Caging a Skittish Cat

Question
Hi,

We have a 8 yr old female cat that we adopted about 7 years ago.  Somebody had previously adopted her as a kitten and brought her back to the shelter after one year.  I believe she must have been brought in originally as a feral kitten as she displays all of the behavior you describe for a feral cat. She has always been skittish and spends the day hiding in the most remote corner of the house. She will come out at night and socialize a bit, but all interaction with her is on her terms. She will go into hiding for days when we have houseguests and is especially afraid of males. Despite all this, she's generally entertaining enough and not a bad pet.

The trouble comes when we need to get her to the vet. As soon as she realizes we intend to put her in the cage, she hides. If we try to extract her from her hiding place, she turns absolutely vicious - clawing, hissing, biting like a truly wild animal. It is very traumatic for both of us. Do you have similar experiences with your cats and if so, is there any way to reduce the trauma? She has another appointment in two weeks and I am seriously considering whether I need to buy a animal control noose for both of our protection.  

Thanks.

Mike

Answer
Mike,

That IS a frustrating problem! No, I wouldn't get a noose, those can cause serious harm to a cat.

What I do is have a top opening carrier, or put a carrier on it's end with the door on top. Have it nearby. When the cat is eating or where you can pet it, snatch it up by the scruff of the neck and drop it butt first into the carrier. You have to be quick though before the cat realizes what you are doing. If you have to leave the cat in the carrier overnight before the appointment so be it. It will be fine. You usually get one chance to catch the cat that way so do it right and fast the first time

You may want to talk to the vet about getting a tranqualizing pill that you can put in her food the day before the appointment to make her easier to catch.

Some people will feed their cat inside the carrier each time it eats until it gets used to going in it. Then quickly shut the door. If that is the only place the cat can eat she will go in there but it will take awhile for her to calmly do it.

You can try Bach's Rescue Remedy. Please who use it swear by it. You can get it at a health food store (people use it too) or online.
The remedy can be given by mouth, which is the most effective method. Only a few drops (4-8) are necessary, and need not be swallowed, but only must contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). You can also add a dropper-full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can add a dropper-full to a spray bottle filled with spring water, and use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can even put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it--the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way.

DOSAGE AND TIMING
Just a few drops (about 4-8) at a time are sufficient. For serious or acute conditions the remedy can be given as often as needed, even every few minutes. For most behavioral problems, we recommend 3-4 times a day for 2-4 weeks. If the response to the remedy is adequate by that time, you can begin to wean off by decreasing the frequency of administration. You may need to add a dropper-full to drinking water or give once a day long-term for some problems.

Additional websites for information:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://www.petsynergy.com/flower.html
http://www.oes.org/page1/Bach-Rescue-Remedy.html
http://www.nelsonbach.com/BFE_for_pets.html

Tabbi