Small Animal Breeds and Behavior- Scenario Two:
A cat comes into the veterinary hospital with her owner for a scheduled appointment. The cat is
contained in her hard plastic carrier. Although she is in a carrier she is upset. She is crouched in the back
of the carrier with her ears flat against her head and is making hissing and growling sounds. While the
cat waits in the reception area a dog comes into the room with his owner and sniffs the carrier. The cat
flings herself against the carrier door to strike the dog while hissing and spitting.
After this, the technician brings the cat and her owner into an exam room. The cat is cowering at the
back of the carrier with her ears flat against her head hissing and growling at the technician. It is time for
the technician to obtain blood and fecal samples as well as obtaining a weight, heart rate, respiratory
rate, and temperature. The technician could open the door of the carrier to gently tip the cat out. She
could also get the cat out by reaching into the carrier using her bare hands, a towel, or leather gloves.
Another way she could access the cat is by removing the screws from the carrier and lifting off the top
half. Sometimes aggressive cats are anesthetized for exams but this cat is not a good anesthesia risk and
the client has declined sedation.
The technician needs access to the whole cat to obtain the samples and vital signs, but she does not
want to upset the cat any further. When cats are upset they can cause injuries to personnel. They can
injure themselves when trying to escape. A thorough physical examination cannot be conducted on a
highly aroused cat. Cats tend to enjoy being in small places. Some cats feel calmer when they are in a
small box or wrapped in a towel. Covering a cat’s head can help them relax.
Define the problem in your own words.
Compare and contrast the available solutions.
Select and defend your chosen solution.
Identify any weaknesses in your chosen solution.
Suggest ways to improve or strengthen your chosen solution.
Reflect on your own thought process during this assignment.
What did you learn?
What would you do differently next time to improve?