🐾 Vet Visit 2025: Low Stress Handling® for Cat Blood Draws—Keeping Calm During Care 🐱🩸

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Many cats find veterinary visits intimidating, and blood draws can be one of the most stressful parts of the appointment. Fear can lead to elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels—interfering with diagnostic accuracy. Thankfully, using Low Stress Handling® techniques can turn a potentially difficult procedure into a smoother, safer, and more compassionate experience. 🧘‍♂️

🛋️ Step 1: Preparing the Room

• 🧺 Invite clients to bring their cat’s bed and favorite treats
• 🔕 Minimize in-and-out traffic—set up all tools in advance
• 🧼 Use a non-slip mat on the exam table for grip and warmth
• 🎶 Play soft classical music to soothe ambient stress
• 🧸 Offer familiar food, gentle petting, or toys before and after the procedure

Goal: give the cat time and comfort to acclimate. A relaxed cat = a more successful visit. 🐾

🧪 Step 2: Prepping for the Blood Draw

• 📍 Choose the draw site based on comfort and medical need
• 🧴 Apply topical lidocaine before needle placement to reduce discomfort
• 🪑 Let the cat remain in their preferred position—often a sternal position works best
• 💧 Apply alcohol with gauze—not spray bottles, which may startle
• 🫧 Chlorhexidine or water can be used as gentler alternatives

The key is respecting the cat’s body language and comfort cues throughout. ✅

🤲 Step 3: Restraint That Respects

• 🧘‍♀️ Use the least restraint necessary—never stretch limbs forcefully
• 🪵 Support the cat’s whole body, especially rear legs in natural posture
• 🤝 Avoid looming over or staring at the cat, which may feel threatening
• 🐾 Use light pressure to hold the vein—not a tight grip
• 💬 Maintain clear communication between handler and blood drawer
• 🧼 Allow the cat to readjust or hide if needed

As one example: while one person gently restrains, the other may apply a lick mat distraction. Rewarding behaviors reduce anxiety and build future cooperation. 🍯

📊 Watch for Signs of Stress

Continuously monitor:

• 👂 Ear position
• 👁️ Eye dilation
• 😿 Vocalizations or resistance

If the cat shows signs of fear or agitation, pause and adjust. Every feline is different—what works for one may not work for another. 💡

💉 Why Low Stress Handling® Matters

• ✅ Ensures more accurate medical results
• ❤️ Builds trust with feline patients and clients
• 📉 Reduces future resistance to vet visits
• 😻 Makes every trip to the vet a little less scary

📍 Final Thoughts

Veterinary visits don't have to be traumatic. By using Low Stress Handling® techniques, we empower cats to feel safe, reduce the risk of injury, and promote healthier outcomes. Whether you’re a cat parent or a professional in the field, working together with empathy transforms “moment of truth” appointments into positive experiences. 🐱🩺

Need help prepping your cat for bloodwork or a vet visit? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to speak directly with Dr Duncan Houston or a trusted feline care expert today. 🐾📱