Nursing care for your cat

Your role in preparing for the Veterinary visit

When in the unfamiliar and often scary place known as "the veterinary practice", your cat needs your confidence and reassurance, especially if it is sick.

Your behaviour greatly influences your cat's sense of security.

Your nursing skills at home also play a major role in the success of the treatments that we have prescribed to help your cat recover.

You are an important member of your cat's healthcare team. You can be instrumental in helping with the success of treatments and improved healthcare.

If your cat is stressed when coming to visit us, ask us for tips on how to acclimatise your cat to the carrier or about anti-anxiety medication that you can administer before the visit. Withhold food from your cat several hours before the appointment to avoid motion sickness. Take your cat's favourite treats with you so that you or a veterinary team member can give them as a reward or distraction. Consider the use of synthetic feline facial pheromone spray, such as Feliway, in the carrier and car at least 30 minutes prior to help calm your cat. Place a favourite toy and familiar smelling clothing or bedding in the carrier as well.

Your Role at St Bernard's Road Veterinary Clinic

Cats can sense your stress, anxiety and apprehension, all of which can increase their own stress. Here are some tips to help create a more positive veterinary visit:

• If your cat is very anxious in the waiting area, or if dogs are present, ask the receptionist if you can go immediately to an exam room. Alternatively, cover your cat's cage with a towel or your coat to block the view and muffle the sounds. Once you are in the exam room with your cat, talk soothingly in a low pitched voice.
• Avoid behaviours that while intended to comfort your cat, may actually increase anxiety. These can include clutching your cat, talking or staring in its face, and disturbing or invading its personal space. Human sounds intended to soothe or quiet like 'shhhh' may mimic another cat hissing and should be avoided.
• Physical correction such as tapping your cat's head and verbal reprimands should be avoided because this may startle your cat and provoke the flight-or-fight response. Remember, cats are not humans and react differently to discipline.
• Do not handle or remove your cat from its carrier until requested by a member of our veterinary team.
• Reinforce your cat's positive behaviour with petting or treats and ignore negative behaviour rather than trying to correct it.
• If your cat must stay in the hospital, bring along familiar toys and bedding from home. Provide the food that your cat is routinely given. Also mention anything that your cat enjoys such as treats, brushing, or play-time activities. We can use this information to help make your cat's stay more pleasant.

The Role of St Bernard's Road Veterinary Clinic

To offer suggestions about treatment options that best match your cat's personality and your ability to administer.
To educate you on how to administer medications and demonstrate techniques if needed.
To communicate with you about treatment, follow-up and behaviour signs of wellbeing that signal recovery. Cats that feel good tend to sleep most often in a curled position. They groom themselves, follow a normal routine, interact with their owner, and eat and eliminate regularly.

Your Role in Providing Nursing Care for Your Cat

The following nursing care tips will help you become an extension of the veterinary team after your cat returns home.

Nursing Care Tips:

• Identify a quiet, familiar, and private space such as a small enclosure or alcove with good lighting where you can easily access your cat. A small space allows for close monitoring of your cat and provides it with a sense of security.
• Establish a routine for administering oral medication to your cat. A bathroom sink lined with a soft towel or fleece provides an enclosed, secure place for administering medication.
• Give your cat positive reinforcement, such as treats or pats, for accepting medication.
• Unless your veterinarian says that medication must be administered with food, do not use food as an aid to give medications, as it may cause aversion and reduce your cat's food intake.
• Flat food dishes, such as small paper plates, and
• Shallow water bowls may improve intake by making food and water more accessible.
• Warm canned food to your cat's body temperature by gently heating in the microwave or adding warm water and stirring well. Additions of chicken broth or tuna juice may enhance taste.
• Food should always be fresh, provided in small portions and replenished as needed.
• Forcing your cat to accept medication is stressful for both you and your cat. Do not forcibly remove your cat from a hiding place or interrupt eating, grooming or elimination for purposes of administrating medication. Ask your veterinarian for a demonstration of how to administer the medication prescribed for your cat.
• Stay calm. Cats can sense our anxiety or frustrations, which may cause them to become fearful or anxious.
• Attend all follow up appointments at St Bernards Veterinary Clinic. Alert us if you observe any signs of sickness or changes in your cat's behaviour, as well as changes in food or fluid intake, or if you experience difficulty administering medications.

Providing nursing care at home for your cat may seem overwhelming at first, but be patient and remember that even small improvements will contribute to your cat’s recovery. Remember that we are here to help, so always ask any questions that may contribute to successful nursing care at home.