14/10/2022
Here are my top tips whenhandling cats for blood samples:
🩸Have all equipment ie blood tubes, clippers, skin prep etc ready before you get the cat. That way you won't need to keep going in and out of the room.
🩸Put a 'do not enter' sign on the door so that you are not disturbed mid sample, otherwise the cat might become startled.
🩸Use a nice soft towel, fleece or vet bed for the cat to sit or stand on. This is super important for elderly or painful cats.
🩸Spray the towel with synthetic pheromone spray at least 15 minutes before use, this will help the cat feel more safe and secure.
🩸Allow the cat to sit or stand however it feels most comfortable and work around it.
🩸Always shave the area slowly and gently with quiet 'cat friendly' clippers. I like to clip down in the direction of the fur and then up for a smoother clip as this tends to cause less skin irritation.
🩸Use numbing cream (my choice) and wait at least 20 minutes. Or use cooling spray (spray onto cotton wool and then apply, not onto the cat!)
🩸Avoid extending the cats legs or hanging them over the edge of the table - this is uncomfortable (especially if elderly) and cats prefer to feel something under their paws.
🩸Try just holding the head with your forefingers and thumbs (this works for most cats!) and gently tip the head back.
🩸Use a 23g or 25g needle - yes orange is OK for most blood samples.
🩸Some cats can be distracted with liquid treats during blood sampling - it's worth a try if the cat is food motivated!
🩸If you are worried the cat might scratch the person taking the blood, wrap it loosely in a towel.
🩸Some cats are headshy, in which case the cephalic or medial saphenous veins can be preferable (allow the cats front end to sit up for medial saphenous samples)
🩸Give the cat a break between samples if repeated attempts are needed.
🩸If the cat becomes agitated, stop, reassess the situation - does it need to be done now? Does the cat need a break or some sedation? Or reschedule for another day with sedation on board?
🩸Remember, oral sedation such as gabapentin and trazodone can be prescribed by vets for cats undergoing minor procedures