ALAT Chapter 22: Cats

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ALAT Chapter 22 Cats
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Introduction

• Scientific Name Felis catus
• Living with humans for at least 5,000 years
• Study of the cat brain is important it
  represents a stage of development between lower
  mammals and primates.
• Has been mapped both anatomically and
  functionally.
• Reviewed 4/6/05

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Handling and Restraint

• Cats respond well when handlers use as little
  restraint as possible
• Approach quietly and speak slowly and softly
• Sudden movements and noise will cause cat to turn
  or leap
• Proper restraint supports and assures cat, and
  protects the handler
• Transport in mobile cages

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Handling and Restraint

• To remove a cat from its cage or to carry for a
  short distance
• 1. Firmly secure enough scruff as possible
• 2. Lift the cat and place the other hand
  beneath the hind quarters near the paws
• 3. Place the index finger between the 2 hind
  legs.
• 4. Hold cat close to chest, facing away from
  you.

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Handling and Restraint

• Heavy gloves or a thick towel should be available
  for protection
• A difficult cat can be calmed by placing a towel
  of it.
• Moderate restraint place cat on its side with
  back to handler, hold rear legs with one hand and
  forelegs with the other
• A troublesome cat may be placed in a restraint
  bag
• Use a catch pole as a last resort never place
  noose around the neck
• When physical restraint cant be used, chemical
  restraint may be used with veterinarian
  consultation

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Physiological Data

• Body Temperature 38-39C (100.4-102.2F)
• Heart Rate 110-140 beats per minute
• Respiratory Rate 15-25 breaths per minute
• Weight Adult 2-5Kg Newborn 125g
• Water Consumption 100-200ml per day depending on
  what type of food is given
• Food Consumption 100-200 grams depending on the
  food type given. About 4 of body weight
• Cats require more protein in their diet
• Life span 12-16 years

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Sexing and Breeding

• Male (tom) testes are contained in an external
  scrotal sac
• Penis and penile sheath are usually retracted and
  not easily seen.
• Female (queen) has a visible vulva ventral to the
  anus.
• Queens are seasonally polyestrous about every
  six months they will have several periods of
  estrous lasting 3-6 days
• Very vocal during estrus
• May flatten back and lift hind quarters
  (lordosis)
• Nest area should contain towels or bedding
• Sexual maturity 5-6 months
• Estrous Cycle Every 6-7 months, several cycles
  in a row lasting 3-6 days, unless mating occurs
• Cats are induced ovulators.
• Gestation 62-65 days, similar to dog and guinea
  pig
• Weaning 6-7 weeks

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Behavior

• A healthy cat is alert, interested in
  surroundings hold ears erect, has bright eyes,
  and often purrs when caretaker enters.
• Many but not all cats like to be petted and may
  rub against hand and legs of technician for
  attention.
• Unhappy cats crouch in back of cage with tail
  twitching, may fold ears against head, eyes may
  be partially closed, and may produce a low growl

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Husbandry and Diet

• Single cat housing made of stainless steel and
  kept on mobile cage racks.
• Each cage contains a litter pan and an elevated
  resting board.
• A clean be litter pan and fresh litter should be
  given daily.
• Check to make sure litter contains urine.
• Urinary disease can be a problem in cats 1st
  sign is blood in urine (hematuria) or low urine
  production.

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Husbandry and Diet

• Water bowls hand cleaned daily and washed twice
  a week.
• Fed commercially formulated diets dry,
  semi-moist, or canned
• Can finicky eaters giving fresh food daily is
  important
• The amount of water cats drink depends on the
  type of food they eat
• Fresh drinking water should always be available.

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Words to Know
1. Catch pole 5ft pole with a retractable noose,
a mechanical restraint used to restrain
troublesome animals. 2. Tom male cat 3. Queen
Female cat 4. Induced ovulator Ovulation occurs
after mating. 5. Ovulation Release of
unfertilized egg from the ovaries 6. Hematuria
blood in urine 7. Anatomically relating to the
structure of an organism or its parts 8.
Polyestrous More than one estrus period in a
single estrous cycle.