Abstract
The preparation of the gastric-fistula cat, including details of the design of the cannula and restraining slings, is described. Information about the training and selection of suitable animals, and their housing and diet, is presented. The problems of the long-term use and maintenance of a colony of these animals over a 7-year period are discussed and details of colony losses over this time given. The main health problem was the occurrence of a subcutaneous infection, radiating from the base of the cannula, which was due to a benzylpenicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.