TRANSPORTING AN INJURED CAT
NO MATTER HOW DOCILE BY BASIC NATURE, ANY CAT IN PAIN MAY SCRATCH OR BITE.
Proper handling will prevent injuries. Furthermore, struggling can cause
a weak or injured cat to tire quickly and can produce further shock and collapse.

Carrying a cat. Hold the cat firmly against your body with its rear
feet pressed out behind. Cover the eyes and ears with your other hand.
--J. Clawson
If able to handle, pick up the cat as described for Cooperative Cat, then
settle it over your hip so the rear claws project out behind where they can
do no harm. Press the inside of your elbow and forearm against the cat's side,
holding the cat firmly against your body. Cover the eyes and ears with your
other hand.
If the cat is frightened or in pain, take precautions to avoid injury. Lift
the cat at once from behind by the nape of the neck and lower it into a cat
carrier or a cloth bag such as a pillowcase. The material must not be airtight,
or the cat will smother. Once inside with no way to see out, the animal will
feel secure and begin to relax. Transport the cat to the veterinary hospital.
If unable to handle, first throw a towel over the cat, then set a box on top.
Raise the edge of the box and slide the top underneath. The cat is now enclosed
and can be transported.
© Copyright 1998, Macmillan Publishing. All rights reserved.
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