Feline Low-Stress Handling and Fear-Free Examination Checklist
Stress-related complications in feline patients - including hypertensive crisis, respiratory distress, and examination-induced illness - are preventable with low-stress techniques. This checklist guides Fear Free and Cat Friendly Practice standards.
- Industry: Veterinary
- Frequency: Per Feline Patient
- Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes
- Role: Veterinary Technician / Veterinarian
- Total Items: 36
Pre-Visit Preparation
Prepare for the feline visit to reduce stress before arrival.
- Pre-visit gabapentin or trazodone recommended for anxious cats?
- Owner counseled on carrier habituation - leaving carrier open at home?
- Feliway (F3 pheromone) sprayed in carrier 30 min before cat placed in it?
- Carrier covered with towel on arrival to reduce visual stimuli?
- Exam room ready before cat enters - all equipment prepared?
- Feliway diffuser or spray used in feline exam room?
Feline Exam Room Environment
Optimize exam room for feline patients.
- Exam room kept quiet - no barking dogs audible?
- Non-slip mat on exam table?
- Option to hide or retreat provided during exam?
- Exam performed at cat's preferred height where safe?
- Cat allowed to exit carrier on its own terms - not dumped out?
- High-value treats offered if cat is food-motivated?
Low-Stress Handling Techniques
Apply low-stress, cat-appropriate handling.
- Scruffing avoided unless medically necessary (AAFP strongly discourages routine scruffing)?
- Towel wrap or cat bag used for procedures requiring restraint?
- Minimal restraint approach used first before escalating?
- Examination paused if cat shows high fear signals (dilated pupils, flat ears, hissing)?
- Distraction techniques used (treats, petting preferences noted from owner)?
- Examination performed as quickly and efficiently as possible?
Cat-Friendly Blood Collection
Apply low-stress blood collection techniques.
- Medial saphenous preferred over jugular when possible for less stress?
- Topical anesthetic cream applied 20 min prior for cooperative cats?
- Warm compress applied to improve vein visibility and reduce discomfort?
- Smallest gauge needle appropriate for volume used?
- Cat not restrained in a way that restricts breathing?
- Recovery time allowed in quiet space after stressful procedures?
Fear Free Stress Scoring
Score patient stress level and document.
- Fear Free (FAS) score assigned at start and end of visit?
- FAS score documented in patient record for future reference?
- If FAS 4-5: visit paused, anxiolytic recommended, or rescheduled?
- Owner educated on home stress reduction between visits?
- Plan established for improving next visit (pre-visit medication, carrier training)?
- Improvements from previous visit noted and recognized?
Documentation
Document feline handling approach in record.
- Handling preferences, successful techniques, and cautions documented in record?
- Pre-visit medication recommendations documented and communicated to owner?
- Visit consistent with Cat Friendly Practice certification criteria?
- Fear Free documentation maintained per certification requirements?
- Any adverse handling events (bites, scratches) documented for OSHA purposes?
- Positive handling outcomes noted to reinforce staff behavior?
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Why Use This Feline Low-Stress Handling and Fear?
This feline low-stress handling and fear helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinary technician / veterinarian professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per feline patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Feline Low-Stress Handling and Fear cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Pre-Visit Preparation, Feline Exam Room Environment, Low-Stress Handling Techniques, Cat-Friendly Blood Collection, Fear Free Stress Scoring, Documentation. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per feline patient. Each completion takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Who should use this Feline Low-Stress Handling and Fear?
This checklist is designed for Veterinary Technician / Veterinarian professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.