How do I get terrified house tabby to the vet?

[Corygal]

Following brilliant advice on here, I have decided to bite the bullet and take Mr Cory, my fantastic huge tabby, to the vet.

I have moved vets to book in at the closest one, which is a mile away. He loathes going out, and last time had a panic attack (exactly like a human one) in the car, so I thought I'd walk.

Is there anything I can do to make the experience less traumatic for him? Do you think car or walk? Anything in his basket? Or would you just carry him with a lead so he didn't escape? He doesn't mind being carried by me (anyone else gets the fangs).

[Lonecatwithkitten]

I would not just carry him even with a lead the risk that he will make a dash for it into a road is too great. Getting some Feliway and spraying it in the carrier 15 mins before he goes in it can help. In vets waiting room don't put the carrier on the floor put it on a small table or chair keeping him out of sniffing range of dogs.
As a vet I always find that more is less theory works the best. That is try not handling the cat too much and keep the number of people in the room to a minimum.

[elfycat]

Have you thought about using rescue remedy in you DCat's water before you go. I find my cats tolerated it quite well. A vet suggested I try it with my very stressed cat I'm a Bach Flower Practitioner so was already there with the whole kit

Is there a favorite spot where he sleeps regularly? Would he lie down on a randomly placed towel or blanket type thing which you could put in the basket so it smells of him?

My Dcat always does a poo or two during journeys so I use layers of towels/cloths and carry a non-hole carrier bag so I can peel off the offending layer and bag it with minimal fuss.

[RugBugs]

I was going to suggest rescue remedy too!
It's bloody brilliant, used it on my cats when I need them ultra chilled.

[pinkyredrose]

With mine I always leave her carry basket out with the door open for at least a week beforehand. I put her favourite treats and toys inside so she treats it like a good place to be.

I used to walk her to the vet but I live in a busy area and the traffic, noise etc frightened her so now I take a cab. I rub her nose n talk to her the whole journey and it's much quicker.

[pinkyredrose]

Oh darn just re-read your post and see that Mr Cory had a panic attack in the car. In that case you should probably walk. Maybe with a cover over his basket so he doesn't get scared by random cars, dogs etc but talk to him all the time so he knows you're there. It'll be a comforting influence to him.

[Mintyy]

That's a great tip re. the rescue remedy. How much do you give?

[RugBugs]

I used to add two drops to a small atomiser and attempt to spritz once onto their tongues but it can be rubbed straight onto paws/ears.

[cozietoesie]

Corygal

I'm going to take a slightly different (and probably unpopular) stance. I've had a long line of potentially sensitive cats - and I decided early on that I would just not take any poo from them. They go in their carrier (back first) about 2 minutes before the taxi arrives, I'm matter of fact, just say 'Yeah, Yeah - life's so bad ain't it' and similar. They squawk and then shut up - and behave quite well at the vet. (I think vets have natural 'eye' like a good collie dog will with sheep.)

I've adopted this attitude with all the boys - including for long trips in the car - and they've all been fine. Cats are tough. They're not going to die of the vapours over a trip in their carrier. Don't be under the paw!

[Corygal]

Thanks so much for all this. I've tried to take him out loads of time, he starts hyperventilating. My poor little kitten, but I am sure with your help he will be fine!

Will report back.

[cozietoesie]

Well Seniorboy has been a housecat for all of his life - he hates outside! But he's done a (3 hour tptal) plane trip, long car trips - and loads of trips to the vet of course. I just don't take any poo from him.

And if it's any consolation, he doesn't seem to blame me. He blames the vet (sorry Lone), the airline, the car ....but not me! As soon as he's back in his carrier he's fine. Maybe a bit quiet back in the house for an hour or two but that's all.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Mine pants in the car, but only on the way there (combined with yelling at me), on the way back there is a stony silence.

I put his carrier on my lap in the vets as we always end up sitting next to the biggest rotties you have ever seen. They weigh more than me.

[Corygal]

Seniorboy is clearly a fine cat of much character and courage. Mr Cory and I have been preparing for The Longest Journey. Feliway purchased and...

This evening after supper, when he was eyeing up my feet (to chew them) I sensed boredom and opened the front door. With a bit of encouragement, he trotted up and down the hallway a good 40 feet, sniffing at other flat's suppers under their doors. Didn't freak out once even when the lift went, which he doesn't like. The secret is to allow him to wander freely, evidently, and provide legs for shelter as necessary. Finally stomped onto the doormat, called me in via loud mew, and settled back on sofa (in my seat).

Got Dreamies as a reward, is now snoring. Tomorrow we are going to try the stairs together, and by the end of the week we will be in the garden...