My Pet World: How to safely get a scared cat in carrier
Dear Cathy, We have a shelter cat named Chechee, now 7, who is very skittish and frightened every moment of the day. It is impossible to cuddle with her and we can barely pet her because she runs away and hides. We would like to have her examined by a veterinarian, but we can't pick her up, let alone put her in a carrier.
All of her needs (food, clean litter box) are met. We are at our wit's end. She has bitten my wife once when we attempted to pick her up. She is not angry just skittish, and we can't figure out how to solve this issue. Please help.
- Herb, Wellington, Florida
Dear Herb,
While cats outnumber dogs in the U.S., cats often don't visit the veterinarian as often as canines do. It's not because cat owners don't care, but because even the sweetest and mildest cat can become a bit difficult when it comes time to go to the vet's office.
To reduce Chechee's overall skittishness and build her confidence in the home (it's never too late), put feline pheromone plug-ins around the house and give her lots of places to hide, like boxes or baskets, or a place to climb, like a tall cat tree.
As for getting Chechee (or any challenging cat) to the veterinarian, here are a few things you can try:
First, get a bigger carrier. Cats have a way of making themselves bigger when they are scared and trying to push them into small carriers is a nightmare for both the pet and owner. This is the moment when most people are bitten and scratched. Buy a medium-sized carrier and put a blanket or towel inside to make it cozy. (Top-open carriers are sometimes easier for cats that can be held, but don't want to go into a side-entry box.)
Second, leave the carrier in the house so the cat can go in and out as she pleases. Most people put the carrier in the garage and bring it out only when it's time to go to the vet. Cats are smart; they know the carrier means a trip to the vet. Give the carrier new meaning by feeding her in it, leaving treats in it and spraying some pheromones in it.
I know Chechee won't let you pick her up, but the next bit of advice would be to wrap her in a towel before putting her in the carrier. Cats feel safer like this, and it's much better for you if her claws and paws are under wraps.
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