Getting nervous cat in carrier and to vet 22 June 2015 at 3:17PM in Pets & Pet Care 26 replies 2.6K views

noelphobic

missbiggles1 wrote: »

We always joke that our cats call it the "Box of Death" because so many have gone in it and never come back.

Surprise is your best ally - that and a thick pair of gloves!

Was considering putting my suede gloves on, especially if I have to use Plan B.

She's only going for jabs so I very much hope she is coming back! :eek::eek:

pinkteapot

noelphobic wrote: »

It would be interesting to know how long cats remember things for. She was last in the carrier nearly 6 months ago when she first came to me. I doubt she remembered the carrier because she wasn't phased by it at all when I brought it in.

Once they associate the box with bad experiences, and treats stop working, they'll NEVER forget. :rotfl:

pinkteapot

Do you clip her claws? If so, do a claw-clipping a couple of days before you need to box her.

owlet

My cat (going back some years now) would not go anywhere near a carrier & went totally mad trying to get him in. Hissing, scratching & totally distressed.

I spoke to the vet & they agreed that I could carry him in my arms. He was so scared that he just snuggled in close to me and buried his head in my arm pit trembling BUT he was calm. I kept one hand on the scruff of his neck just in case but he never tried to run.

This worked very well for us & for him. Just an idea but I know that not all vets will allow it. Good luck!

dollywops

About 3 years ago, when we were at the vet with Benji, because he was unwell, we noticed that our vet offers home visits for routine check-ups and vaccinations. They charge £10 call-out on top of the normal charge.


For us, this is a no-brainer. Take one very long-legged frightened cat and trying to insert him into a carrier used to take at least of 2 of us, one wearing gardening gloves.


Now, I just telephone the vet and book him a home visit for mid-morning. This suits him perfectly, as during the day, he can be found fast asleep on either my bed, my daughter's bed or my son's bed!

FreeBear

owlet wrote: »

I spoke to the vet & they agreed that I could carry him in my arms. He was so scared that he just snuggled in close to me and buried his head in my arm pit trembling BUT he was calm. I kept one hand on the scruff of his neck just in case but he never tried to run.

A previous cat used to be popped in to a canvas holdall with his head sticking out. He seemed to enjoy riding the buses like this as long as he could look out the window.

If I were to do this again, I'd get a well fitting chest harness and a lead so that the cat couldn't get far if it tried to bolt.

pinkteapot

dollywops - I'm so jealous! Wish our vet did this.

lemontart

I have to sedate tiggy the younger my two cats as poops and throws up otherwise when travelling

noelphobic

owlet wrote: »

My cat (going back some years now) would not go anywhere near a carrier & went totally mad trying to get him in. Hissing, scratching & totally distressed.

I spoke to the vet & they agreed that I could carry him in my arms. He was so scared that he just snuggled in close to me and buried his head in my arm pit trembling BUT he was calm. I kept one hand on the scruff of his neck just in case but he never tried to run.

This worked very well for us & for him. Just an idea but I know that not all vets will allow it. Good luck!

How did you get to the vet's? I'll be driving so don't think that would work!

missbiggles1

pinkteapot wrote: »

dollywops - I'm so jealous! Wish our vet did this.

I've never known a vet not to do home visits, although we've only asked them when it's time to go to the great cattery/kennel in the sky.