Cat won't go in cat basket - was meant to be at the vet this morning

[xSideshowAuntSallyXx]

Cat was meant to go to the vet today for some dental treatment. I couldn't get her in the basket. She's so stressed, she peed on me and the floor. She's now firmly wedged herself as small as possible under the radiator in my study, she is rigid with fear.

The first time she was fine (previous times have been fine too). Last time I had the same problem but she didn't pee everywhere. The first time was rescheduled as the vet had an emergency. The second time I cancelled as I just couldn't get her in the basket.

Each time she is getting more and more stressed. She just has to hear the basket being moved and she's off.

Was meant to be there at 8am but they don't officially open until 8.30 so I can't even call them to let them know we won't be in. She's way too stressed and it can't be good for her getting so stressed. She's also now just had breakfast so can't have it done as she was meant to be starved.

My old cat was a stressed cat, she would have panic attacks once in the basket but I could at least get her in the basket. She had to have drugs!

My other cat is massive drama queen but at least I can get him in the basket.

I don't know what to do. I'm wondering if she now realises she's being starved and that's what is causing the issues. As she knows it's a vet trip coming up.

I'm so stressed as it's costing me a fortune(and I'll probably being charged this time), but it's also putting my precious cat under stress and I can't keep doing that to her!

@Foundationnsreas that as you drop kicking the cat ,🤣

I left the cat box out at all times and all treats were placed in the box. Breakfast Dreamies at the same time every day. Cat was suspicious to start with but over time got used to it. Going to the vet then involved Dreamies, a very firm shove and quickly shut the box before they have time to turn around.

Also, on vet day, don't put your shoes on or get your coat/bag/car keys until after the cat is in the box. They aren't as daft as we think!

I put the carrier on its end so the door is on top and shove the cat in arse first. It's an absolute pain and i always end up with scratches.

If you have someone else to help you , place the basket so the door is at the top, pick cat up with your back to the basket so it can’t see the basket and at the last minute, turn around and put cat in basket, if you have the door at the top gravity will help.

Wicker baskets are a pain in the neck really, and difficult to close once you've managed to get the cat in it.

My technique is one of surprise. Have the carrier with the door open ready. Preferably in a location where they won't have seen it. Pick up as normal, march smartly across and lower to the ground with the head facing the open door and as you do so, move the front end hand round so it is grabbing the scruff of the neck pressing downwards, and the other firmly behind the arse, just above the tail. You then shove them in firmly and by the time they've cottoned on to what's happening, you've got the door shut. It all has to be done in one swift manouevre.

There are also carriers which open at the top, and you can just lower them in arse first. It helps to have another person available to shut the lid while you extricate your hands though. With a really difficult one, wrap entirely in a towel, and dump the whole thing in like a parcel. The towel comes in handy later on to stem the bleeding from all the scratches.😁

Ha! Quite enough kicking going on without me starting...

Our carrier goes out 2 days before. Just before it’s time to leave I don’t even look at the basket or her but SHE KNOWS. Every. Time.

Top loader basket, so when they’re doing the extreme starfish position you still have a hope of getting them in.
Plus the element of surprise is crucial. There is largely no second chance.
Its so stressful on both parties!
if only we could explain it’s for their own good.