Getting an uncooperative cat into the carrier

[Dilbertian]

I've got to get MrFattyCat into the carrier to take him to the vet tomorrow morning. He does not like being picked up and does not like being in a carrier.

When he lets me pick him up he doesn't struggle, but won't tolerate it for more than 10-20 seconds.

It's a top-loading carrier and I've been leaving treats in it and spraying it with Felliway. I've never actually tried putting him in the carrier before.

He is a big fat bloke - 7kg, and it's not all fat.

Any tips?

@Dilbertian

How does a cat on Gabapentin behave?

With my cat - like she's drunk initially, sleepy and wobbly on her feet, then super sleepy and docile, then sleeps for a few hours, wakes up and back to wobbly on her feet again for a while, then starving and back to sleepy, then back to normal. I do hate it, especially when she's all wobbly but it's better than the alternative. Obviously I have to keep her in until the next day to be sure she's doesn't get into trouble.

Reminds me of the time we moved from SE England to Edinburgh, and I had the cat in a crate in the car. Given the unholy row we get en route to the vet I was braced for a bad day. In fact, much like the bomb on the bus in Speed, she seemed quite content as long as we were going at over 60mph, as soon as we slowed down, the yowling began. So we were fine until the series of roundabouts towards the top of the A1.

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

And then when they are in they sing the song of their people all the way there and all the way back.

OMG - this x 1000!

My dear departed boy was quiet as a mouse and completely chilled, didn’t faze him at all. His brother SHOUTS the whole journey.

My mum used to play music in the car on the way home from the vet so that the cats knew they were going home. She'd keep the car quiet on the way over to the vet. Some cats were fine, some would sing arias. You never can tell.

Would also add allow at least half an hour so you're not in a panic when it doesn't work the first, second, third, fourth times...

I used to just accept getting scratched to buggery. Legs in first but mine would have perfect aim to grip the top of the carrier with those back legs . Prop the carrier up so you're basically dropping them in .

Mine could just tell by the way I looked at her what was about to happen, even if she hadn't yet clocked the carrier.

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

And then when they are in they sing the song of their people all the way there and all the way back.

Oh yes. During yesterday’s trip to the vet my two sang their way through centuries of injustice and wrongdoings, the little entitled brats.

I am COVERED in scratches as well

I ignore the “singing”. I don’t try to placate etc.

It makes me smile to myself the range that he uses. It goes from full on shouting then, realising that isn’t resulting in anything, gradually works its way down to peed off, cute, mournful etc!

@Dilbertian did you ever manage to get your giant cat to the vet?

I had success on Friday, with my new gigantic top opening carrier. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MXS5L8P/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

I managed to lower the cat in (wearing gloves and long sleeves), she escaped the first time, I got her in there again and held her there somehow while I used my leg and foot to close the lid!