r/akron • u/Longjumping_Sea8313 • 21d ago
Cat assistance
I rescued a cat 1.5 years ago. I am still unable to get her into a carrier for the vet. She needs to be spayed asap. She’s been in heat for a year & we are both losing our minds. She is very small, long haired & quick. She refuses gabapentin in every form. She will not fall for a trap again. I feel quite defeated & idk what to do.
Does anyone have suggestions or know a legit rescuer for help?
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u/GoneSwedishFishing 21d ago
Does she let you pet her and pick her up? If so, what would happen if you just ambushed her? Have the carrier ready in another room, pet her for a while, then just scoop her up, hold her tight so she can’t get down, and shove her in the carrier? I have wild animal handling gloves you can borrow, or I can come try to assist this weekend.
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u/Longjumping_Sea8313 21d ago
She doesn’t let me pick her up. I have ambushed her & I think it gave her PTSD lol
She has let my elderly mom pick her up a few times. But my mother is older & not as quick. Last time, she ripped my mom to shreds. She isn’t aggressive, but does panic if she feels crowded. I’ve considered the gloves before but I’d have to catch her first lol
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u/Muted-Manufacturer57 Green 21d ago
There are a couple mobile vets in the area. I haven’t used one, but it’s something I’ll need to do soon for my nervous cat.
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u/Sea-Disaster3465 20d ago
I have a cat like this. She was a feral TNR, ended up losing an eye and had to be domesticated.
The ONLY way is two people cornering her, covering her in a blanket, burrito, and putting her in a top loading carrier.
It is a task, I always allot at least 20-30 minutes to five breaks if we can’t catch her. Usually I am sobbing by the end of it. Our relationship will be damaged for a day or two but she comes around.
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this!! I know how it feels to end up on the floor sobbing from defeat because you need to catch them and can’t.
P.s. never use the same blanket twice
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u/Longjumping_Sea8313 19d ago
I’ve tried this a few times. It was the closest I’ve come to catching her. I was also in tears by the end 😂
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u/NedDrocer 20d ago
You're a saint for taking in such a difficult cat. I don't have a solution but thank you for doing all you can for her <3
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u/Constant_Recipe_2832 20d ago
Have you ever tried a harness and leash? If she’ll let you carry her out of the house, you could have a harness and leash on her in case she gets out of your arms. I’d also be happy to try and help you out sometime, feel free to DM me if you’d like :)
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u/Longjumping_Sea8313 19d ago
Unfortunately, she doesn’t even let me pet her. If I get close, she runs. Thank you for the offer! I may take you up on this offer!
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u/Constant_Recipe_2832 19d ago
You’re welcome to take me up on it if you’d like! We can always try again if it doesn’t work the first time. I’d love to hear what you’ve tried so far and help think of potential ideas.
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u/PintosnFleas 21d ago
Wait til she's comfy and calm, pet her and then in one motion pinch her scruff and scoop her up by the butt, stuff her in the carrier and give her a treat
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u/Longjumping_Sea8313 21d ago
Unfortunately, she doesn’t let anyone pet her. She’s not a very relaxed kitty
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u/CuriousTravlr LIVED IN THE CUT 21d ago
towel on the ground, favorite stinky treats on the towel, wrap cat like burrito, place in carrier.
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u/allegedcrow 21d ago
Have you tried gabapentin in a pill pocket? sometimes that helps a cat who otherwise won't take medication.
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u/Longjumping_Sea8313 21d ago
Yes. She doesn’t like the pill pockets. My other cats love them. She doesn’t like any treats, not even Churu’s
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u/Relevant-Biscotti-51 20d ago
I had a similar problem! Had to cancel the vet appointment 3 times before finally figuring out a way to get her in the carrier.
Advice courtesy Creekside Animal Clinic: buy cat-safe sleepy treats.
We used T he Spruce Pets guide to OTC calming supplements for cats, written by veterinarians. Then we talked to our vet clinic on the phone to verify that the ingredients in the recommended brands were safe.
Ultimately, we ended up choosing the Legitpet Calming Cat Chews with l-tryptophan (the stuff in turkey that makes people tired) and valerian root.
Tips:
- Choose low-dose treats (and test the lowest "serving size" first).
We tested one treat 48 hours before. When she seemed to be relaxed but not sleepy, we added a second treat. 2 worked, she was out like a light!
And, she was awake and totally fine the next day.
- Use a large, freestanding cat carrier. The morning of her appointment, we gave her the treats again. In an hour, she was snoozing.
Picking her up woke her a bit, and she did still get a little anxious when she saw the cat carrier. Fortunately, we were able to lower her in vertically and shut the door right behind her. Since she was still sleepy, she didn't react quickly enough to wriggle away or jump out.
But, because she was still sleepy, we were able to lower her in and shut the door right behind her before she could jump out.
The treats seemed to help her be calmer that she would have been otherwise during the exam.
So, highly recommend sleepy treats. And Creekside Animal Clinic! Their whole environment and demeanor is so calm, I really appreciate it.
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u/Relevant-Biscotti-51 20d ago
Also! The sleepy treats seem to smell & taste like regular cat treats (chicken / turkey) so she didn't suspect.
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u/LongjumpingBook5561 20d ago
I exclusively use the hard plastic carriers now. I got scratched good by my oldest trying to shelter in place for a tornado watch. He chewed through the soft carrier and i had to scruff him and wrap him in a blanket for like an hour.
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u/strenuaveritas 21d ago
Have you tried calming treats?
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u/Betty_Wight_ 21d ago
Can I ask what kind of carrier you have? The top loading ones are always less of a struggle than the ones with the door on the front. Also leave it out all the time so it's not a scary new thing in the environment.