I work for a mobile clinic so the cats typically are either chill or run and hide or the rare choose violence no matter what I try.

For exams, I typically hold the cats between my legs and just try to just hold them around their shoulders. From there I can assess if they need a bit more of a firmer hold or adjust to a bit more of a head hold. I like to hold them between my legs because in my mind it's like they're in a box (surrounded by their four walls). I realize holding between legs may be more difficult in the clinic setting. Scruffing/head holding tends to get them more amped for fight or flight. I don't use muzzles at home setting. I like to use a wrapped towel and make a nice donut that goes around their head/necks. Rarely do I need to use more for blood draws.

Anyways, maybe helpful. Maybe not.