Problem getting cat into basket

[Triumph Man]

Hi all, my little cat, Craig David, is generally hesitant at getting in his basket to go to the vets, and generally lets out a cry, but he is generally very good once in there, sits well, and is well behaved at the vets.

Last night, however, he shat himself once in the basket (handily as we set off in the car - it stank!). The Vets cleaned him up, but I just wanted to know if this is a sign that he was overly stressed? (and if there is anything I can do to make it easier to get him in the basket) our procedure to get him in was the same as ever, and he has never done this before.


Oh and gratuitous pic!

Edited by Triumph Man on Friday 20th December 12:40

[Zirconia]

Ours knows when the cage is rattled, shoes and coats on etc. meaning a snatch and grab with all needed set up before hand. We get her in with as much speed as possible with no warning or becomes a stressed hide and seek. She tends to settle I think with the quick in the cage but one time the chase resulted in her panting all the way. She is 17 or 18 though. She will poo and wee either way.

The other one will hide but accepts his lot once in and no mess. He gets the snatch and grab as well.

Also, puppy pads for the cage/basket and take a spare. Easier to bag it at the vets. We take an extra bag with a bin liner and loo roll just in case.

[Jasandjules]

Every week or so get the basket and place it somewhere he can see it then feed him near it or in it if he will jump in for treats....
Get him used to it without having to go to the vets...

[blueg33]

We cant even say the word VET or even V E T, or the cats will be gone. We have to shut the catflap before getting the carriers out.

If your cat gets stressed in carriers spray some Feliway in to the carrier about 10 mins before you put the cat in. That will help with stress levels.

[Triumph Man]

Thanks for the advice chaps, like I say although he howls a bit normally he will accept what he has to do! Just this time he went a bit further... I'll try leaving the basket out. Maybe if I try leaving it higher up somewhere with a blanket in it he'll see it as a little hiding place!

[OriginalFDM]

We have one of these and it’s a lot less traumatic than the traditional front loading ones. You can just pick up, drop in and close the lid.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curver-Carrier-53cm-37cm-...

Of course it won’t stop him defiling it with faeces if he’s inclined to do so :lol:

[blueg33]

OriginalFDM said:

We have one of these and it’s a lot less traumatic than the traditional front loading ones. You can just pick up, drop in and close the lid.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curver-Carrier-53cm-37cm-...

Of course it won’t stop him defiling it with faeces if he’s inclined to do so :lol:

Ours just spread their legs so you still cant get them in!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTUruS-lnEo

jump to 6m37s

[Zirconia]

We have the top loader, tilt puss head first a few degrees and the shoulders follow. Same for the front loader. Turn it on it end for a top loader. Re arrange if you dare on the level.

[Munter]

OriginalFDM said:

We have one of these and it’s a lot less traumatic than the traditional front loading ones. You can just pick up, drop in and close the lid.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curver-Carrier-53cm-37cm-...

Of course it won’t stop him defiling it with faeces if he’s inclined to do so :lol:

I took the lead from cats protections local squad of stray collectors and got one of this type of "top loader".
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MDC-Large-Small-Animal-Ca...

Although the ex took it along with the cat when they moved out so only got 1 or 2 tries. But it was a lot easier than the traditional front loading type.

[Steven_RW]

Triumph Man said:

Hi all, my little cat, Craig David, is generally hesitant at getting in his basket to go to the vets, and generally lets out a cry, but he is generally very good once in there, sits well, and is well behaved at the vets.

Last night, however, he shat himself once in the basket (handily as we set off in the car - it stank!). The Vets cleaned him up, but I just wanted to know if this is a sign that he was overly stressed? (and if there is anything I can do to make it easier to get him in the basket) our procedure to get him in was the same as ever, and he has never done this before.


Oh and gratuitous pic!

Edited by Triumph Man on Friday 20th December 12:40

I don't think this sounds excessively stressful. All the advice about relatively short and sharp is the same advice as I would give. I never force them in the box, but I pick them up with authority and offer them directly to the opening and then usually slink in with tail between legs.

Once in the last ten years one of them did a poo in the cage in fear or protest but it is not the norm.

I speak to them kindly when they are in the box in the car and they tend to just continue mewling regardless but I just keep speaking to them so they recognise my voice.

The box with the removable lid is useful as you can just extract them with ease as well.

RW

[Turn7]

There’s a PH legendary thread about this .....

[Shaw Tarse]

Turn7 said:

There’s a PH legendary thread about this .....

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Turn7]

Shaw Tarse said:

Turn7 said:

There’s a PH legendary thread about this .....

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Ta!
Was on phone and couldnt find it....

[Chris Stott]

Shaw Tarse said:

Turn7 said:

There’s a PH legendary thread about this .....

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Gretchen]

MX-5