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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.

Cat in a Box

8 replies

pippistrelle · 07/03/2023 13:17

We sort of inherited an old (he's at least 15) grumpy cat when his owner died last year. He tolerates me as well as he tolerates anyone but he still swipes at me - with claws - quite frequently. He is the furthest thing possible from a lap cat. I have never picked him up and I'm fairly sure it wouldn't end well for me. And clearly, it's not something he would enjoy. He's off his food, eating only a tiny amount when he's usually very food-motivated, shall we say. He did the same at the end of last week, then he was sick and seemed better so I assumed he'd eaten something dodgy while off on one of his prowls. But, he's eaten very little last night and today. I need to get him to the vet. We didn't have a carrier but I've ordered one and it will be arriving shortly. Any tips for actually getting him inside it? It opens on the top, as I thought that might be slightly easier than the sort with a gate.

I'm also very fearful, for the outcome, given his age. He may not have been with us long but they make a big impression, don't they? So any stories of grumpy old moggies making their people look like fools when it turns out they're perfectly well would be very welcome.

OP posts:
LittlePinkPill · 07/03/2023 17:41

I have a very timid, carrier hating cat. No amount of treats will tempt her in. It takes 2 of us, in a room with the door shut and no escape route, to grab her and get her in. Once in she meows pitifully the whole journey. At the vets she actually freezes in terror so it’s easy to just lift the top off & then back on.
I think you would be safer to use the towel method. They really do have a way of worming their way into your heart don’t they? I hope he’s actually well and soon gets his appetite back.

Gently guide your cat in backwards/bum first. If you have a top opening carrier, lower them in bum first. If you are struggling, wrap them in a towel and back them in – you can leave the towel in the carrier with your cat. During transport, cover the carrier with a blanket to help your cat feel secure
www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/other-veterinary-advice/how-to-get-your-cat-in-a-carrier

pippistrelle · 08/03/2023 06:24

Thank you for this. He seems to have perked up a little now. Fingers crossed for continued improvement.

OP posts:
Florissant · 08/03/2023 07:28

I hope the furry fiend continues to improve, OP.

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy · 08/03/2023 07:36

Corner them and scoop up into box using door as a bum pushing shield.

Spend whole journey dealing with outraged miaows.

Spend return journey in stony silence.

learieonthewildmoor · 09/03/2023 03:05

FormerlyPathologicallyHappy: don’t forget spend next couple of days with cat Who Has Not Forgiven you.

sashh · 09/03/2023 03:26

Catnip and treats, leave the lid off and don't be scared to 'scruff' him.

Also gardening gloves are probably a good idea.

pippistrelle · 09/03/2023 09:04

After all this, he's actually significantly better, eating (although not quite in his usual gargantuan quantities), drinking, grooming, and a bit of kneading and purring this morning. So haven't had to face the daunting challenge after all. But we now have a carrier and I've left it around and put his favourite toy in it, and he's been rubbing his face on it. If the time comes, I'll be ready! (Well, readier...) Thank you all for your suggestions.

I've never had responsibility for a cat before. It turns out I'm not a natural. But it was us or Battersea and I just couldn't bear that for the grumpy, old boy; he'd hate it so much. And I worried that he was unlikely to find a new home given his age and lack of charm. And yet, despite his lack of charm, he's got me hook, line and sinker!

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 09/03/2023 20:55

I have to catch ours tomorrow for their vaccines
They are not handleable cats by any strech .

Male will walk over is at 5am when we're in bed
Female helps DH WFH and right now is sitting on the table beside me all "oven ready"

Male will sit in his carrier howling like a peacock then go rigid when lifted or slid out of the carrir .
Female will cause endangerment to limb

Then she'll smirk as I hand over money ( about £200 last year for vaccines/flea drops/worming tablets)

Good job we love the little varmints !

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