frustrated

by chris
(baltimore, maryland)

I adopted a cat from the local SPCA over a year ago. he is EXTREMELY nervous and has NEVER allowed me to pick him up since the day I brought him home. he will come near me on his own terms and I can accept and appreciate that. I treat him with patience and kindness; talk to him softly, etc. my real problem is that I need to take him to the vet for his shots and I CANNOT get my hands on him to get him into the pet taxi/carrier. what can I do. I have literally tried EVERYTHING. (i think) Please help me!!!!

Answer by Kate
Sounds like in the future you will have to do some pet carrier training with him so that it is not so much of a truama to him in the future. (Please see my page here about travel it has the carrier training on it https://www.our-happy-cat.com/travel-cat-training.html)

As for now the poor little thing is probably just not used to being picked up. you may have to get a friend or neighbour to help if he is that difficult.
Get him one room with you and the carrier. Both of you will need to sit on the floor and allow the kitten to come to you then you will have to cover him with a big towel and grab him and quickly pop him into the carrier, towel and all and close the lid. having two people helps as one needs to be able to close the lid quickly while you remove your hands, the towel should prevent him moving to much and so he shouldn't hurt himslef or be able to jum,p from the carrier.

i know it sounds rather like a raid but for some cats who haven't been socialised properly it can be a real effort.

I also have a page about bonding with a cat it may have some more tips for you here it is https://www.our-happy-cat.com/new-cat.html

Be persistent it can be done, good luck. :)

kate

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