Feral Cat Coalition Clinic Procedures
Prep
OBSERVE CAT and ascertain that ID strip is in place. Top of strip with ID # must be at chin with description and other info going down the throat. If an untagged MEDICAL PROBLEM is noticed, affix toe tag with cat's ID #, complete ID information, and description of medical problem to cat's hind foot.
EXPRESS BLADDERS on non-pregnant females; do males if time permits.
ADMINISTER eye ointment, move cat to shaving area.
EXAMINE CATS CAREFULLY:
- Check the genitals — neutered males have been mistaken for females!!! Check for evidence of ear-tipping, indicating cat is already spayed/neutered.
- Check for signs of dehydration (stiff, non-compliant skin); advise Supervisor and Recorder.
- Check mouth carefully for condition of teeth and gums.
- If cats have already been spayed/neutered, notify Recorder before moving cat to Ears & Vacs area
Female Cats
- SHAVE females from breast bone to pubic area using approximately six strokes. Touch up as needed for clean, wide, surgical shave. (Cats may be shaved either on or off tie-down boards, whatever is easier for the technician). Width of shave should be as wide as 3 full blade widths. CHECK FOR EVIDENCE OF PRIOR SPAY (i.e., scar or wire sutures)!
- SCRUB females with Betadine scrub followed by alcohol scrub
- SPRAY operative area with Betadine solution
- TIE females to operating boards if not yet done
- RELINQUISH cat to Transporter
Male Cats
- SHAVE or pluck testicles — CHECK THAT THERE ARE TWO!!! If only one testicle has descended (condition known as "Cryptorchid"), shave the groin area and lower stomach as well; prep surgical area as above for females and prepare medical toe tag describing the condition.
- SCRUB testicles with Betadine scrub followed by alcohol scrub
- SPRAY operative area with Betadine solution
- RELINQUISH cat to Transporter
BETWEEN CATS, spray shaver blades with blade coolant if blade gets hot. Remove blade and brush out with toothbrush if blade seems dull. Run blades in blade wash if they begin to drag.
AFTER CLINIC, thoroughly clean prep area and prepare supplies for packing. Prep Team is also responsible for cleaning clinic bathrooms; be sure to replace trash liners, toilet paper, and paper towels as necessary.
Prep Supplies
Remember to use FCC supplies only!
- Alcohol-soaked gauze
- Betadine spray
- Betadine-soaked gauze
- Blade wash
- Blades #40
- Clippers
- Coolant spray
- Eye ointment
- Paper towels
- Plastic trash bags
- Surgical tie-down boards
- Tie-down board cleaner
- Toe tags
- Toothbrush
- Waterproof pens
Back to Clinic Procedures Home Page
[Page updated November 2009]