Fortunately, all my Fur Posse are cooperative. Some even sleep in their carriers so it isn't at all threatening to them. However, when my calico queen Puddy was alive, it was a different story. I couldn't put her in a carrier in any way, backwards, upside down or whatever. I had to unscrew one side of the lid and lower her into it and I had to take her out of it the same way because she dug her claws in and I could shake the carrier and there was no way she would come out. I wore thick gloves and long sleeves but that didn't matter much because she would bite me and knock my glasses right off my face. Ah, I miss those days, believe it or not. Good luck w/getting your kitty in the carrier. If you must, unscrew one side of the lid as I used to. It works. :)