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Manual
of Shelter Cat Care
Copyright 1999 Eileen Crossman
Manual
of Shelter Cat Care
Contents
Dedication
Purpose
Goal
Quality of Life
Responsibility
PART I - MANUAL FOR SHELTER STAFF
1. Standards
2. Feline Care Standards
3. Shelter Care Standards
4. Intakes
A. Surrender Form
B. Shelter Identification Number
C. Permanent Record Book
5. New Cat Surrenders
A. Health Record
B. Vaccination
C. Worming
6. Returned Cats
7. Scheduling Veterinary Care
8. Follow Up Care
9. FeLV/FIV Testing
10. Tattooing for Identification
11.
General Shelter Care
A. Caging
B. Shelter Cleaning
C. Individual Cages
D. Cage Set-up's
12.
Daily Routines
A. Handwashing
B. Individual Daily Checklist
C. Shelter Checklist
13. Communication Books
A. Shelter Log
B. Staff Log
14. Feeding
15. Exercise
PART II - HEALTHCARE
1. Shelter Health Care
2. Veterinary Care and Resources
3. Feline Health Care in the Multiple Cat Facility
4. Stress
5. Health Maintenance
6. Monitoring
7. Assessment
8. Basic Routine Health Care
9. Feline Upper Respiratory Infections (URI)
A. Signs and Symptoms
B. Mild URI
C. Complicated URI
D. Conjunctivitis
E. Treatment
F. Antibiotics
G. Eye Ointments
H. Complications
I. Nursing Care
10. Frequently Encountered Problems
A. Anorexia
B. Constipation
C. Dehydration
D. Diarrhea
Complications
E. Vomiting
F. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
G. Skin Problems
11. Injuries
12. Emergencies
13. Rabies Quarantine
14. Bite Wounds
15. Parasites
16. Additional Information
A. Disinfectants
B. Subcutaneous Fluids
C. Lab Work
17. Kittens
18. Adoptions
Dedication
This manual is dedicated to Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
Founding President, Dorothy Fairweather, whose deep love and abiding
respect for the felines have been a continuing source of support and
inspiration; and to all the cats we serve. Knowing that they need us makes
it possible to continue our work even in the most difficult of times. The
unique spirit of the feline could never be expressed in words.
With gratitude to all of the veterinarians who have provided and
continue to provide their professional knowledge and dedicated service to
our homeless cats. It would not be possible to accomplish our mission
without their ongoing support.
Special thanks
to Shirley Magnanti, Dr. Regina Downey, and Dr. John
Grillo, who were instrumental in founding the MRFRS and who continue to
serve our homeless cats with undying dedication. And especially, deepest gratitude
to all of the volunteers who
selflessly give everything that they can. The MRFRS would not exist
without them.
Purpose
The purpose of this manual is to guide staff members as they
provide care to the feline residents of the animal shelter. It is based on
what has been learned in five years of experience in the MRFRS facility and
contains the essentials of what works for this shelter.
Goal
The animal protection community believes in providing respectful
responsible care to our cats and recognizes that our felines are all unique
individuals, each with the right to quality of care and quality of life.
Our goal is to provide this for them while they are with us and by finding
permanent, loving homes for them, to assure that each continues to receive
respectful, high quality care for the rest of their life.
Quality of Life
We have established a tradition of honoring the right of each
individual cat in our care to the highest quality of life that is possible
both during the time that they are physically in our custody and when they
are adopted into permanent, loving homes.
Attention to quality of life issues is an on-going team effort that
calls upon all caretakers to work together to assure that each resident
receives our best efforts to provide respectful, humane care and treatment.
We recognize the right of each of our felines to receive the same level of
individual respect and consideration that we expect for ourselves.
Responsibility
Vital to our ability to provide services to homeless felines now
and in the future is responsible behavior on the part of each and every
person functioning on behalf of the animal shelter.
It is incumbent upon all involved to consciously bear in mind at
all times and without deviation that one's each and every action incurs a
consequence. The possible consequences must always be recognized and fully
considered prior to action being taken. It is the responsibility of each person
involved, from Board
members to staff and volunteers to be consistently mindful of the entire
organization that they represent. No action with the potential of causing
harm to any feline, the facility, the organization, or any person should
ever be taken.
PART I - MANUAL FOR SHELTER STAFF
1. Standards
We have established
minimum standards for care which can be
accomplished each day given an adequate number of volunteers and staff for
the cleaning and daily maintenance of the shelter environment.
Providing the level of care that is necessary each day for the 45
feline residents of the MRFRS shelter requires four humans working for four
hours each during the morning shift prior to adoption hours. In addition
to the 16 hours of labor for this effort each morning, is staffing for
supervision and coordination of the shift and staffing to manage any
intakes, health care tasks, management of any emergency or unusual
situations that may arise, and assistance with any visitors who may be
present. Any training efforts also require additional staffing.
2. Feline Care Standards
Minimum daily care
for each cat includes providing:
- clean cage;
- clean, comfortable bedding;
- clean dishes, fresh food, and water;
- clean litter pan and litter;
- individual attention and nurturing;
- appropriate behavioral intervention;
- access to time out of cage;
- opportunity for play and exercise;
- access to social interaction with other cats when
fully vaccinated;
- individual attention to special needs;
- individual attention to grooming needs;
- adequate appropriate nutrition;
consistent, accurate, and thorough monitoring for signs and
symptoms of illness or effects of chronic stress;
- adherence to infection control protocols;
- provision of health care needs, including medications, routine or
additional supplements, and treatments;
- consistent, accurate, and thorough monitoring of
specific individual needs;
- daily, consistent attention to monitoring for any change or
deviation from normal patterns for each cat.
3. Shelter Care Standards
Minimum daily general
maintenance of the shelter environment includes:
- ongoing attention to ambient temperature;
- provision of fresh air as possible;
- ongoing effort to maintain clean, disinfected and
properly stored linens;
- thorough cleaning and disinfection of any and all soiled
surfaces including all floors, counters, table tops, walls, furnishing, and
equipment;
-maintenance of sink drains;
-maintenance of air cleaners;
-maintenance of air conditioners and their filters when in use;
- safe, proper handling, use and storage of all
disinfectants, and cleaning products;
-maintenance of appliances including refrigerator, washer, and dryer.
4. Intakes
Planned new arrivals
should be scheduled with staff in advance
whenever possible. Medical and social history should accompany the cat at
the time of surrender. Vaccinations should be brought up to date several
days prior to surrender and proof of vaccination status provided.
Special needs should be disclosed and discussed. Any prescription
medication, special equipment, or specific specialized food should
accompany the cat.
If possible, familiar toys or objects of the cat's preference
should be provided to help increase comfort level during the adjustment
period.
An appointment with our Veterinarians should be arranged in advance
for examination, FeLV/FIV testing, assigning Vet. ID #, and rabies
vaccination, if needed.
Cats who arrive unexpectedly on our doorstep unaccompanied by a
human, should be looked over by staff with pre-exposure rabies vaccinations
for evidence of wounds, injuries, or signs of illness. Staff should regard
these cats as drop-off's and indicate this status on the Surrender Form.
As no medical or social history will be available, a Veterinary examination
should be scheduled ASAP.
Unexpected arrivals with a human need to be assessed individually.
If we are already at maximum census and the human seems to be reliable and
willing, they can be redirected to other possible shelters. Cats in danger
should always be admitted.
A. Surrender Form
Every new or returned cat needs to have a Surrender Form filled out
as completely as possible. The more we know about the cat, the better we
are able to provide for their needs both in the shelter and at adoption.
Surrender Forms should be reviewed with surrendering party in order
to obtain as much accurate information as possible.
Consequences of a positive test for FeLV or FIV must be fully
disclosed to the surrendering party. If they will be able to accept
immediate return of the cat to them, document that these arrangements have
been made. Be sure Veterinarian's office and shelter staff are made aware
of the situation at the time of testing so that the cat will not be
euthanized.
B. Shelter Identification Number
The shelter ID#, beginning with year followed by number, should be
assigned and recorded on Surrender Form.
C. Permanent Record Book
A page in the Permanent Record Book should be started for each new
cat and the surrender information recorded.
5. New Cat Surrenders
A. Health Record
As soon as a cat is admitted to the shelter a Health Record should
be started, including all descriptive and identifying information. Prior
vet records should be reviewed and the vaccination history summarized on
our record. The prior vet records can be attached to the Surrender Form.
Rabies certificate should be attached to our health record. If prior vet
records include a recent physical examination or lab work, copies of these
documents should be attached to the health record. Identification
information of the surrenderer should be deleted from these copies to
protect their confidentiality.
B. Vaccination
Whenever possible prior to arrival, all planned surrenders should
receive the FVRCP vaccination via the intraocular/intranasal route (IO/IN)
at least 48 hours in advance. This must be coordinated ahead of time and
should be attempted when possible to reduce the likelihood of the new
arrival developing Feline Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI).
Otherwise, the cat should receive this IO/IN FVRCP as soon as
possible after arrival. Exceptions that call for routine subcutaneous
administration (SC) of the FVRCP vaccination include any cat with shortened
or flattened facial features such as Persian or Persian cross cats or any
cat with abnormalities of the eyes or nose. Cats currently exhibiting URI
symptoms should not be vaccinated by any route. Routine SC administration
of FVRCP in symptomatic cats can be done with Veterinary approval or can be
delayed if necessary. An FVRCP vaccine should never be given within 21
days of a previous FVRCP.
Any cat who cannot be handled should receive SC FVRCP in the
squeeze cage if necessary. If the new cat is healthy and has proof of
current rabies vaccination, the FeLV vaccine can be started on admission,
unless this is also current.
C. Worming
New cats should be routinely wormed as soon as possible, with
Drontal tablets. If they cannot be given Drontal tablet, Strongid-T
(generic form) should be used.
6. Returned Cats
For cats being
returned, all prior records in the Permanent Record
Book and files should be accessed. A copy of the prior health record can
be attached to new health record or can be used to create a new health
record. Previous ID #'s should be used.
If the cat has received the IO/IN FVRCP within 6 months, it can be
considered current. Otherwise, a booster can be given for additional URI
protection. Any other vaccinations can be boosted if they are not current.
If the adoption was not recent or there are any health concerns, the cat
should receive a Veterinary examination.
7. Scheduling Veterinary
Care for Intakes
When possible, this can be done in advance. For unplanned intakes,
it should be done ASAP. If cat is not previously spayed/neutered (S/N),
this should be scheduled immediately. If an appointment for surgery can be
scheduled for the day after arrival, all Veterinary work can be done at
that time.
If it will be more than one day before the surgery can be done, the
cat should be scheduled for the other routine work ASAP. The Veterinary
examination, assignment of Vet ID #, FeLV/FIV test and Rabies vaccination
can be done first, and surgery done when an appointment is available.
If the cat can be seen immediately on the day of arrival,
pre-packaged vaccines (FVRCP, FeLV as appropriate) with equipment
(dropper/syringe) and package insert information can accompany the cat for
the Veterinarian to administer. Whenever health care staff is not on duty
in the shelter for admission, this should be done.
8. Follow-Up Care
If lab work is
recommended on initial Veterinary examination, it
can be done right away. If dental work is needed, that can be done with
the S/N or separately. If it cannot be scheduled with S/N surgery, wait at
least one week before scheduling to avoid frequent use of sedation or
anesthesia. If not needed immediately, monitor and schedule when
necessary.
Any significant health finding or special needs should be noted on
health record, including recommended follow-up, i.e.:
heart murmur;
any history of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI);
vaccine reaction;
allergies;
declawing;
congenital or acquired defect or deformity;
significant behavior issue;
specific prescription diet;
medications;
any history of dental problems.
9. FeLV/FIV Testing
All new intakes
require FeLV/FIV testing. If they have proof of
current test at prior Veterinarian, this can be documented on our health
record and further testing omitted. If they have been outdoors or in
contact with other cats since testing, the test should be performed.
Any returning cat who has been outdoors or in contact with other
cats should be retested.
10. Tattooing for Identification
Permanent tattoo
of Veterinarian ID # in the right ear is done by
some Vets at the time of surgery. If the cat does not require surgery or
anesthesia for any reason, the tattoo is omitted and should be documented
on the health record.
11. General Shelter Care
A. Caging
There may be legal requirements for all cats to be caged whenever
the shelter is unoccupied by humans. Cage placement is an important aspect
of shelter life.
In the three-level cage banks, cats must be arranged appropriately.
In the highest level or top cages, only cats who are healthy, young adults
with very easy going natures should be placed. Any cat who is very young,
impulsive, excessively active, obese, elderly, frail, fearful, hostile,
aggressive, or dominant should never be placed in these top cages in order
to avoid injuries to either cats, staff, volunteers, or visitors. Any cat
who is at risk of injury from falling or jumping cannot be housed in a top
cage. Any cat who shows excessive fear, shyness, dominance, hostility, or
any form of aggression is likely to have this attitude reinforced by being
housed in a top cage and should never be placed in this area.
The middle level is ideal for both protection and socialization
These cages are the most easily accessed by humans and are therefore the
best choice for any cat who could benefit from frequent contact or handling
for socialization, special monitoring, or medications, and those who are
fearful of other cats. This is also the best level for cats who are
aggressive to other cats.
Floor level cages can be a problem for cats who are aggressive to
other cats. Floor level housing is ideal for any cat who should not jump
for any reason such as elderly residents and those with limb or back
injuries.
Large floor cages are good for some frightened cats and some cats
who are aggressive other than to cats. They are ideal for those who need
more space for play, exercise, or would benefit from more movement but are
not yet fully vaccinated and cannot socialize freely with others out of the
cage. For the very fearful, these cages allow staff to create better
security or hiding opportunities to help decrease stress to the cat. Cats
who need to live together in pairs must have the largest cages that are
available.
B. Shelter Cleaning
Shelter cleaning is one of the most important factors in quality
care. Not only will thorough daily routines help the shelter look and
smell more attractive to residents and visitors, but the incidence of
contagious infection transmission can be significantly reduced.
Ideally, all occupied cages receive a complete cleaning and
disinfection each day. This is a goal to set when scheduling and
assigning cleaning staff and volunteers.
C. Individual Cages
Each cage should be cleaned in a structured manner, starting with
the least soiled surfaces and ending with the most soiled and contaminated
areas. This method helps to prevent the spreading of potentially harmful
materials such as bacteria, virus, or fungal microorganisms from the
dirtier areas of the cage to the entire cage.
Cages are disinfected as follows:
1. Remove contents;
2. Manually remove any spilled litter or other
material and obvious soiling from all surfaces;
3. Starting from the cage top, thoroughly soak
the entire surface with disinfectant. Apply to ceiling, walls, grate,
floor, and door. Be sure grate is lifted so entire area is soaked;
4. Allow disinfectant to remain on cage for at
least 10 minutes giving the disinfectant time to work. A minimum of 10
minutes of contact time is needed for the solution to kill most harmful
microorganisms;
5. After at least 10 minutes, reapply
disinfectant to cage in same order;
6. Starting at cage ceiling, wipe or scrub
ceiling, walls, grate, and floor. Use separate sponge or towel to wash
door.
7. When dry, reassembly cage contents using
clean supplies.
This procedure should be done daily for each cage. When staffing
is reduced, it should still be done for each sick resident's cage, and for
all new cats during their first 2-3 weeks in the shelter. This is also the
procedure that must be followed when preparing new cages for moving
residents and for new intakes. Cats should not be placed into other's
cages for moving residents, nor should new intakes. Cats should not be
placed into others cages even temporarily unless the cage has been
disinfected.
Dishes and litter pans should be emptied, washed, disinfected,
rinsed, and dried daily. When staffing is severely reduced, emptying and
refilling them is the next best option. In staffing crisis, scooping
litter pans and adding some additional litter may be the only option; but
this should be avoided. Always clean all obvious soiling from boxes.
Always provide clean food and clean, fresh water.
D. Cage Set-up
To make a comfortable home for each cat, the floor or bottom grate
of the cage should be covered with toweling to prevent their sensitive paws
from having any contact with the metal grate and so that standing in any
cage is comfortable.
Bedding should be thick enough to provide a cozy resting and
sleeping area. Enclosing 2-3 folded towels within a pillow case helps
keep the bed intact. It should be smooth, not bumpy. Cats who spend the
most time confined, such as new, sick, and shy cats should have very
comfortable beds. Cats do not like to be uncomfortable. Comfortable cats
are happier cats.
The food and water dish or dishes should be kept as far as possible
from the litter pan. In small cages where this is not possible, place the
water dish as far as possible from the litter box so that clay litter is
not scooped by the cat into the water. This causes contamination and the
water will not be consumed.
12. Daily Routines
A. Handwashing
Good hygiene is the key to helping prevent spread of disease
between shelter residents. Handwashing is the cornerstone of good hygiene.
Hands should be washed between each cat or cage handled. Hands must be
washed between all new cats cared for and between all sick cats handled.
There should be no exceptions. If using waterless "no-rinse" hand
cleaners
for this purpose, let dry thoroughly.
B. Individual Daily Checklist
A vital component in the daily routine is the proper use of the
daily checklist found on each cage. This is the primary tool used for
general monitoring of our felines' normal activities of daily living and
specific indications of illness. Monitoring these checklists allow staff
to note any deviation from normal patterns for each cat.
Volunteers and staff complete each cat's daily checklist as they
work on each cage. The supervisor should look at the checklists before
volunteers complete their shifts to be sure they have been done. Any
immediate problems or change will be evident to the supervisor and can be
brought to the attention of health care staff.
C. Shelter Checklist
These checklists are stored and used on a large clipboard in the
main room. Daily and weekly tasks are checked off as they are completed.
This allows ongoing, thorough cleaning to be accomplished. Any tasks not
completed can be assigned.
13. Communication Books
A. Shelter Log
In the Main Room of the shelter a notebook is maintained for
volunteer communication. It is kept in a plastic container to avoid
soiling. Any issues, concerns, problems, or questions for staff can be
addressed using this book. Information can be passed along to upcoming
shifts.
B. Staff Log
The staff communication book or log is kept in the office for staff
use. It serves to supplement and often replace routine staff meetings.
It should be reviewed by staff each day. It should be used to pass along
all important information and document significant issues. It is the
responsibility of each staff member to read this log and to pass along any
information needed by others in order to assure that specific feline and
shelter or organizational issues are addressed and not overlooked. Any
significant questions, problems, or concerns for any staff member should be
documented in this log and each should be addressed as they are sorted out,
answered, clarified, resolved, and followed-up.
14. Feeding
Daily routines
include providing fresh food and water for each of
our felines. Every cage lists the appropriate diet for the occupant.
Providing the correct diet is very important.
Dishes should be cleaned daily, including community water bowls.
Fresh water should be provided each shift. Cats do not prefer stagnant
water, and they need to drink to remain hydrated for good health.
Food and water storage containers also require ongoing attention.
Food jugs should be periodically washed and dried. Water bottles should be
washed, thoroughly rinsed, and inverted to drain dry every shift. They
should never be left standing full of water, as this practice promotes the
growth of harmful microorganisms, especially pseudomonas and fungus
organisms. Water jugs should be disinfected with a MILD DILUTED bleach
solution, rinsed very thoroughly, and drained dry; or they should be
replaced. They can be disinfected with a solution of a few drops of bleach
in a cup of water. Every trace of this solution must be rinsed out or the
container and its water will taste like bleach. Never leave bleach
solution standing as it could inadvertently be given to a cat.
15. Exercise
Each cat should
be allowed as much freedom as possible. New cats
who are not yet fully vaccinated must be rotated individually out of their
cages for exercise during each shift. Each should receive as much time out
as can be managed.
Ideally, the socialization room is used for individual exercise for
new cats. When this room is not available, the main room must be used.
Fully vaccinated cats can be out during this time. New cats are given time
out individually but must be closely monitored so that interaction with
others is minimized.