and to remain in serves to increase reactivity and defensive comfortable positions and in locations where behavior. It certainly does not help cats to they feel safe, we can provide them with the relax and accept handling more readily in the control they need to stay adequately calm and future. Alternatively, using light restraint to accept (or at least tolerate) handling. For while allowing a cat to remain in a more example, a cat might choose to sit up rather comfortable position and distracting and than lie down during microchip scanning. Or, comforting them with gentle massaging or a cat might prefer to remain in the bottom of scratching of their head or neck can help cats the carrier while being examined and vacci- to relax and accept handling and is much less nated. These are two simple, yet powerful likely to trigger an aggressive reaction. examples of how small accommodations can Finally, carefully observing cats’ body lan- help cats cope and accept handling rather than guage during interaction and handling is cru- displaying fight or flight behaviors. cial. Their behavior can change very rapidly. In For cats, the ability to escape, hide, or other- particular, watch for increasing tension in their wise shield themselves from a stressful situa- body and keep a close eye on their face. A sud- tion is a powerful means of coping because it den increase in the size of the pupils, flattening gives them some sense of control over unpleas- or rotation of the ears, and/or twitching of the ant stimuli. When cats perceive that they can tail are all signs of increasing stress/fear. It escape if need be, or that they are somehow may be tempting to increase restraint when shielded or hidden, they can cope much more such signs are noted, however this will only effectively with stressful or fear inducing expe- serve to increase fear and resistance, making it riences. Remember that they are hardwired for more likely that the cat will panic and respond escape or defense: when they view a stressor as defensively in an attempt to escape. Instead, inescapable, they are much more likely to easing restraint and making adjustments such struggle and resist. The ways in which we that the cat is allowed some sense of control, approach and handle them can alter their per- freedom of movement, or security will decrease ception of and response to the situation. It is stress/fear and resistance. When cats can be fair to presume that if they perceive that escape made to feel more comfortable, they will con- is somehow possible, they will feel more of a tinue to tolerate handling rather than fighting sense of control and will therefore remain it. Handlers that attempt to prove they can calmer and be more likely to tolerate or accept manhandle a fractious cat are handlers that are our presence and handling. For example, if we frequently scratched and bitten. scan them for a microchip by standing behind Indeed, minimal, gentle restraint should them, this will be much less threatening than always be the goal. This is supported by scien- if we face them directly and move the scanner tific evidence that indicates gentle human con- over their head. Alternately, some cats will tact can lessen adverse effects of unpleasant
360 14 Handling Shelter Cats stimuli, eliminate fear responses, and even area or retreat somewhere that would make it relieve signs of pain in animals (McMillan difficult to safely and humanely retrieve them? 2002). Most cats respond best to gentle restraint Capturing an escaped cat can be very stressful and react negatively when “over- estrained.” r for both the cat and the handler and increases In many instances, creative management and the risk of injury for both. Are there doors or patient, skillful handling will avoid the need windows that could be closed prior to opening for additional physical restraint, improving the cat’s enclosure? Doing so is an imperative animal and staff safety while reducing stress. part of safe and humane handling. Are there When physical restraint is necessary to avoid potentially stressful stimuli in the environ- human injury or injury to an animal, it should ment? What can you do to mitigate them? Are be of the least intensity and duration necessary there noises or activities that can be curtailed (Newbury et al. 2010). Proper equipment in or otherwise blocked before proceeding? If you good working order and adequate staff should are going to be transporting the cat, do you be readily available in the event they are have the proper equipment (such as a top load- needed to ensure safe and humane handling. ing carrier) available and ready? If you are going to be doing something else (such as an intake exam and vaccinations), do you have 14.4 eneral Guidelines for Safe G everything you need to proceed? and Humane Handling Finally, take a moment to pay attention to yourself. Do you feel comfortable handling The following guidelines for safe and humane this cat in this situation? What do you need to handling provide general directions and rec- feel comfortable? Do you need to ask for help? ommendations for staff designed to keep cats By assessing the cat, the environment, and gently under control while minimizing cat your own comfort and ability with handling stress and fear and ensuring the safety of both the cat in the given situation, you will be able the cat and the handler(s). These guidelines to address concerns proactively and optimize emphasize minimizing stress and fear because the odds of successfully handling the cat. the more successful handlers are at keeping Always develop a well thought out plan based cats calm, the more they will succeed in safely on these assessments before initiating contact and humanely handling them in the short with an animal. A little thoughtful planning term and positively impacting their behavior goes a long way toward a successful outcome. in the future. Planning and preparation take time, but it is time well spent because handling is much more efficient when everything goes smoothly. 14.4.1 Before Initiating Contact: Observe, Assess, and Plan 14.4.2 Start Off on the Right Foot: Before attempting to handle any cat, take a few Initiating Contact moments to assess the situation. Observe the cat. Ask yourself: Where is the cat? In a cage or Whether working with people or animals, carrier, in the front or back? What is the cat first impressions are powerful. To start off on doing? What is the cat communicating through the right foot with someone, we must be her body language and behavior? Are signs of polite and considerate by taking into account stress and fear present? If so, what is likely trig- their point of view and choosing our actions gering them? Is it safe to proceed at this time? carefully and deliberately in the hopes of Also consider the environment. Are you in a receiving a positive response from them. With safe location? If the cat were to get away from cats, this means carefully considering how you, could the cat escape from the immediate they are likely to perceive us, including both
14.4 General Guidelines for Safe and Humane Handlin 361 our actions and emotions, as well as how they the presence of handlers and may be espe- are likely to perceive the environment, given cially slow to warm up to being touched. To their point of view. understand a cat’s point of view, consider In terms of emotions, it is important to rec- what your own reactions would be to a stran- ognize that how we feel influences the way ger who immediately reached out and abruptly others feel. Our behavior and body language touched you. affect those around us— ncluding animals i When initiating contact with a cat, begin (Spinka 2012). For example, if we are nervous with an appropriate greeting. Calmly offering and jumpy, those around us may begin to feel a cat tasty treats by gently placing them within this way too. Conversely, if we are calm and easy reach can serve as a good icebreaker for relaxed, this can help those around us to feel some cats. Talking to them in a calm and the same way as well. Therefore, in order to friendly tone may also be perceived as inviting optimize the odds of “a good first impression” by some cats. For others however, remaining and successful handling of a cat, we must silent may be more calming (Liu et al. 2020). strive to stay as calm and relaxed as possible Provided the cat does not appear highly when interacting with them because this can stressed/fearful or defensive, the next step is help them to feel calm and relaxed too. to offer a hand to them and allow them a Handlers and caregivers must be aware of moment or two to sniff and respond. It’s best their body postures when preparing to approach if the cat chooses to initiate appropriate social a cat. Instead of approaching head on, approach contact with the handler. Forced interactions from one side or the other because this will be should always be avoided and whenever pos- less threatening. Similarly, instead of staring sible, the handler should wait for the cat to directly at them, gazing off to one side is likely come to them. In many cases, the cat will to be better received. And, rather than approach- accept an offered hand and the handler can ing quickly, aim to give them time to adjust to then begin gently touching them by rubbing your presence. Movements should always be and scratching the sides of their face and slow and smooth; avoid reaching over or lean- neck— reas where most cats enjoy being a ing over them. petted (see Figure 14.2). The handler should Handlers must also make the environment always aim to start out by touching the cat in feel as calm and safe as possible. This includes such areas where the cat is unlikely to be sen- minimizing noise and strong odors. The num- sitive. As the handler makes contact, they ber of people present, especially strangers, should take care to slowly move their hand should be limited to only those necessary for and apply steady pressure as they touch the the tasks at hand. Likewise, traffic in and out cat. The handler should aim to maintain con- of the work area should be eliminated if possi- tinuous contact, rather than lifting their hand ble, or at least limited to the extent possible, on and off the cat over and over again. This and doors should be closed to block visual will help the cat to relax and, for some indi- stimuli outside of the area. Finally, a variety of viduals, to enjoy being touched, rather than highly palatable treats should be on hand to increasing their discomfort. create a pleasant aroma and to entice, distract, For example, if one were to initiate contact and/or reward the cat as much as possible. with a cat in a cage, they would calmly Another important aspect of initiating con- approach the cage front, standing sideways tact with a cat is to consider how and where to (not leaning or staring). After pausing for a first touch them. It is especially important to moment, they might greet the cat in a calm, proceed very slowly with touching cats that friendly voice before opening the cage door. are displaying signs of fear and discomfort: They might pause briefly again to see if the cat these cats often require extra time to accept takes a step forward toward them. Next, they
362 14 Handling Shelter Cats to become oriented to the situation. Many cats will watch and sniff as they consider whether to come out or not. The handler might offer their hand or perhaps wave their fingers near the carrier door to encourage the cat to come forward and exit the carrier. As always, the handler should refrain from looming over the cat in the carrier. Instead, greeting the cat by offering treats and verbal encouragement may help her feel calm and comfortable enough to come out. If a cat is not comfortable enough to leave the carrier, the handler should never pull or dump the cat out. Instead, the handler should be respectful of the cat’s need to remain there and remove the top half of the carrier in order to initiate contact. The handler should be prepared to calmly place a towel over the cat as soon as the top is removed so that the cat con- tinues to feel comfortable and safe. This can Figure 14.2 Most socialized cats enjoy being also help to protect the handler should the cat rubbed and scratched around their face and neck— hese areas are generally not sensitive and t become defensive. To keep the cat comfortable are good areas to start out touching when in her chosen place, the handler can allow the initiating contact with a cat. This cat accepts the cat to remain in the bottom half of the carrier handler’s hand: his relaxed face and small oblong while performing the care needed. If the cat pupils relate that he is comfortable with this contact. prefers, the handler should allow her to hide under the towel while care is provided. If the handler needs to lift the cat, the towel could be might offer a hand to the cat while maintain- used to cover the cat while the handler slowly ing a sideways stance. If the cat chose to read- and deliberately lifts her, providing gentle but ily accept the hand, they might then begin firm support. Wrapping a cat in a towel to lift scratching and rubbing the side of the cat’s them out of a carrier or cage can be a useful face and neck. Similarly, a useful method of technique to enhance calm behavior and offering a hand to a cat is to use a “finger- ose n safety. As always, the least amount of restraint technique” to engage them. In this case, the necessary should be used. Once swaddled in handler simply slowly advances their out- the towel, the cat should be held gently, but stretched index finger toward the cat and then snugly, against the handler’s body. One hand holds it in front of their face. Many cats will can be placed loosely around the neck, which initiate contact by rubbing the offered index is gently scratched to comfort and distract the finger, after which the handler can then pro- cat, while maintaining safe control of the cat. ceed by rubbing the sides of the cat’s face and/ Alternatively, the towel can be gently but or scratching the chin and neck while using snugly held in place around the cat’s neck for calm, steady pressure. As the cat continues to safe control (see Figure 14.3A). This technique relax, she will likely be ready to accept addi- is useful for lifting a cat out of their enclosure tional handling. and moving them within a room, however If a cat is contained in a carrier, the handler cats should never be carried through the could try to initiate contact by opening the car- s helter in this manner because the risk of rier door and allowing the cat a few moments escape is too great.
14.4 General Guidelines for Safe and Humane Handlin 363 Figure 14.3 This series of photos illustrates the use of a towel wrap to facilitate cleaning a cat’s ears. The towel wrap is used as an aid in gentle restraint and also provides the cat with privacy when she is periodically afforded a brief break during the process. A. A towel has been wrapped around the cat’s neck like a cape in order to gently restrain her and to prevent her from scratching at her ears with her hind feet while the handler cleans them. Note that the handler is behind the cat in a non- hreatening position. t B. While holding the cape in place, the handler gently holds the earflap in an upright position as she applies ear cleaner using a soaked cotton ball. C. After applying the ear cleaner, the handler gently massages the ear before releasing the cape to free the cat. D. The handler holds the towel over the cat’s head as she provides her with a break to give her control for a few moments to shake her head and cope with the procedure. After a brief break, the cape is reapplied, and the process is repeated until both ears have been cleaned. If the cat needs to be transferred to a cage, towel over the cage front will provide addi- the handler should proceed by replacing the tional privacy and reduce visual stimuli for the top of the carrier and then placing the carrier cat as she adapts to her new situation. in the cage so that the cat can choose to come out in her own time. Remember: a cat should 14.4.3 During Contact: Observe, Assess, never be dumped or dragged out of a carrier. and Adjust Doing so would completely remove any sense of control the cat might have and would Handlers should always take a few moments to increase stress/fear, making escape or defen- observe a cat before approaching or handling sive behaviors much more likely. Space- them. In addition, they should continue to permitting, the carrier can remain available in carefully observe them during their approach the cat’s enclosure for the cat to retreat and and throughout the time they are working hide if they choose. If the carrier will be left in with them. By recognizing how the cat is feel- the cage with the cat for any length of time, the ing, the handler can adjust their actions and door should either be secured in an open posi- techniques, taking into account the cat’s cur- tion or removed to prevent it from accidentally rent level of stress and discomfort in the given closing and preventing the cat from being able situation. Keep in mind that some cats will be to change locations in the cage. Draping a teetering on the edge of defensive aggression.
364 14 Handling Shelter Cats If they are pushed beyond their ability to cope, time to stop. Repeatedly continuing in the face they will respond with fight or flight behaviors. of increasing stress/fear will certainly result in If instead the handler helps them to maintain the cat having a bad experience, and it is unsafe some sense of control and safety, this will for the handler(s). In addition, the cat may increase the odds that the cat will continue to become sensitized to handling, which will tolerate handling. The cat may not be able to make it even more difficult to work with them fully relax, but at the same time the cat will in the future. remain steady enough for the handler to com- plete necessary examination or care. If at any 14.4.4 Don’t Use Punishment time the handler recognizes that stress and fear are increasing based on the cat’s body lan- In the past, it was sometimes taught that an guage, they should take a break by lightening animal should not be allowed “to get away restraint in order to provide the cat with time with” aggressive behavior and that they should and space to relax. If the cat begins to relax, be punished for it instead. This is erroneous. the handler can adjust their approach and The truth is that you can’t punish fear: attempt- try again. With this in mind, a useful rule of ing to punish a fearful, defensive cat will only thumb when working with cats is the “two sec- serve to reinforce their fear/stress, resistance to ond rule.” If a cat begins to resist handling, the handling, and aggression. It will also substan- handler must never allow them to struggle for tially increase the odds of handler injury. more than a couple of seconds before stopping When a cat lashes out defensively, handlers to take a break. This rule is important because sometimes become angry— ut they should b stress and fear in cats can escalate to aggres- remember that such behavior is the result of sion very rapidly. Once a cat becomes highly the animal’s stress and fear; it is not malicious. defensive, they often remain in a state of agita- A handler should never respond in anger nor tion for quite some time from which it will take should they use force or punishment to handle them much longer to calm down. In addition, a cat (Newbury et al. 2010). Physically restrain- they may be even less likely to accept handling ing a struggling animal is neither humane in the future. For cats that continue to resist nor safe. and struggle for more than two seconds, the handler should stop and take a brief break to 14.4.5 Try Tasty Treats further observe, assess, and adjust. In some instances, giving a cat a break and adjusting It is not possible to punish fear, but it can be positions will be all that is needed to success- counter conditioned. In other words, the way a fully continue. In other instances, it may be cat feels in a given situation can be changed. necessary to completely reevaluate the han- Changing the way a cat feels will also change dling plan, delay the procedure, or ask others the way the cat behaves. Food can sometimes for help. In cases where cats are increasingly be a powerful means of overcoming negative stressed/fearful, delaying the procedure to emotions. For example, if a cat is uneasy, they another time may be best. Alternatively, behav- may become much more comfortable if offered ior medications or sedation may be necessary a very tasty treat. For example, offering a fear- to calm the cat. ful, resistant kitten some delicious food may As always, constantly observe and assess the result in them quickly warming up to their cat’s body language and vocal signals during handler’s presence. handling. If the cat’s tension eases up, it is rea- Tasty treats often put animals at ease in new sonable to elect to continue handling them situations. They can also be used to distract or carefully and ever watchfully. However, if the redirect nervous or fidgety animals during cat’s fear/stress escalates a second time, it is handling, including both cats and dogs. Dogs
14.4 General Guidelines for Safe and Humane Handlin 365 are often more likely to partake of treats— s a human- at interactions helps cats cope with c opposed to many cats— ut treats should still b necessary care. Assessment and planning be tried because for some cats, they can make a should take location and timing of examina- big difference by diffusing stress, decreasing tions and procedures into consideration. the amount of physical restraint necessary, and Procedures should be prioritized from the increasing the cat’s tolerance of handling. most important and necessary items down to Little bits of canned cat food, tuna fish, soft those items that can wait if the cat is highly cheese spread, or freeze- ried liver are favorites d stressed and resistant to handling. Techniques for many cats. Finding the right treat can make will obviously differ depending on the individ- a big difference in how well a cat tolerates han- ual cat’s behavior and tolerance of handling. dling. It is best to have a variety of treats avail- Cats that are highly fearful and reactive, able to maximize the odds of finding one that a including those that are poorly socialized, will given cat will respond well to. For example, a require additional consideration to ensure safe cat may refuse dry kibble, but be very eager to and humane handling. eat bits of tuna! For cats that are tractable, procedures should Examples of using food to distract cats and be performed in a place and position in which promote positive associations with handlers the cat is likely to be comfortable. This might include feeding tasty treats during routine be on a soft towel on an exam table, in their examination and procedures such as micro- bed in their housing enclosure, or even on a chip scanning, administration of vaccines or towel in your lap. Every effort should be made other injections, or the application of a topi- to help the cat stay as calm and comfortable as cal parasite control product. Food can also be possible. By preventing heightening of stress used to facilitate administration of oral medi- and fear, safe and humane handling can be cations should they be prescribed during a accomplished. cat’s shelter stay. Canned foods, soft cheese During examination and procedures, always spreads, and commercially available treats allow the cat to face away from you. This is far designed to cover oral tablets or capsules as less threatening and is safer for the handler well as flavored liquids can all simplify because the cat’s claws and teeth will be facing administration of medication. Treats work away as well; it also allows the cat to look best when they are used before a cat becomes around the environment, which may provide a highly stressed. As stress increases, cats are sense of control. Within the overall prioritiza- less likely to accept treats. Upon returning a tion of importance, always perform the least cat to their enclosure, always place a treat stressful parts of examination or procedures inside for them as a reward. This may serve to first. In instances where you must position the distract the cat as the handler exits and closes cat to allow access to a particular area of their the door— nd if they do not eat it right away, a body, consider how they will feel most com- they may eat it after the handler leaves. It’s fortable. For example, if you need to examine always a good idea to reward tolerance/ the cat’s abdomen, rather than flipping the cat acceptance of handling! onto her back, try lifting up her front end so that she is standing on her hind legs. If you need to look under the tail, rather than crank- 14.4.6 Handling for Examination ing up on the tail, try gently scratching and and Procedures rubbing the top of the cat’s rump— ost cats m When examining cats and performing neces- will stand and lift their tails when this is done, sary animal care procedures, handling and allowing easy visual inspection of this area. If restraint should always be gentle and support- access to a leg is needed for drawing blood, ing. Using positive, consistent, and predictable instead of forcing the cat to lie on her side,
366 14 Handling Shelter Cats allow the cat some control to sit up while you versus increase the risk of physical or emo- gently and slowly extend the leg as necessary tional harm. Improper or forceful use of any to gain access. tool or technique can escalate a high stress Here is an example of providing thought- situation rather than diffuse it, compromising ful, flexible care for a cat showing marked animal welfare and creating an unsafe situa- signs of stress and fear at the time of intake. tion for both animals and people. Principles of infectious disease control and Techniques or equipment suitable for one shelter medicine indicate that vaccinating animal or situation may be inappropriate for cats as close to the time of intake as possible another, thus a “one size fits all” approach is crucial to providing the best possible pro- must be avoided. Instead, several different tection against disease. However, if a cat is tools and types of equipment should be avail- markedly fearful and reactive at the time of able and selected based on the appraisal of intake, it may be best to allow a brief period the individual and the situation. For exam- of time for them to calm down before pro- ple, towel wraps are useful aids for handling ceeding with intake vaccination. Instead of many cats because they can reduce stress and risking staff safety and compromising cat enhance handler safety. A towel placed cor- welfare by vaccinating them when they are rectly around an animal’s neck can increase highly fearful and reactive, cover the carrier control of the head while avoiding the use of containing the cat and place it in an enclo- more intense physical restraint. With cats sure in a quiet, dimly lit room for 30–60 min- that like to hide, towel wrap techniques may utes. After that period of time, many cats will provide for a more pleasant handling experi- be calmer, and at this point, staff may be able ence. They can also be used as both an aid in to remove the top of the carrier, cover the cat gentle restraint during procedures as well as with a towel, and proceed with vaccination. a respite for the cat during breaks in han- If the cat’s stress/fear begin to increase with dling (see Figure 14.3). In other instances, handling, the remainder of the intake proce- Elizabethan collars can be useful and dures could be delayed until the following humane tools for protecting the handler from day to allow the cat additional time to adjust cat bites while reducing the cat’s visual field to their new environment. A flexible protocol to help mitigate stress. In some situations, it such as this will successfully facilitate safety, may be necessary to administer “chemical timely vaccination, and humane care. restraint” using a hands- ff approach with o humane restraint equipment such as cage nets or squeeze devices. In contrast, tools 14.4.7 Using Handling Tools such as control poles should never be used to and Equipment restrain cats because they can easily cause Numerous tools and types of equipment are substantial, even life- hreatening physical t available to facilitate handling cats. The goals injury, as well as profound emotional trauma. of using any such tools or equipment should Likewise, the routine use of slip leads, cat always be to reduce the amount of physical tongs, or any restraint device that can cause restraint necessary to control the cat and to significant compression of the neck or thorax limit the cat’s exposure to fear- nducing stim- i must be avoided (see Figure 14.4). Tools that uli. Ultimately, they should be used to help completely thwart a cat’s sense of control reduce cat stress and fear while enhancing (such as a cat bag) should likewise be avoided. handler and cat safety. The ways in which In all cases, regardless of the tools or type of tools or equipment are used is crucial to equipment used, deliberate, calm handling ensure that they mitigate and limit stress is essential.
14.5 Tips, Techniques, and Tools for Stress Reduction and Humane Handling 367 Figure 14.4 Commercially available cat tongs. Tools such as cat tongs, control poles, slip leads, or any restraint device that can cause significant compression of the neck or thorax should never be used to restrain cats because they can easily cause substantial, even life- hreatening t physical injury as well as profound emotional trauma. Likewise, use of any tool that completely thwarts a cat’s sense of control must be avoided. 14.5 ips, Techniques, and T cats to the shelter. Advise them to secure the Tools for Stress Reduction carrier in the car to prevent it from turning over during transport. Placing the carrier on the and Humane Handling floorboard in front of the passenger seat is often the safest and most secure location for trans- Keeping cats calm is crucial for safe and humane port. Suggest that they place bedding inside the handling, therefore a comprehensive approach carrier to improve the cat’s comfort and secu- to preventing, reducing, and managing feline rity as well as to reduce slipping. Wire carriers stress in the shelter is essential. First and fore- should be covered loosely with a towel to visu- most, handling techniques must always take ally shield the cat from scary sights and noise stress reduction into account, therefore recom- should be minimized. mendations for humane handling must include Whenever possible, staff should find out in broad based approaches for stress reduction. advance if a cat tends to be highly nervous or The following tips, techniques, and tools for has a history of behaving aggressively in new stress reduction and humane handling are situations. If this is the case, then an effort meant to serve as starting points for working should be made to have the cat brought in at a with cats. Cats are individuals and will respond quiet time of day when staff will have more as such— andlers must therefore be flexible h time to admit them. Alternatively, staff might and observant so that they are prepared to adjust ask them to keep the cat contained outside their methods and plans according to the needs until ready to receive them. Cats and their car- of individuals. This will ensure the safest and egivers will also benefit from knowing what to most humane outcomes. expect when they arrive at the shelter. In many instances, information can be made readily 14.5.1 Provide Information to the Public available through the shelter’s website or via Prior to Shelter Admission volunteers. For cats that will be relinquished to the shelter, planning their admission to the extent possible, 14.5.2 Maintain Calm Admission Areas including providing key information to their caregivers in advance, can significantly reduce Admission areas can be busy, crowded, and their stress during the process. Instruct relin- stressful for animals, shelter staff, and the public. quishers to always use carriers for transporting Whenever possible, scheduling and planning for
368 14 Handling Shelter Cats most admissions will result in much calmer everyone. Whenever possible, use carriers admissions areas, which then allows the process designed to open from the top or from which to go more smoothly. Scheduling should strive to the top half is easily removed: this makes it alleviate bottlenecks and minimize wait times. easier to move the cat in and out of the carrier Ideally, cats and dogs should be received in sepa- in a non- tressful manner. s rate admissions areas— r admitted at different o The way in which the carrier is held and car- times of day whenever possible. Staff should ried also impacts the experience of the cat always take care to maintain a calm demeanor inside. Holding it by the handle and carrying it during the admission process by working in a beside your leg like a briefcase places the cat at quiet, steady manner and talking in calm and eye level of any dogs that you must pass (see soothing tones. Simply taking care to minimize Figure 14.5). In addition, the carrier will likely noise and rapid movements will go a long way to be in motion because it will probably swing to making everyone feel more comfortable. Weather and fro as you walk, and this motion can create permitting, leaving animals in cars until such additional stress for the cat inside. Instead, it is time that someone is available to perform intake best to hold a carrier containing a cat in front care right away and transport them directly to of your body (see Figure 14.6). Holding it close housing areas will minimize congestion and to your chest with both hands will ensure that stress. Providing elevated surfaces, such as coun- it is away from any potential on- ooking dogs, l ter tops or shelving, on which to rest carriers con- as well as reducing motion as the cat is trans- taining cats is a simple but powerful means of ported. In the case of feral- ehaving cats in b reducing stress because cats instinctively feel traps, holding a wire trap against your body is more secure when they can perch at a high van- not recommended as a matter of safety. Traps tage point, “out of a predator’s reach.” Avoid should always be covered, and they should be placing carriers at floor level and keep them away held as level and as stable as possible to mini- from dogs and other cats to the greatest extent mize motion from swinging when carried. possible. For example, towels or sheets can be Before moving a cat, remember to consider provided in the waiting room for covering carri- the environment. What sights, sounds, and ers containing cats immediately upon entry, scents will you be passing? Take action to mini- shielding them visually from dogs and other mize the cats’ exposure to potential triggers for stress-nvoking stimuli. i stress and fear. Be aware of other people and animals. When needed, ask for assistance to open doors or to look ahead to ensure that the 14.5.3 Use Carriers to Move Cats path ahead is clear and calm. Moving cats while they are contained in transport carriers offers many advantages. 14.5.4 Separate Cats from Other Species Carriers can be covered to reduce exposure to environmental stimuli that may trigger fear as The presence and sounds of unfamiliar dogs is they are moved through the shelter. This is extremely distressing and fear invoking for especially important for cats because their cats. As such, from the time they arrive at the behavior can change rapidly when fear is trig- shelter and continuing throughout their stay, gered. They can go from a state of relaxation care should be taken not to place cats within to a state of panic in only a few seconds. If a spatial, visual, or auditory range of dogs when- handler is carrying a cat in their arms and fear ever possible. In fact, different species should is triggered, a risk of escape and injury is sud- routinely be separated from one another to the denly created for both the cat and handler. extent possible. Dog wards should be separate Transporting them instead in a covered car- from cat wards; and for shelters that house rier will keep them calmer and is safer for other species, they should be separated, too. For