Feral Cat Coalition Clinic Procedures

Grooming: Ear Cleaning and Flea Combing

PREPARE AREA by lining tables with several layers of newspaper (can tear off top layer if cat urinates or bleeds). Fill two containers with dish soap (~20 drops) and water (~ 1 gallon) for disposal of fleas. Distribute supplies and gloves to volunteers.

RECEIVE CAT from Shots / Ear Tipping Station; ear cleaning is done first, then flea combing and dematting.

BRIEF VOLUNTEERS and demonstrate proper ear cleaning technique, flea combing and disposal (wipe off of comb above container - don't get fingers or comb in solution!), and use of dematter tool (very sharp!).

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, immediately alert your Team Leader who will take the cat to the "crash" area (usually at Neuter Station).

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 ("NT"). If not addressed, Team Leader should return cat to Recorder, who will clarify instructions with Vet. This is the last "hands-on" station for most cats (unless special care required in Recovery), and probably the only time in their lives they will be touched by humans and get a chance at a healthier life, so be sure to check them over thoroughly. 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 have Team Leader return to Recorder who will work with Vet and address. Cats with toe tags should be groomed first and sent quickly to Recovery; if fluids required, send cat immediately to Recovery. For all cats, point out tags to Transporter so he/she can notify Recovery Team Leader of special instructions.

WATCH FOR BLEEDING at ear tip; if necessary, return cat to Shots station and apply septic powder and/or hemostat for a few minutes to stop bleeding.

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 should return cat to Recorder for further Vet instructions.

CLEAN EARS - place few drops of Novalsan solution in each ear; work in gently. Elongate ear by gently pulling at the top; this enables you to clean out all the dirt and mites in the deep crevices with Q-Tips, but be careful not to poke too hard! If mites are severe, prepare toe tag so Vet can address.

FLEA COMB cats and use dematter tool if cats have fecal matter in their tails or severely matted fur; remove burrs and clean cat with Handi-Wipes if urine or dirt in fur. Check claws that are curled close or growing into the paw; notify Team Leader so he/she can trim them. Fleas can give cats worms and severe infestation can cause anemia; do as thorough a job as possible in a 3 - 5 minute timeframe. If fleas are severe, prepare toe tag so Vet can address.

AFTER GROOMING IS COMPLETE, call for Recovery volunteer (or Transporter) to pick up cat for Recovery. Do not let cats backup for more than 5 minutes; if backup occurs, start releasing cats that look to be in relatively good shape to Recovery.

AFTER CLINIC, thoroughly clean Grooming area and prepare supplies for packing. Leave area cleaner than when you arrived!

Grooming Supplies

Remember to use FCC supplies only!

Flea Comb
Dematter
Gloves
Q-Tips (1 pack)
Bowls
Masking tape
Brush
Nail Trimmer
Handi-Wipes
Spray counter cleaner
Novalsan solution
Dish Soap/Water
Newspaper
Toe tags & pens
Paper towels
Plastic trash bags

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[Page updated November 2009]