Annamaria of Riverside writes about her cat, a former feral kitty, will not cooperate when it's time to visit the vet for a check up. Annamaria has had difficulty getting the unruly feline into a carrier.
Crazy Cat Lady writes:
Wow. I totally know how it is to have a cat who doesn't like to be in a carrier! They spin in circles, claw at the door, try to push themselves out those tiny metal bars. You are right to be concerned about how to try to make her comfortable in it.
I have a couple of ideas:
My first thought is to have a mobile veterinarian come to your house and examine her and give her a yearly checkup. There are a couple of mobile veterinarians in Riverside. It's probably a little more expensive for a house call but then it would be less stress on kitty (and you!).
Another thought is to ask your vet for a mild sedative to put in kitty's food prior to the visit. You must be very careful with this option and follow the directions very carefully.
I have one cat who especially freaks out in a carrier. I got a harness for her and then if I need to take her to the veterinarian I ask a friend to drive us so I can hold her in my arms. But that may not work for you since your kitty might still be somewhat feral and it would be taking a risk if she somehow got out of your arms.
Does your cat go in the carrier okay, but then gets upset when you put it in the car and start to leave? If you can get her, in the carrier, as far as in the car without being too upset, you can throw a blanket or towel over the carrier for the length of the trip (and maybe even into the veterinarian's office). Cats seem to feel more secure if they don't have too much external distraction and something covering the carrier would take care of that.
Linda
The Crazy Cat Lady
Inlandsocal.com/PETS
