Who uses Wrapsio and why

According to the results of a survey(1) published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (April 22), it’s clear that many cats requiring essential medical treatment are sadly not receiving it.

The research, which looked into the behaviours of 1724 cat owners worldwide, found that over one-third failed to administer the whole course of medication to their cat. 

More than a quarter ceased treatment before the course had been completed, and around a fifth of owners stopped attempting to give their cat medication after just a few doses.

When questioned, owners reported one of the challenges is potential human injury. For example, 77.0% said that their cat(s) had tried to bite or scratch them when medicating. 

This was certainly the case with Roz Doree (72 of Surrey), who struggled with her two cats’ regular parasite prevention and other medications. 

Despite trying different formats designed to be administered by the owner at home, tablets, capsules, liquids, pastes and ‘spot-ons’ drops, they all proved problematic – tablets, capsules, liquids, pastes and ‘spot-ons’ drops. 

With the onset of the pandemic, vets had to dramatically alter the way they worked and the option to have a home visit, or a non-essential appointment was out of the question. 

Ros said, “When my cats needed treatment, I became used to using my thick gardening gloves for protection. This worked to a degree, but the cats would always fight back, and I often ended up getting scratched anyway. 

When a Wrapsio was suggested to me, I was very sceptical that ‘wrapping’ my cats would make any difference to their behaviour.” 

The use of light pressure on animals’ bodies has shown an anxiety reduction and promotes relaxation. Using a Wrapsio as a swaddling blanket can replicate this calming effect.

For extra protection, Wrapsios are lined with Pro-Tex. A soft but high-performance material that offers outstanding cut, tear, puncture, and ripping resistance.

This may seem extreme, but research shows that 30% of patients who sustain a cat bite to the hand require hospitalisation. 

Ros continued, “I was amazed! It was easy and fast to Wrap the cats, and it definitely had a calming effect on them. Their paws (and claws) were neatly swaddled up, and they could have their treatments without any drama. It made what is usually a very stressful event bearable”.

While trying for a means of medication that requires the least physical intervention (some examples here), gentle restraint with a Wrapsio will be the best option in some instances. This means that no cat needs to go without necessary medical treatment – safely and calmly. 

REFERENCE

Taylor, S., Caney, S., Bessant, C., & Gunn-Moore, D. (2022). Online survey of owners’ experiences of medicating their cats at homeJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 1098612X221083752.

Babovic, N, Cayci, C, Carlsen, BT. Cat Bite Infections of the Hand: Assessment of Morbidity and Predictors of Severe Infection. Journal of Hand Surgery, 2014 p. P286-290. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.11.003