Feral Cat Coalition Clinic Procedures

Shots and Ear Tipping

REMOVE CAT from tie-down board & return board to Transporter.

CHECK TOE TAG to make sure that medical problem has been addressed by Vet; tag should show instructions for treatment (in red ink) or state no treatment necessary. If not addressed, Team Leader should return cat to Recorder, who will clarify instructions with Vet. If you notice a medical problem not yet tagged, make up tag with complete ID info and description of medical problem. Affix to cat's hind foot and return to Recorder who will work with Vet and address.

WATCH YOUR CATS! You are responsible for checking respiration and following "Respiration 101" procedures if you suspect a cat is not breathing. If there is no improvement, immediatly alert your Team Leader who will take the cat to the "crash" area (usually at Neuter Station).

CHECK HYDRATION: pinch skin together and release — skin should return to normal position. If skin is stiff and non-compliant (stays pinched) the cat is dehydrated. Alert Recorder and create toe tag with cat's ID # and complete ID information, then note dehydration problem so Recovery can treat with subcutaneous fluids. If severe, Team Leader will return cat to appropriate Vet for further instructions.

TIP POINT of RIGHT EAR by trimming approximately 1/4th inch straight off the top with a scissors (enough to be noticeable after fur grows back); adjust tip based on size of cat. Clean scissors with alcohol between cats. Immediately apply septic powder & water solution with Q-tip. If bleeding continues, apply pressure with gauze; if heavy bleeder, apply hemostat for 5 minutes. (Injections can be administered while hemostat is in place on ear).

STERILE NEEDLE should remain in place in top of vaccine bottles. FILL MULTIPLE SYRINGES. If using the herd health medical technique, needles may be reused (approximately 5 usages per needle). If you are uncertain whether a cat has had injections, SKIP IT — Ivermectin and Rabies can be toxic if repeated!

DOSAGES:

IVERMECTIN

Subcutaneous injection
Use 1 cc syringe with multiple-dose load
0.10 cc per 10 lbs.
0.05 cc for 5 lbs. & under

PENICILLIN

Subcutaneous injection
Use 3 cc syringe with multiple-dose load
0.5 cc per 10 lbs. (1.0 cc for sick cats per Vet order)

RABIES

Subcutaneous or intra-muscular injection depending on type (check label)
Use 3 cc syringe with multiple-dose load
1.0 cc per adult

MOVE CAT to Grooming Area.

AFTER CLINIC, thoroughly clean Shots area and prepare supplies for packing. Dispose of all sharps in appropriate container. Check with Recorder to see if any of your meds are required for take-home (i.e. extra IVO sent with Caretaker for severe ear mites).

Ear and Vaccine Supplies

Remember to use FCC supplies only!

Ivermectin
Penicillin
Rabies vaccine
Rubbing alcohol
22 gauge needles
3 cc syringes (3)
1 cc syringes (3)
Mosquito hemostat
Ear tipping scissors
Septic solution
Sharps container
Q-Tips (1 pack)
Cotton balls
Gauze (unsterile)
Mineral oil
Spray counter cleaner
Paper towels
Toe tags
Waterproof pens
Plastic trash bags

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[Page updated November 2009]