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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Vet trip advice

13 replies

Emmajane88 · 15/02/2022 10:42

Hello

Nervous cat owner here - the cat being the nervous one (generally!).

I have a second vets trip next week and the last time was H E L L for everyone.

We aren't in a position to handle her basically - she's very timid - although is improving.

I was just wondering about tips to catch her and get her in the bag.... the tempt into the carrier is not one that's going to work I'm afraid...

OP posts:
YeOldeTrout · 15/02/2022 11:52

Towel wrap?

thecatneuterer · 15/02/2022 11:52

When you say bag, do you mean it's not a proper carrier but one of those mesh bag things?

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 15/02/2022 12:03

Well, I actually have both. A plastic carrier and a softer bag with mesh top, yes.

OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 15/02/2022 12:10

OK, well the normal carrier will probably be easier. So, you just need to be able to stroke her. If you can stroke her then you can scruff her by the neck (and it has to be hard, but you won't hurt her).

Have the carrier prepared with the door open and the back of the carrier against a wall, so that if you push against it it can't move backwards.

Then stroke your cat and as you do it, grab the scruff securely. If you're right handed and you do this with your right hand, then it will be easier to then transfer the scruff to your left hand (by adding your left hand to the scruff and then releasing the right). With your right hand lift up the cat from underneath by supporting her bottom, all the time keeping a very firm grip on the scruff. Then introduce the cat into the carrier BACKWARDS. Keep hold of the scruff. With your now released right hand get hold of the door and start to shut it, with your arm still inside, still holding the scruff. Finally take your arm out and finish closing the door.

Easterbunnyiswindowshopping · 15/02/2022 12:17

My dd has 2 semi feral young dcats. A week of feeding them in the a plastic cat carrier each and they went in on The Day for a few Dreamies... We were astounded!!

Playplayaway · 15/02/2022 12:21

Try the carrier placed down on the flooe on it's back end with the open end facing up. It's easier to drop a cat down then push it in. I learned this from the vet. Try and get her into a room with no hiding places and be prepared with a towel and gloves.

Playplayaway · 15/02/2022 12:21

Flooe = floor Blush

dementedpixie · 15/02/2022 12:22

Definitely put them in bum first.

Original poster
Emmajane88 · 15/02/2022 12:34

Thanks all

Just out of interest, what's the benefit of backwards first? Is this so they know what's going on? Is going into the larger plastic carrier less daunting for them than a top opening bag?

Thanks

OP posts:
thecatneuterer · 15/02/2022 12:38

The backwards first thing seems to scare them less. A top opening carrier would also work, but you will need someone else to hold it still probably. Honestly a tight hold on the scruff of the neck and backwards first is the key to it all.

dementedpixie · 15/02/2022 13:02

I find that if they see where they are going they can use their paws to reverse themselves back out again

thecatneuterer · 15/02/2022 13:05

@dementedpixie

I find that if they see where they are going they can use their paws to reverse themselves back out again
Yes, and that too.
Yarnivore · 15/02/2022 13:29

Until I switched to a top opening carrier with my last cat I would upend the front opening carrier and 'drop' him in back legs first.

The key is no faffing, just hold firmly and do it!

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