Your post made me laugh so hard. I know exactly how you felt, before and after the visit to the vets.

Magic (Rainbow Bridge) used to put all four paws out sideways - stiff as a board - try to get that bundle into a cat carrier.

I finally tried putting the cat carrier on its end - and putting Magic in the carrier, rear end first. That worked, but only for a few times.

The part I also love, is after the examination and shots - you open the cage door to the carrier and they practically run into it.

Rascal, my large orange tabby has turned out to be a wonderful surprise. He isn't thrilled, but goes into the carrier very easily. He is so curious once he gets to the vets he is well behaved. In fact, the vet said that it was the friendliest cat he had seen all day. Since it was only 10:30 in the morning, I didn't get overly excited about the compliment. Once he gets home he looks at me with a "was all of that necessary?" look.

I find that he doesn't mind the appearance of the carrier - but he knows what those little tubes of Advantage are - and I can count on him running and hiding. Once I track him down and give him the dose - he is very angry with me until it dries.