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Safe Animal Handling
SPCA of Texas
Animal Behavior Programs
2015
Part 4
• Working with Cats
• Practice Observing Cats
• Picking up Cats
• Crating & Moving Cats
• Escaped Cats
• Cat Attacks
• Animal Handler Opportunities
Working with Cats
Cats are very sensitive to their environments and are aware of sounds, movements, smells, textures and more. Sometimes a small change in the room can cause a big change in the cat’s behavior.
• Do SODA before opening the kennel
• Speak softly and comfortingly
• Think through what you are going to do with the cat
• Make sure you have everything you need before interacting
Safe Use Caution Extreme Caution Do not proceed
Body Part Behavior What it meansGazing, blinking relaxed, calm
Averting eyes/looking away Fearful, trying to avoid conflict
Pupils dilated poor lighting, fear or stress
Eyes wide, whites of eyes are visible Fear, stress or anxiety
Darting eyes Fearful, looking for an escape
Round on bottom, flat on top fear, stress
Forward friendly
moving around or facing the side collecting more information, unsure, fearful
Pinned Back aggressive, defensive
Yawn
Tired (if just woken up or going to sleep),
anxious, stress (when not tired)
Lip Licking or tongue flicking fear, stress, nervous, anxious
Hiss fearful or aggressive
Spit aggression
Panting stressed, hot
Growl aggressive or defensive
High in the air relaxed, friendly
Low undecided, collecting information
wrapped around body tightly fearful, unsure or sleeping
tip of tail flicking aroused
wipping back and forth agitated
puffy, hair piloerect aroused, overstimulated
soft, relaxed calm
hair piloerect aroused, overstimulated, fearful or defensive
Cowering fearful
Exposing belly asking for some space
Tense, stiff fearful or aggressive
Eyes
Ears
Body
Tail
Mouth
Think Like A Behaviorist
In the following slides you will be observing photos of shelter cats. Take 10-15 seconds to describe what the cat is doing. Remember to use objective, rather than subjective, observations.
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Soft eyes
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Soft eyes
Looking up at person
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Moving towards person
Soft eyes
Looking up at person
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Moving towards person
Soft eyes
Looking up at person
Tail High up in the
air
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Moving towards person
Soft eyes
Looking up at person
Tail High up in the
air
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Rubbing face on objects
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Rubbing face on objects
Body off balance
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Rubbing face on objects
Body off balance
Eyes Squinty
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Rubbing face on objects
Body off balance
Eyes Squinty
Body relaxed, soft
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Rubbing face on objects
Body off balance
Eyes Squinty
Body relaxed, soft
Ears forward
This cat is providing us with some physical information that isn’t related
to her behavior.
This cat is providing us with some physical information that isn’t related
to her behavior.
Ear Notch
This cat is providing us with some physical information that isn’t related
to her behavior.
Ear Notch
Cats’ ears are notched when they are spayed or neutered in a Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program so that they
won’t be taken for surgery again.
This cat is providing us with some physical information that isn’t related
to her behavior.
Ear Notch
Cats’ ears are notched when they are spayed or neutered in a Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program so that they
won’t be taken for surgery again.
Sometimes pet cats are accidentally captured and spayed or neutered in a TNR program. This may explain this
cat’s friendly behavior.
This cat is providing us with some physical information that isn’t related
to her behavior.
Ear Notch
Cats’ ears are notched when they are spayed or neutered in a Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program so that they
won’t be taken for surgery again.
Sometimes pet cats are accidentally captured and spayed or neutered in a TNR program. This may explain this
cat’s friendly behavior.
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balance
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balanceEye shape slightly
flattened on top
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Front paws collected
under body
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balanceEye shape slightly
flattened on top
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Front paws collected
under body
Lips short or pursed
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balanceEye shape slightly
flattened on top
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Front paws collected
under body
Lips short or pursed
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balanceEye shape slightly
flattened on top
Whiskers flared
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Front paws collected
under body
Lips short or pursed
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balanceEye shape slightly
flattened on top
Whiskers flared
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears forward
Front paws collected
under body
Lips short or pursed
Feet gathered underneath,
body in balanceEye shape slightly
flattened on top
Whiskers flared
The look on this cat’s face indicates that he might be a little cautious. Through a slow introduction we can
continue to observe him for friendly, aggressive or fearful behavior.
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Lying in litterbox
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears facing
different directions
Lying in litterbox
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears facing
different directions
Pupils dilated
Lying in litterbox
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears facing
different directions
Tail curled around tightly
Pupils dilated
Lying in litterbox
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears facing
different directions
Tail curled around tightly
Pupils dilated
Lying in litterbox
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Ears facing
different directions
Tail curled around tightly
Pupils dilated
Lying in litterbox
This cat is lying in her litterbox because she is looking for a place to hide.
Because she needs a place to go to the bathroom as well as a place to hide, we
should provide her with an alternate location to hide such as a cardboard box or a cat hidey bed. By providing her an
appropriate place to hide she may become more comfortable and friendly.
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Ears pointing different directions
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Tail wrapped around tightly
Ears pointing different directions
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Tail wrapped around tightly
Ears pointing different directions
Pupils appear dilated
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Tail wrapped around tightly
Ears pointing different directions
Looking away (averting
eyes)
Pupils appear dilated
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Tail wrapped around tightly
Ears pointing different directions
Looking away (averting
eyes)
Pupils appear dilated
Is This Cat Safe To Handle?
Hair Piloerect (standing on end)
Tail wrapped around tightly
Ears pointing different directions
Looking away (averting
eyes)
Pupils appear dilated
This kitten shows signs of either fear or illness. A sick cat or one that is recovering from surgery will often crouch with its neck
extended and other physical signs seen here. Check its kennel card or talk to the ACC
supervisor before handling an animal if illness is a possibility.
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears back
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears back
Pupils Dilated
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears back
Pupils Dilated
Tongue out or Tongue
flicking
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears back
Pupils Dilated
Front feet IN balance
Tongue out or Tongue
flicking
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears back
Pupils Dilated
Front feet IN balance
Tongue out or Tongue
flicking
Is This Cat Safe to Handle?
Ears back
Pupils Dilated
Front feet IN balance
Tongue out or Tongue
flickingSimilar to dogs, cats may also display stress signals such as
shaking/shivering, tongue flicking, yawning or stretching.
Based on our observations of this cat, it appears he is ready for
Fight or Flight.Be very cautious if you must
handle this cat.
Introduce YourselfOffer the back of your hand a few feet away and watch the cat for any forward movement, poking their nose forward to sniff you or walking over to you.
If you do not observe any forward movement proceed with caution and write a BVAL.
Touching Cats
Introduce yourself first by offering the back of your hand.
Next, sweep the back of your fingers along the cat’s cheek.
If the cat behaves aggressively or fearfully, slowly back away.
Cat’s have scent glands in their cheeks so by rubbing our fingers on their cheeks it releases their scent onto us. Also, when a cat rubs his
face on you or an object it releases pheromones which make him feel happy and secure.
Petting Cats
When petting a cat it is safest to pet on the cheeks and under the chin. As the cat gets more comfortable they may rub their head on you and accept petting on the top of the head and along their back.
Protect Them, Protect Us
Towels can be useful when working with cats. They can be wrapped in a towel to be safely picked up and restrained, that way if he chooses to swat or scratch he is contained in the towel rather than scratching your skin.
Fingerless gloves should always be used when performing invasive procedures or medically evaluating a cat. They are also useful when handling cats that are resistant or overstimulated.
Picking Up Cats- SODA- Introduce yourself first- Then, turn the cat’s body so
that his face is 180 degrees away from you
- Place one hand under his chest and control his front legs with your fingers
- Scoop up his back end and tail with the other hand
- Be careful to avoid his rear claws while supporting him. You can also wear protective gloves and/or wrap him in a towel.
- Move him where he needs to go in as smooth a motion as possible.
Picking Up Resistant Cats
- SODA
- Put on fingerless protective gloves
- Cover the cat with a towel and pick him up as previously described
If the cat is extremely resistant he may need to be scuffed to be picked up. You must complete the Restraint training at the SPCA of Texas for more information on this technique.
Moving & Crating Cats
If you are moving a cat through a doorway, across a large room, through an area where there is noise or activity or where there may be dogs the cat must be put into a crate.
Moving & Crating Cats
To put a cat in a crate:
If available, use a top-loading crate. These crates are easiest when getting a cat into a crate.
Offer the cat a chance to go into the crate on his own.
If he does not enter on his own and you are using a crate that opens from the front, set the crate on a raised surface with the edge hanging over the edge of the surface approximately 2” . Then, lift the cat as previously described and put him into the crate.
Top-Loading Crate
Moving & Crating Cats
If the cat does not go into the crate work with a partner. Your partner will hold the crate upright with the door open and the opening facing the ceiling. Lift the cat and lower him, bottom first, into the crate and your partner will close the crate.
Lower the cat in bottom first
Your partner will close the door.
Escaped Cats
• Make sure all doors to the area are closed before you do anything else.
• Follow or watch the cat but do not chase it.
• If the cat is friendly, simply lift using the technique describe previously and return it to it’s cage
• If the cat resists capture
• Close the are to the public until he is secured
• Notify your supervisor immediately
Escaped Cats
If he can remain loose until he calms down:• Put a notice on the door that there is a loose cat inside. Often they are
easier to capture after resting for a while. If he cannot remain loose until he calms down:• Put on protective gloves. • Work with a partner to heard the cat into a small area using towels and
capture with a net or protective gloves with fingers (not fingerless type).
Once the cat is secure, lift it into the appropriate cage. Release the cat and close the door.
Do not chase or grab at a loose cat or it will become increasingly fractious. Do not ever use a catch pole or cat tongs with a cat in the shelter R&I may use a net, gloves or cat tongs (but never a catch pole) as needed in
urgent rescue situations
Overstimulated Cats
Cats that become overstimulated are likely to bite or scratch. Overstimulated cats often display the following behaviors:- Vocalizing, or meowing, frequently- Vigorously rubbing face and body on objects or people.- Hair standing on end, most often on tail but sometimes all
over body
Use caution when handling a cat that appears overstimulated. Put on fingerless gloves for protection. Also, avoid overstimulation through petting and redirect the cat’s energy onto a cat wand toy.
Cat Attacks• If you are holding a cat and it becomes fractious, let it go
immediately and follow the guidelines for an escaped cat. – If you need first aid, call for help and allow other staff members
to capture the cat.
• If the cat lunges at or chases you, remain calm, and protect your body as well as possible while moving toward the nearest exit. – Cat attacks of this type are rare.– The cat will usually charge, attack and then run away.
• If the cat manages to grab you with his teeth or claws and hang on:– Do not jerk away– Push the cat forward and then pull up to dislodge his claws– If the cat manages to hold on, cover his head with a towel and
the lift him forward and then up.
Congratulations!
You have completed the online portion of the Safe Animal Handling class.
Next Steps:
1. Complete the Animal Handling Review (details on next page).
2. Turn in your Animal Handling Review Scores via email, snail mail or deliver in person.
3. Complete Hands-On Training with the Behavior Department.
Please complete your Animal Handling Review now.
When you click the link above you will be taken to the Animal Handling Review. The access password is test123.
After your complete your review, you MUSTsubmit your scores via email or snail mail.
You will need to copy and paste your scores onto a word document or into an email.
Volunteers:
Email results to [email protected]
Staff : report your results to your supervisor.
• Dog Walker• Cat Volunteer
The following opportunities may require additional training.
• iFoster Foster shelter animals that are not yet ready for adoption for up to 2 weeks, all supplies provided to you.
• PetSmart Cat Volunteer Clean and feed cats at our PetSmart locations.
• Adoption Counselor Assist adopters with meeting our available pets and completing adoption paperwork.
• Clinic Patient Services Assist the clinic staff with both surgery and wellness services.
• Surgery Tech Assistant Assist with spay/neuter services and animals recovering from surgery.
• PET/CLASS Basic Obedience training for shelter dogs
• Play Groups Introduce shelter dogs and allow them to play together
• Admitting Tech Assistant Evaluate incoming animals and administer vaccinations
• Livestock Assistant Provide exercise, cleaning, training and enrichment for livestock animals.
Here are some animal handling opportunities that will be available to you after you complete the hands-on training:
BVALs Reduce Suffering
The BVAL process allows us to identify animals who are suffering in the shelter environment.
Animals that are fearful, aggressive or going kennel crazy are not happy animals.
It is important that we identify problem behavior early so we can intervene as soon as possible to prevent the need for euthanasia.