Handling and Identification of Cats

Proper handling and identification of cats are essential for ensuring their safety, well-being, and effective management.

Handling of Cats

When handling a cat, a calm and gentle approach is crucial to prevent stress or injury.

Hold the loose skin at the back of the neck with one hand and hold him with the other, while you talk to him.

If it is necessary to pick up a cat with one hand only, place your open hand right under its chest and make sure you can lift it comfortably without clutching, so that it feels safe.

Handling a cat using a cardboard box is an effective method for safe transportation, particularly for feral, anxious, or injured cats. A sturdy cardboard box with ventilation holes ensures proper airflow and hole for head and tail while keeping the cat secure (shown in above picture).

Cat bags, also known as cat restraint bags or grooming bags, are specialized carriers designed to safely restrain cats for grooming, medical procedures, or transportation. These bags are made of durable, breathable fabric with zippers or Velcro openings, allowing controlled access to different parts of the cat’s body while keeping the rest of it securely enclosed (shown in above picture).

Identification of Cats

Cats are usually identified by the colour and pattern of their fur or they are housed singly, by a cage label.

Expanding collars may also used but these must be adjusted as the kitten grows and must ‘chew proof’.

The danger of using non-expanding collars is that may become Caught in loose fittings and consequently injure the cats.

The reliable method is microchipping, where a tiny, permanent chip is implanted under the cat’s skin, typically between the shoulders. This chip contains a unique identification number that can be scanned by veterinarians or animal shelters to retrieve the owner’s contact information.

Collars with ID tags provide a visible and immediate form of identification, displaying the cat’s name and the owner’s phone number.