[LiteraryLark]

I've bonded with the neighborhood stray cat, Cleo. She's particularly friendly towards me and will follow me around, rubbing up against me all purring, even outside of regular feeding times. My mom is worried about rabies or other diseases, so I always wash my hands after touching her or petting her. But Cleo does let me pet her and once stepped up in my lap while I was sitting on the porch. My mom said if I take her to the vet, I can pet her as much as I'd like, and I get to say that Cleo has been adopted and that I am her owner. But I don't know how to get Cleo into the cat carrier without being scratched or bit. Cats generally hate being shoved into a box. Even my cat will fight me and scratch me up when I try to get her into the cat carrier. And Cleo is still getting used to me and being touched; we've only been bonding since a week before Christmas.

Does anyone have advice on how to get Cleo into the cat carrier without bringing harm to myself or the cat? I know there's a trick to grab the cat by the scruff and it's supposed to immobilize the cat long enough to get her into the carrier, but I've never done that before and I'm not sure if I can do it, although that does seem the easiest way to go considering Cleo is tiny and lightweight compared to the bowling ball of a cat my Evy is.

Help?

[possum220]

You could try to grab her by the scruff of the neck but you may risk being scratched and scaring her off. In taking Cleo to the vet the best way to pick her up and protect the both of you is to use a thick towel and place it over her and wrap her up in that towel. Hold her firmly as needed. Maybe have another person open the door and close it. Be confident. Good Luck.

[MickeyCheeky]

I don't have any advice unfortunately, LiteraryLark, but I think it's wonderful that you're doing this! I hope you'll be able to adopt Cleo. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[LiteraryLark]

Originally Posted by possum220

You could try to grab her by the scruff of the neck but you may risk being scratched and scaring her off. In taking Cleo to the vet the best way to pick her up and protect the both of you is to use a thick towel and place it over her and wrap her up in that towel. Hold her firmly as needed. Maybe have another person open the door and close it. Be confident. Good Luck.

Yes, I've heard of the towel method. Hopefully, my mom or dad should be able to help shut the door.

[possum220]

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

Yes, I've heard of the towel method. Hopefully, my mom or dad should be able to help shut the door.

Sorry I didn't mention this before but but put her in the carrier with the towel. You may need it at the vets and it will be good for her in the cage too. Hope everything go well.

[possum220]

How did it go?

[LiteraryLark]

I don’t have the money to take her yet.

[Raindropvampire]

I got a baby raccoon into a cat carrier using the towel method. I don't know if this will work for you but I also stood the cat carrier on end with the door facing up. This let me put the raccoon in easier and he had a harder time trying to lunge for the door before I could close it.

[piggy momma]

Definitely don’t scruff her. Yes momma cats do this but they are babies when it’s done, and only in emergency. You can do a lot of damage scruffing an adult cat.

The towel method is best, and just be gentle. She is likely to be scared, so going slowly and gently will help her feel less frightened.

[lizardlady]

Lark, if the carrier comes apart easily you can take the top off, set her in it still wrapped in the towel and pop the top back on.

[downandlonely]

I put the carrier on one end, and kind of shove my cat into it. He does not enjoy it, but it works.

I hope you can take Cleo to the vet to get her shots and officially adopt her.

[Llama_Llama44]

I would suggest putting an EXTREMELY smelly and tasty snack in there and letting her go in herself.

Given that you can't afford to take her yet, you have time to practice! Get some kind of yummy cat friendly treat, and let her go in. Don't shut the door the first few times she goes in.

If that fails, yeah towel, even better if you can borrow welding gloves. I've had the most luck picking cats up and holding one hand under their chest and holding their back feet with my other hand. The hardest part is that they will splay all their legs out when they figure out what you're doing, so you have to be preemptive and get the legs in, then sneak em in real quick...

[AzulOscuro]

I think the smelly and tasty thing is the best option for both, you and the kitty.
I would play with the kitty just before offering the trip to the vet, so he or she had practiced hunting, feeding and then (s)he will feel the need to rest and be calmed.

[lizardlady]

Lark, I like the idea of feeding her in the carrier for awhile while you save up to take her to the vet. I have to separate my cats at meal time. I resorted to putting Miette in a carrier to eat. Se now associates the carrier with food. If I leave the door open she just walks right in.

[possum220]

Could you call the vet and ask them if they had payment options? Otherwise go to an animal shelter and see if they could help out for a cheaper price?

[LiteraryLark]

Update: This is Cleo. She came running out looking for me when I got home. There is no filter in this photo, she simply couldn't sit still and this one turned out the best.

I'm transitioning into another job, and once I get situated financially I'll be ready to take her to the vet.

Isn't she precious!?

[AzulOscuro]

Yes, she is savagely precious!
Did you get to take her to the vet?

[lizardlady]

Love her face!

[possum220]

What a sweet heart. Good luck with the new job.