Traumatised cat has to see vet tomorrow.

[gottachangethename1]

I got my female tabby 10 years ago aged about a year old. She was in a rescue centre, with very little info about her except at the time she was Unneutered and they think had been run over before she was found by a kerb. Ten years on, she still hates being picked up, or going outside (except for a quick toilet) anyway, we don't handle her, just stroke her and she's quite content these days, having been a nervous wreck when we got her. She has to go to the vet tomorrow to have an op on her teeth. The problem is how to get her into the cat box to take her there. Last time it took 3 of us and she was so distressed. Anyone got any tips to make it easier for her and us?

[MadauntofA]

Does she like catnip? Sprinkle in the carrier - ours goes a bit loopy on it

[gottachangethename1]

Thanks for the suggestion. No, catnip leaves her indifferent. She loves cat biscuit/treats but I can't give her those as she's having a general anaesthetic.

[cozietoesie]

I think someone uses the technique of having the box open in the corner of a smallish room and backing the cat in there.

[CuppaTeaAndAJammieDodger]

the only thing I can think of is wrapping her in a towel - it might make her feel a little more secure? My streetwise tabby boy is also a nightmare to put in the box (he just puts his paws on the edge - a la the picture) but (for want of a better word) "swaddling" seems to help.

[YouAreMyRain]

Wear oven gloves and do it quickly.

My cat box you can take the lid off and it was sometimes easier to get the cat in that way rather than through the door.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Take her to a small room eg ensuite, back her into a corner with the box and put the door on when she's in.

Much less traumatic for both of you.

Poor girl had a rough start there.

[cozietoesie]

Ah. I had a feeling it might be you, Fluffy, but couldn't quite remember.

[cozietoesie]

Do you have to use an implement (eg a piece of board or similar) to back him in?

[Roddas]

If you had another day or two, I would suggest the Feliway diffuser & spray.
Im not sure how good they are.

Bless her, for DCat, hope she feels ok tomorrow.

[Fluffycloudland77]

No I use the metal door.

He stopped trusting the box after he was neutered.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

I could have written this post a year ago! Lovely rescue cat is currently happily snoring on my lap .

What we did was shut her in one small room with nothing for her to hide in and the carrier ready in the room. I was basically very firm and matter of fact about it. It took two tries to get her but when I did I just held her very firmly and put her in the carrier and quickly covered it with a blanket to calm her. I talked to her throughout the journey and vets waiting room too.

She's much better for having her teeth out. It won't be fun for any of you but you're doing the right thing.

[gottachangethename1]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have placed the carrier in the lounge with the door open and a fluffy towel inside. She's sniffed it, gone inside. Sat looking puzzled in there for a few seconds and got out again. She is very irritable as she wants some kibble, but can't eat anything till after her op tomorrow.

[cozietoesie]

So a small area with no room for escape is the key?

[cozietoesie]

You may be lucky tomorrow then gotta.

[cozietoesie]

PS - I'd echo what was said above. It will be so good for her to have that dental. (Who knows but that it might even improve her temper a tad - I'm a right grouch with a toothache.)

[Fluffycloudland77]

Yep, small room so they can't escape. Downstairs loo or ensuite is ideal.

Good luck.

[timtam23]

Put the carrier on its end, with the door facing up. Then you can pick the cat up and lower them swiftly through the door, back legs first. It's harder for them to "brace" themselves against the door if they're being posted through it.

[OrangeSquashTallGlass]

It was today wasn't it? How did you get on OP?