Positive reinforcement training (which some people know as 'clicker training', where a sound tells the animal that their good behaviour will shortly result in a treat) is used to train many animals, including zoo animals such as elephants and chimpanzees, to accept examination and treatment-and cats are quite easy to clicker train. Cats can even learn to tolerate claw clipping if the training is done well-although cats, even indoor cats, that are given the opportunity to express normal scratching behaviour will keep their own claws in order. If you do it well and keep up the training, the cat may come to consider a visit to the vet or groomer a pleasure. Even for a cat that is used to lots of different situations and has been handled a lot, there may be times when it cannot cope with an invasive examination or treatment, and a muzzle may be necessary.īut for most routine procedures, it should be possible to train your cat to accept handling of all types. For emergency treatment, especially of stray or feral cats that are not used to being handled, it may be unavoidable. The important question is when these devices should be used. Although the one below looks rather bulkier, it lets the cat see, miaow and hiss, breathe and pant. A much better design is available for those times when veterinary treatment is unavoidable. Indeed, if the muzzle becomes slightly displaced during a veterinary procedure, it may cover the nostrils and the cat won't be able to breathe at all. Some cats that are very stressed or frightened will breathe through their mouth, which is not possible with this muzzle because of the tiny hole in the end. It is likely that it will be even more frightened the next time it has treatment. It is clear from the body position of the cat in the photograph that it is not relaxed and is feeling very anxious. It may mean that it will struggle less before or during the procedure, but that may be because a terrified cat will often freeze. The idea that a cat that cannot is a less stressed cat is unlikely to be true. The one below is not one of the better ones. A muzzle may be just the thing.īut not all muzzles are created equal. Clearly, there needs to be a way to prevent injury to the cat and the people involved and in these situations. Cats react badly to visiting the vet and often need to be restrained when they are examined or treated. Although many enjoy being petted, any more handling than that and they're likely to get their claws out, as anyone who has ever tried to take a cat to the vet will know.

Mouth muzzle for humans