Getting cats into carriers.

Snoof · 06-03-2006, 06:31 PM

I thought about that, Donna, but I've used treats specifically as a tool to build his trust and I'd really hate to use them to get him in there.

I guess I can try gently herding him in, and then if it doesn't work I can (on Wednesday, if worst comes to worst) try the breakfast-in-the-carrier thing later

Donna · 06-03-2006, 06:33 PM

Can you pick him up yet? If you can you could wrap him in a towel so as to avoid being shredded and place him in backwards so he cannot see what is happening (or cover his eyes with the towel).

smudgley · 06-03-2006, 06:35 PM

SNOOF, CAN i MAKE A SUGGESTION, THAT BREAKFAST IS LEFT UNTIL AFTER YOU GET BACK FROM THE VETS! whhops caps lock

Why not try & get him in as suggested with treats/ his fave blanket. But I wouldn't feed him prior to his vet trip.
We all know what happens when there's food & nerves & travelling. (YUK)

smudgley · 06-03-2006, 06:37 PM

Snoof. Do you have a brave friend who could get him in for you? As you are just building a bond with him, so as not to "fall out with him" over the issue of getting him in. If someone else did it, it may not get in the way of your bonding so much. (Just remember you've got to get him back in there at the vets though)

Mags · 06-03-2006, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smudgley

. (Just remember you've got to get him back in there at the vets though)

I have always found that Cassie is difficult to get into her carrier but after the vet has finished she dives back into it like nobody's business!!!

Snoof · 06-03-2006, 07:13 PM

Smudge, it would have to be Matt. I'm going to try luring him with some treats and some gentle herding and hope for the best, I think... Carrier's next to his box, squeaky clean with an old towel at the bottom.

It's not as good as having his own old stuff in there, but that'd require me to either empty his box now or shove the cuddlies on top of him once he's in... I think he's been in it already though, so it ought to smell somewhat like him...

Donna, I still can't pick him up (or rather, I haven't tried yet) but as his main issue is with my body I wouldn't anyway. Maybe Matt could do it but I'm the person Ninja trusts the most and that's still pretty tenuous so I'd happily sacrifice his trust in Matt for the sake of continuing to build his trust in me

I'm cruel that way

And Mags, I agree 100%! Trouble: getting cat into carrier at home, getting cat out of carrier at vet's. No trouble at all: getting cat into carrier at vet's, getting cat out of carrier at home!

I used to have an 18-lbs cat (on a small frame - someone else fed him really fatty foods but he was miserable if he was kept inside and she wouldn't stop, very nasty situation) and getting him into the carrier often consisted of standing the carrier on end and then letting gravity do the work

But once he was out at the vet's there was no more trouble.

I'm hoping Ninja will not hate me until we get back home, so I can give him some comfort while we're at the vet's...

Snoof · 06-03-2006, 09:37 PM

He's currently sitting in it and seeming quite happy. If I'm at all lucky he might be in it when I get up and I'll be able to just close the door, ring for a taxi and trundle off... But I won't hold my breath

dandysmom · 06-03-2006, 10:17 PM

I always feed mine breakfast first, having smuggled the carrier downstairs while he/she was eating, and then as they were having a wash-up, throw a towel over & pop in so quickly they didn,t have too much time to object violently. Have never had a problem with vomiting in the carrier. But with Ninja's trust issues, I think it might be better if Mike could do it for you..."good cop. bad cop routine". Whatever you do, he's going to be upset & that may be the easiest way for him...?? What do you think?

dandysmom · 06-03-2006, 10:27 PM

Sorry, just realized I nsaid Mike when & meant matt

And the point about up-ending the carrier worked with my Siamese, letting gravity work, but the others I just put in quickly facing back so I could close the door before they could turn aroung. Eagerly awaiting the results...

Snoof · 07-03-2006, 11:01 AM

Well, I tried gently herding him into it and he ran away. He's back now, to eat his breakfast, but hissing and legging it when I come near. I think I'm going to have to give it up as a bad job for today and try again tomorrow with his breakfast in the carrier.

I did try to block off the hole he goes out through, but he saw through me and ran...

Sigh.

I feel like we've taken a grillion steps backward and he isn't even in the box...

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