I am currently catsitting a Bengal cat that is a 10 yrs old fixed male. He's 15 pounds. He is absolutely nasty and won't let me pick him up. I have to bring him to the vet and I don't know what the best method to get him into the carrier because he will hiss and swat at me when I get close to him. I have a petite frame and quite honestly, this cat scares the bejeezus out of me. I have also been told that when placed in a carrier, the cat gets nervous and has no control over bodily functions. I'm really not looking forward to having to uproot the kitty, but it's gotta be done. Any ideas, suggestions on a safe & non-traumatic method (for both myself and the cat)?
2006-12-21 04:00:17 · 8 answers · asked by bosnjgal 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
I have no way to lure the cat into the carrier as he has barely touched his own food and we have tried feeding him treats (a whole bunch of varieties), small piece of cheese, and even plain cooked chicken. This cat likes nothing
2006-12-21 04:14:08 · update #1
I was told by his owner that he has "accidents" when placed in a carrier. He was actually brought to my place sitting on his owners lap in the car, no carrier. Also, I have tried bonding with the cat. I sit and I pet him and he'll be ok for a while, but then it's a complete 180 and he starts hissing and swatting his paws. I have no problem when he is nice, but it's when he takes a whack at me and lunges towards me that I get scared by him. Other than that, he's a big ol' teddy bear.
2006-12-21 07:15:35 · update #2
My piano teacher used to have to put a blankie over her cat, completely over, and then scoop the darn thing up and then "empty" him into the carrier.
And yes, if they are ticked off enough, they will shoot and spray all over the carrier.
YUCK!
2006-12-21 04:03:12 · answer #1 · answered by Munya Says: DUH! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bengals are known for somewhat nasty temperaments. I trap a lot of cats and KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is IRRESISTIBLE to cats! It needs to be still hot (or at least warm, if at all possible) and fragrant. Put a towel down in the carrier (in case he does soil himself - generally out of fear, not anger) and put a trail of small chicken pieces leading into the carrier. Not too much - you want him to want more and so go into the carrier. A fair-sized piece (no bones!) in the very back of the carrier should keep him busy for a minute, long enough for you to shut the carrier door. I would NOT tranquilize a cat I was catsitting as you can never tell how a cat will react to tranquilizers. If the cat has a terrible reaction and needs to be hospitalized you're going to feel awful and your friend is going to be ticked off, so try the chicken first. Good luck!!
2006-12-21 04:40:50 · answer #2 · answered by lisa r 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all: Cats hardly ever "lose control over their bodily functions" in a carrier. The opposite is true. We travelled with our cats several times 10-15 hours in the plane, no accidents whatsoever. Never. Cats are extremely clean animals. Don't listen to old wife's tales. I would suggest that you first look at your fears and your attitudes towards this cat. You seem to be very uncomfortable with him and he will pick that up. Relax! Play with him, feed him in the carrier. Turn it into a game. You can also give him Rescue Remedy drops (health food store, 4 drops in his drinking water) to calm him down. But basically: Focus on creating trust and attachment and take your time. You might not be able to get this going in a day but persistence and playfulness will suceed!
2006-12-21 06:41:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
This is one of the few instances that you may want to consider a tranquilizer drug. Give him a dose and let him settle down before you put him in the carrier.
You should be able to get such a drug from the vet.
2006-12-21 04:08:15 · answer #4 · answered by Ben 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
put a an open can of the cats favorite cat food in the carrier to see if that works.
2006-12-21 04:12:34 · answer #5 · answered by brekia1 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Something that we have found that helps is using a laser light to get our cat into his carrier. He is so busy chasing that light that he does not realize that he just ran straight into his carrier. May be that could work for you.
2006-12-21 06:03:37 · answer #6 · answered by rebelrose2480 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi there...perhaps you could contact the veterinarian and request a prescription for Acepromazine (aka Ace) http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_acepromazine.html , which is a mild tranquilizer for cats. Under any other circumstances tranquilziation wouldn't be necessary, however your Bengal may appear to be the exception.
2006-12-21 04:26:52 · answer #7 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
bengals arent good pets so try to tranqulize it
2006-12-21 04:17:05 · answer #8 · answered by wood explorer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋