Towel wraps, also known as kitty burritos, help cats feel comfortable and safe, but not confined or scared. You may see your cat wrapped like this at the veterinary clinic because it helps keep cats calm during their appointment. At home, you may find a burrito useful at times such as trimming their nails or cleaning their ears.

A wrap designed for only one person to use gives a place for the cat to hide, while also preventing the cat from moving forward.

One person cat wrap

One person towel wrap. Photo courtesy of CattleDog Publishing.

The towel is loosely placed over the cat’s head and is held in place with one hand. This wrap works well for cats that are slightly nervous but are holding still. This can allow one person to keep the cat in place to give an injection, a vaccine, or examine the rear end. However, most wraps are designed for one person to hold the cat and the other to do procedures.

Cat burrito wrap

Burrito wrap. Photo courtesy of CattleDog Publishing.

The burrito wrap is helpful with cats that like to hide. This wrap covers the cat’s head and is wrapped securely around the body. While cats are in this wrap, handlers can listen to the heart, palpate the abdomen, perform cystocentesis, and draw blood from a rear leg. The half-burrito wrap allows cats to have their head out but perform the same tasks.

Cat in a scarf wrap.jpg

Scarf wrap. Photo courtesy of CattleDog Publishing.

The scarf wrap is like the half-burrito wrap in that the cat’s head is out and allows for all the tasks as the burrito wrap to be performed. This wrap goes around the cat’s front half of the body like a scarf.

Cat modified scarf wrap

Modified scarf wrap. Photo courtesy of CattleDog Publishing.

The modified scarf wrap allows for one front leg to be able to draw blood from a front leg or place an IV catheter.

Cat blanket wrap

Blanket wrap. Photo courtesy of CattleDog Publishing.

The blanket wrap is primarily for emergency situations or to catch an escaped cat. This wrap is also good for getting a cat that is highly stressed out of a carrier.

When a cat struggles while using one type of wrap for more than a few seconds, it’s time to change to a different method.

Cats are often frightened at the clinic. Making them feel secure by using these wraps helps the veterinary staff keep your pet and themselves safe.