Unable to pick up/put in carrier

[rtb]

Hi all,

Need some desperate advice regarding my 1 year old F6SBT.

I'm in the process of moving house and try as I might cannot get her into the carrier (she's hated being picked up from a very early age).

She'll hiss, scratch and squirm like her life depends on it. Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[admin]

Hi all,

Need some desperate advice regarding my 1 year old F6SBT.

I'm in the process of moving house and try as I might cannot get her into the carrier (she's hated being picked up from a very early age).

She'll hiss, scratch and squirm like her life depends on it. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Does she like treats? Can you put some food or treats in the carrier?

 

[rtb]

I've got 'til the weekend to move her so i've left the carrier with her food bowl inside with the hope she'll get used to going in there to eat!

 

[John Popp]

Not any short term help, but we've always left the carriers accessible and don't have a problem at all having the cats go in and out. Likewise, we always make for some fun time outdoors when possible while visiting the vet, or ask the vet for extra time in the exam room so we can play.

If you are still having trouble later in the week you may want to try removing the top and giving them easier access.

Last thing, don't panic and if it isn't going well give up on an attempt. They can smell you're anxiety and apprehension, once that happens you're toast. Calm, collected and a swift action to get them in the carrier and again if it isn't going well abandon the attempt.

Hope that helps!

 

[Pam Flachs]

Have you considered using a larger carrier than what you currently have? I agree with John that leaving carriers out and letting cats get used to them...giving them treats inside, putting their favorite toys and blankets, some catnip..really helps when a trip inside a carrier is needed.

Since your time frame to get your kitty inside the carrier for a move is very soon...I'd try a larger one and put her food in it. Leave the new, larger carrier out near where she hangs out until the day you must get her into it. Some cats do not like the confinement of the typically sized hard plastic cat-sized carrier. Your girl may not give as much fight to you going into a larger one...you can also stand the carrier on its end and try putting her into it feet and back end first.

I also agree that staying cool and calm while getting her into the carrier is a must...I know how frustrating that can be when they just won't cooperate! It might be easier to try and pick her up when she is napping and quickly and smoothly getting her into the carrier...

 

[Rafiki]

Are you the only one? Or do you have a partner in crime?
We have the carriers out at all times. Most of the time, my cats ignore them. Sometimes Rafiki will drag them all over the bedroom and try to stuff them under or behind the bed. But, they are used to having them around. When it comes to vet visits, one person will grab the cat and the other will grab the carrier and shove it under the cat so that he/she can be dropped in. It is never the same person that does the grabbing - it is more a factor of opportunity. But literally, it has to be done in less than 30 seconds or the cat becomes unmanageable.

 

[cmantis]

Maybe I got lucky. After picking up Neo from the airport I left his carrier out and open. He often goes inside now to sleep. Came in really handy when I had a major flood and fire alarms went off (oxymoron I know). Was able to get him inside and out quickly. Good luck with everything and the move!

 

[Eddies]

Eddies crate is Eddies toy house/treat spot...We hide treats in with the toys & he rummages through to find it...naps in it & even tries pulling toys out the sides..& Mojo defends his from all intruders...but short term use the 'Mama Catch' picking up by the scruff of the neck always supporting kitties weight, have a helper ready with the crate, they can set it up on end to make the drop into it faster... Then take the time to turn that crate into a happy retreat forever.... Mojo came with Vanessa growling, spitting, & hissing....we made my husband come out to her RV & get him out of the wire crate he was in & put him in the carrier crate...lol. Imagine how fast he came out when he gets a text saying "Honey come & see what Trish sent"...lol. Mojo was HUGE & looks more "Servally" than most F6SBTs...Thanks Trish!!!!

 

[dice]

I also leave carrier's out as part of the cat furniture scene. It's a nice hidey hole for them and an easy entrapment fur dad.!!!

When going fur general checkups or just shots, I usually take me cats on harness and leash, and a cat carrier is never used.

The kids love to go fur rides, as long as the majority of the rides don't end up at the vet, they are generally egger to do so.!!