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Lillycat has a problem getting her kitties into the carrier (and I am not just referring to their girth!)...and found the top loading soft sided carriers a far cry easier to deal with, I don't know why.
And, I agree with the post that talked about getting the kitty into a room first, then bringing out the carrier. Just like us, once we are already panicky, we just get worse! Make it QUICK~~ good luck.
The day before an appointment, I put the carrier out with the door open. I put some catnip and some treats in there and let them explore. I only have one who really doesn't like the carrier, but I just put her in backwards first.
I was just talking to a friend last night who had this same problem. I've only tried putting Tubby in the carrier once or twice, and found out real quick it wasn't a real good idea. The thing that saved me was the fact that he doesn't mind the collar and leash. Instead of fighting to get him in the carrier, I ask him if he wants to go outside and he thinks he's going on a grand adventure. :) I suggested trying this to my friend, and she just laughed and said she'd probably have the same results trying to put a harness on the kitty, but I don't know. So this might be an option for those who have a hard time getting their kitties in the carrier.
Of course, then there are other problems like what does kitty do when you actually get to the vet, and if kitty is going to act wild while there, it's best to be in a carrier for the other pet's sakes and so no one gets clawed. Tubby doesn't like the vet, but he doesn't mind exploring the waiting room and actually likes greeting other pets, so he's not a problem in this manner either. (How did I ever end up so lucky as to get him? ;) :))
When I took Peanut to the vet on Saturday, there was a girl there waiting to pay. She had a gray kitty (reminded me of Neko) in her arms very loosely wrapped in a towel. Actually the towel wasn't even necessary. The kitty was held like a baby (tummy up) and she just looked around at everything and meowed now and then. The girl said she (Kitty) was a talker and that she wouldn't try to get away at all. She just layed in her mommy's arms and seemed so relaxed. It was really cute. Too bad we can't all have kitties that are that easy to take to the vet. :) :D
Oh, and to answer the sedative question....
When I moved T & P from my Mom's house near Green Bay, WI to my new place in Chicago (3 hour drive), I gave T & P a sedative. I don't remember what the name of it was. The reason I did this was because Peanut is terrified in the car and I thought it would make it easier on her, and at the time Tubby was a meower in the car. He liked to look out the windows when I would slow down or stop, but after a while he'd settle down and just sit in my lap. He was trained to the car because when I first got him I would visit my mom about once a month and I'd always take him along (30-45 minute ride at that time). So the reason I gave it to him was because I thought if I had to listen to him for 3 hours I'd go crazy.
Well, for Peanut it worked perfectly. She was calm cool and collected in her carrier and the next day was perfectly comfortable in the new apartment. Tubby, on the other hand, was a nightmare. I don't know if the dose wasn't enough for him (he's not quite twice the size of Peanut) or what, but it didn't knock him out, it just made him all dopey. So all the way to Chicago I had this cat who couldn't stand up, trying to look out the windows, trying to climb from the front seat to the back - and back again, meowing horrendously the entire way!!! I tried to get him to settle down in my lap and he would for about a mile, then it would be back to the windows, stumbling and fumbling the whole time. It was really rather aggravating, but mostly I felt bad for him. All it probably did for him was make him more confused which is why he wouldn't settle down. We all survived though, and once it wore off he was fine.
So my only suggestion would be too make sure if you're going to use a sedative, make sure the dosage is enough. What I've already done to weigh the cats is first of all I get on the scale without the cat (and ignore the number :rolleyes: ) then I get on the scale holding the cat and subtract. The number may not be right on, but it is somewhat accurate.
Good luck, and please let us know how it goes. He's such a handsome boy. :)
I forgot to mention...
When I put Noah in his carrier we start out in the closet. The carrier is right outside the door with it's roof open. (His carrier also has a top loading door.) I got him in the closet and pet him and gave him treats, so he's totally calm. Noah LOVES to burrow, so the towel I put over him are welcome. :) I wrap him in the towel and place him in his carrier. He had no clue HOW he got in there. :)
With Cirrus, maybe that's what you need to do. Distract him in a small room and do it quick, even from behind.
i just wondered how necessary it is to have their nails clipped, i have never done any of my cats and dont know of many except show cats that have them done, so i have to ask do you have to do this? if not would save stress for you and the cat, but up to you for sure.
The reason that I do it is because my cats are indoor only. It's also to prevent them from accidently clawing me and from doing any more damage to my furniture etc. I didn't have it done in the beginning and my furniture has really paid the price. They now have 3 very large cat trees which they love to use but sometimes they just want to claw at the couch or recliner. I would also clip their nails myself if I could but they won't let me.Quote:
Originally posted by carole
i just wondered how necessary it is to have their nails clipped, i have never done any of my cats and dont know of many except show cats that have them done, so i have to ask do you have to do this? if not would save stress for you and the cat, but up to you for sure.
right thanks for putting me straight on that, yes well if they are indoors i can well understand u having to do so, my curtains paid the price last night lexie has torn them, well good luck, hope the next visit is not so traumatic cheers carole
let me tell you another reason to have cats nails clipped. If you actually look at them they grow in a curve, back toward the foot pad. As a groomer I have actually seen cats nails that were left to grow so long that they grew right back INTO the flesh!!! Not something that you want to happen. Very painful and a place for infection to start.
(this also happens in dogs, especially their dewclaw)
well i did not know that, i have never experienced it with any of my cats over the years but i will for sure keep an eye on them, i would hate that to happen to ash or lexie, thats what i love about this site u get some really neat info and ideas etc thanks for the advice, will keep it in mind.