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

• 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

• 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

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