Clipnosis and welfare
Clipnosis and welfare
Hypnosis is described as a state where animals are immobilized and desensitized to external stimuli. This became popular in the western world with the image of the snake in the nature that hypnotises their prey just by looking at them.
It has been seen there is a natural mechanism some animal mothers use to immobilize and transport their babies. Cats hold their babies by the neck skin to do it. Tomcats also hold females by the neck skin while they are in heat.
This mechanism was copied artificially by humans, with a “clip” in the neck of adult cats, a technique known as “clipnosis” or “pinch-induced behavioural inhibition”.
So, what is clipnosis?
This word is used to refer to the use of clips to apply pressure on the dorsal skin of the neck or other areas along the dorsal median line. In this case, the cat has some mobility, with reduced reaction to external stimuli.
Is this the recommended technique to handle cats in veterinary clinics?
On the other side, although the technique could be used in some cases, there are veterinarians and animal behaviourists that not only won’t use it but won’t even tolerate it.
About clipnosis they say there are other techniques that are less stressful, more efficient, provide more security for staff and allow the cat to feel more in control.
Does ir affect their welfare?
Experts say it´s unacceptable to hold a cat by the skin of his neck because is unnecessary and potentially painful.
Some veterinarians are worried about the ethical aspects of behaviour control and others believe it could be appropriately used in some cats.
The feline expert panel from ISFM/FAB Strongly supports that cats should not be handled as routine by the neck skin and this should only be used when there is no alternative.
Referencias:
- Directrices para un Manejo amable con los gatos. (2011). AAFP-ISFM. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 13, 364-375
- Pozza, M. E., Stella, J. L., Chappuis-Gagnon, A. C., Wagner, S. O., & Buffington, C. T. (2008). Pinch-induced behavioral inhibition (‘clipnosis’) in domestic cats. Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 10(1), 82-87.