MNAWF
Handling and Control when Rescuing Cats
Rescuing cats is a whole lot different compared to rescuing dogs. Knowledge of behavior and characteristics of a cat is essential and a lot of patience required. It’s a lot harder rescuing cats as they are very agile, runs at the speed of light, easily spooked and their escape is ingenious! Cat Trap Cages are used for rescuing cats especially for sterilizing called Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) and, if possible, for adoption which depends on the behavior of the cat. Some are too feral (no contact with humans) so after sterilizing they are returned to their colony.
Rescuing should be done in pairs so both can look out and assist each other. Below are images of the Cat Trap Cage.
The mechanism for this is pretty simple. Food is placed on the “trigger plate”. Once the cat steps on the plate to eat which is usually wet food that is served, a clasp is released and the door automatically closes. There is a lock outside the door of the cage that must be locked to prevent the cat from escaping. A device worth investing if you’re a regular cat rescuer.
Pack an Animal Emergency Kit
First aid treatment is based on three aims and four rules.
The three aims are:
1. To preserve life
2. To prevent suffering
3. To prevent the situation deteriorating
The Four rules are:
1. Don’t panic!
2. Maintain the airway of the animal (the passage of breathing)
3. Control the haemorrhage (blood loss)
4. Contact any veterinary surgeon you know
Saving a cat can happen any time of the day and to not waste time looking for or scrambling for things, prepare a small emergency kit as standby. Keep it in the boot of your vehicle and check on expiry dates every few months especially on pet food.
The link of PETA below has a great DIY animal rescue kit. Log on to find out more.
https://www.peta.org/action/diy-animal-rescue-kit
References:
https://reachandrescue.com/world-class-animal-rescue-equipment/
https://www.mdcexports.co.uk/product-category/animal-control/
https://www.peta.org/action/diy-animal-rescue-kit/
Veterinary Nursing Second Edition – Edited by D.R. Lane & B.Cooper
This article is courtesy of MNAWF (Malaysia National Animal Welfare Foundation). For more pet care tips, visit www.mnawf.org.my