What is a Restrainer Container?
A Restrainer Container is a special carrier and cage with an internal moveable panel that can be pulled toward one side restricting the space available to the cat rendering it still. The cat is held in this position for a very short period of time in order to give medical treatment. Once done, the panel is moved back giving the cat the full space of the carrier once again. Using this device means the handler does not have to come into physical contact with the cat. Retrainer Containers are particularly useful for the management of feral and street cats within TNR programs.
Why use a Restrainer Container?
Cat bites and scratches are extremely painful and can be dangerous. Pasteurella multocida, streptococci, and fuciform organisms can be found within the cat’s oral cavity and transmitted through bites. Bartonella henselae can cause Cat Scratch Disease (fever) when scratched by an infected cat. Any injury to a handler must be treated quickly and effectively to prevent zoonotic disease transmission. Whilst those of us involved in animal care and welfare are constantly working to achieve more in terms of ‘fear-free’ handling of cats there will always be instances where the use of a Restrainer Container is the only sensible option to provide necessary treatment whilst avoiding the above-mentioned injuries to the handler.
When should a Restrainer Container be Used?
We would always recommend using a Restrainer Container when examining feral or street cats who will not tolerate human handling. Research has given us a greater understanding of the physiological effects of restricted movement on animals and we now know that restraint incidents will affect the life and future behaviour of the animal*. With feral and street cats, we would hope that they would only require one trapping episode in their lifetime (specifically to be neutered) so using a Restrainer Container would be a single event. However, because pet cats will require regular visits to the vet throughout their lifespan, careful consideration must be given to their handling and use of a Restrainer Container:
- Have alternative means of treatment been explored? Perhaps there is an Easy to Give oral medication the cat would take in its natural environment.
- Where is the best location for the procedure? Busy prep rooms will only increase stress levels.
- Would the use of a pheromone application in the Restrainer Container or room 15 minutes before treatment be beneficial?
- Are medications and spares drawn up? Having these to hand will reduce the holding time should a needle bend or other accident occur.
- Who are the best qualified and experienced handlers for the procedure? Identifying the correct site for injection can be difficult once the cat is in the restrained position and the cat’s body size, age, and illness will all affect the amount of pressure required.
- What if it goes wrong? Prepare for any complications and stop if the cat becomes overstressed or may injure itself.
Step by Step Guide for Using a Restrainer Container
Practice using a Restrainer Container with a colleague using your own hand or foot to appreciate the sensation and pressure. You will discover moving too fast or roughly will result in discomfort!
Procedures are best carried out on an examination table without any bedding or paper lining inside the cage as this can get caught in the moveable panel.
With the moveable panel flush against the back of the cage, slowly, gently, and evenly pull the panel toward you edging the cat closer. Once the cat is in the desired position, squeeze the handles together using one hand. This will prevent the panel from moving and will keep the cat still. With your free hand, you can identify the appropriate muscle and give an IM injection. If you are giving a topical medication, spot-on, or SC injection, the process is best done with two people. One handler can move the panel and squeeze the handles together, whilst the other person is free to move around the cage so that the medication or injection can be applied accurately and safely to the cat. Once the treatment has been given, release the handles and then gently, slowly, and evenly push the panel to the start position flush against the back of the cage. The whole restraining procedure should only take a few seconds.
Test your knowledge:
Question: Which image shows the correct use of a Restrainer Container?
1. Incorrect. The restrainer is being used on its side and the panel pulled upward. The handler is unable to see the cat properly from above, using a foot to apply pressure is unnecessary and could damage the cat’s spine, being raised off the ground could force and trap the cat’s paws or limbs through the mesh and injecting from above could make identifying the correct muscle mass difficult and result in injury.
2. Incorrect. The cat has been placed on the wrong side of the panel. This would make it very difficult for the handler to squeeze the handles together to lock the position. If the cat can wriggle and move about, it may sustain injury, the needle may bend and/or come away from the syringe making it very difficult to know if the correct dose has been given in the right location.
3. Correct. The handler can clearly see the position of the cat and has one hand squeezing the handles together to keep it in the correct position. His other hand is free to give the injection. Another good tip – use of a cover for Restrainer Container can help keep the cat calm.
Want to find out more?! Watch this space for our ‘How to use your Restrainer Container’ coming soon!
*Murray E Fowler DVM