This article first appeared on iCatCare here.
Whilst it is understandable to be concerned if your cat has been given a diagnosis of a respiratory condition, such as feline asthma, requiring use of inhaled therapy, there is plenty that can be done to positively train for successful and safe daily treatment.
International Cat Care‘s feline behaviour experts have teamed up with Trudell Animal Health to create a series of step-by-step, reward-based training videos to teach cats comfort with inhaled therapy using the AeroKat* Chamber. Sarah Ellis is a world-renowned cat behaviour and welfare expert, Head of Cat Advocacy, and author of the bestselling book “The Trainable Cat“. Linda Ryan is a Registered Veterinary Nurse and a Veterinary Technician Specialist in both Oncology and Behaviour, Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and certified animal trainer. Together, they have created practical videos to help you train cats for comfort with inhaled therapy.
Following this 5-step training process, cats can be successfully taught to be relaxed around the AeroKat* equipment and to actively take part in their treatment, all the while enjoying the process of learning and being in control. Cats are clever! All cats can enjoy training, which can and should be a fun and bonding process for both cats and their caregivers, as they work toward training goals together. Training for medical care is no exception, so relax and enjoy the process of training for long term AeroKat* use for asthma and respiratory conditions, as you follow the step-by-step videos in order. At each step, take time and care to ensure success, always monitoring your cat’s comfort, engagement and individual abilities.
Overview video: General information on “Training your cat to be comfortable with AeroKat* Chamber use”
Step 1: “Mastering the training techniques for AeroKat* Chamber comfort”
Step 2: “Introducing your cat to the AeroKat* Chamber”, ensuring comfort with the equipment and training environment
Step 3: Cats in control! “Teaching your cat voluntarily place their nose in the AeroKat*mask”
Step 4: “Teaching your cat to hold their nose in the AeroKat* Chamber for the duration of their treatment”
Step 5: Putting it all together – “Teaching your cat to be comfortable inhaling medication”
We hope that you enjoy these videos and that they are helpful for you and your cat and/or cats in your care. We would love to hear your feedback and success stories!
Remember to always consult with your veterinary team to ensure that your cat is having the treatment they need throughout the training process, seeking help if you are having difficulty at any stage of training.
