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Getting nervous cat in carrier and to vet

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  • noelphobic
    noelphobic Posts: 2,297 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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:
    3 stone down, 3 more to go
  • pinkteapot
    pinkteapot Posts: 8,044 Forumite
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    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
    pinkteapot Posts: 8,044 Forumite
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    Do you clip her claws? If so, do a claw-clipping a couple of days before you need to box her. ;)
  • owlet
    owlet Posts: 1,510 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    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!
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  • dollywops
    dollywops Posts: 1,736 Forumite
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    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
    FreeBear Posts: 18,132 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    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.
    Her courage will change the world.

    Treasure the moments that you have. Savour them for as long as you can for they will never come back again.
  • pinkteapot
    pinkteapot Posts: 8,044 Forumite
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    dollywops - I'm so jealous! Wish our vet did this.
  • lemontart
    lemontart Posts: 6,037 Forumite
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    I have to sedate tiggy the younger my two cats as poops and throws up otherwise when travelling
    I am responsible me, myself and I alone I am not the keeper others thoughts and words.
  • noelphobic
    noelphobic Posts: 2,297 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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!
    3 stone down, 3 more to go
  • missbiggles1
    missbiggles1 Posts: 17,481 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    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.
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