Could you put a muzzle on this? Real Moment/Shutterstock

It’s not unusual to slap a muzzle on a dog if it’s being aggressive or not keen on being given an injection, but a muzzle is not part of your average cat’s wardrobe. Yet there they are online, by the dozen, in a wide range of styles and colours.

Cats are independent creatures. Although many enjoy being petted, any more handling than that and they’re likely to get their claws out, as anyone who has ever tried to take a cat to the vet will know. Cats react badly to visiting the vet and often need to be restrained when they are examined or treated. Clearly, there needs to be a way to prevent injury to the cat and the people involved and in these situations. A muzzle may be just the thing.

But not all muzzles are created equal. The one below is not one of the better ones. The idea that a cat that cannot is a less stressed cat is unlikely to be true. It may mean that it will struggle less before or during the procedure, but that may be because a terrified cat will often freeze.

Cat muzzle. Amazon

It is clear from the body position of the cat in the photograph that it is not relaxed and is feeling very anxious. It is likely that it will be even more frightened the next time it has treatment.

Some cats that are very stressed or frightened will breathe through their mouth, which is not possible with this muzzle because of the tiny hole in the end. Indeed, if the muzzle becomes slightly displaced during a veterinary procedure, it may cover the nostrils and the cat won’t be able to breathe at all. A much better design is available for those times when veterinary treatment is unavoidable. Although the one below looks rather bulkier, it lets the cat see, miaow and hiss, breathe and pant.

Air muzzle. NCGI

The important question is when these devices should be used. For emergency treatment, especially of stray or feral cats that are not used to being handled, it may be unavoidable. Even for a cat that is used to lots of different situations and has been handled a lot, there may be times when it cannot cope with an invasive examination or treatment, and a muzzle may be necessary.

But for most routine procedures, it should be possible to train your cat to accept handling of all types. If you do it well and keep up the training, the cat may come to consider a visit to the vet or groomer a pleasure. Cats can even learn to tolerate claw clipping if the training is done well – although cats, even indoor cats, that are given the opportunity to express normal scratching behaviour will keep their own claws in order.

Positive reinforcement training (which some people know as “clicker training”, where a sound tells the animal that their good behaviour will shortly result in a treat) is used to train many animals, including zoo animals such as elephants and chimpanzees, to accept examination and treatment – and cats are quite easy to clicker train.

Train from early

Kittens should be handled from a very young age and introduced to as many unusual stimuli as possible, in a kind and sensitive way, before they reach maturity. Ask your vet if you can bring your kitten to the clinic so that staff can pet and feed the kitten. If your vet practice won’t allow this, then consider changing to a practice that will.

Cats can have their meals placed in the cat basket (with the door open) and be free to use it as a bed. All these precautions together should mean that there is no need to muzzle the cat for travel or routine procedures.

My other concern about cat muzzles is that they may become the default position for some people whose cats have problems in the home, either with biting or with calling, when a queen is in season, for example. Muzzles are not under veterinary control – anyone can design, sell, buy and use them. And if misused, they have the potential to cause considerable suffering.

About The Author

Jan Hoole, Lecturer in Biology, Keele University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Books on Pets from Amazon's Best Sellers list

"The Beginner's Guide to Dog Agility"

by Laurie Leach

This book is a comprehensive guide to dog agility, including training techniques, equipment, and competition rules. The book includes step-by-step instructions for training and competing in agility, as well as advice for selecting the right dog and equipment.

Click for more info or to order

"Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love"

by Zak George and Dina Roth Port

In this book, Zak George offers a comprehensive guide to dog training, including positive reinforcement techniques and advice for addressing common behavior issues. The book also includes information on selecting the right dog and preparing for the arrival of a new pet.

Click for more info or to order

"The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter than You Think"

by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

In this book, authors Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods explore the cognitive abilities of dogs and their unique relationship with humans. The book includes information on the science behind dog intelligence, as well as tips for enhancing the bond between dogs and their owners.

Click for more info or to order

"The Happy Puppy Handbook: Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Care and Early Training"

by Pippa Mattinson

This book is a comprehensive guide to puppy care and early training, including advice for selecting the right puppy, training techniques, and health and nutrition information. The book also includes tips for socializing puppies and preparing for their arrival.

Click for more info or to order