What is an important consideration when performing blood draws on cats?

Using a calm technique when performing blood draws on cats is crucial because it helps minimize stress and anxiety in the animal. Cats are particularly sensitive to their environment and the handling they receive, and stress can lead to hemoconcentration, where components of the blood (like red blood cells and proteins) become artificially elevated due to reduced plasma volume. This can interfere with diagnostic tests, leading to inaccurate results. A gentle and calm approach not only keeps the cat more at ease but also facilitates a smoother procedure, making it easier for both the veterinary technician and the animal.

The other options focus on practices that are less suitable for ensuring a safe and effective blood draw in feline patients. Drawing blood only from the tail is not a standard or effective method, as blood can be drawn from various sites, including the cephalic or jugular veins, which are much more common and efficient locations. Avoiding restraints altogether can compromise safety for both the animal and the veterinary staff, as a certain level of restraint is often necessary to prevent the cat from moving suddenly. Lastly, performing the procedure quickly without regard to the cat's demeanor could increase the risk of stress and injury to the animal and might lead to complications or failure of the procedure due to poor cooperation from the cat.