How to catch a cat

Some truth in this! If you put the cat carrier out in the lounge or bed room a few days ahead of your cat's vet visit he may just find it a comfy and secure hiding place.... instead of something to avoid and make a fuss about!

Getting your cat in the carrier...

Does your cat put on the brakes and go all out to avoid the carrier? Try this technique, ably demonstrated by Mike Karg, an American cat vet.

Coming home from the vet

Once upon a time I used to dread bringing one of my cats home from the vet hospital. Our return often provoked world war 3...
Usually the three of them adore each other, grooming and sleeping together most of the day.
If one had to go to hospital the other two cats would sniff the patient and then hiss and spit at her when we returned. I thought they were reacting to the smell of the hospital or of strange humans and animals. However a recent article says that it is the sudden return of a group member that puts them offside.
In the wild when a cat returns to the colony after a solo meal they hang round on the margins and almost sneak back in when no one is looking. No matter how many times in the day she returns, the group seems to debate whether to accept her back each time.
When I came home from the hospital with a patient, I would plonk her back in the middle of the group and let her out with a fanfare, hoping they would be nice to her if we pushed our way in.
Now I leave her outside and see what the other two are up to. If they are asleep on the bed I sneak the patient into the lounge room, let her out and quickly take the carrier away. If they are up and about I feed them in the laundry and while they are distracted I bring the patient in to the bedroom and let her decide on the best course of action.
Abrupt re-entries are not de rigueur in feline circles. They prefer the more subtle return.

The dreaded vet visit

Most cats would rather not visit the vet.  However, annual checks catch nasty conditions early and older cats with chronic issues need to visit much more often.

Carriers that I can lift the top off are ideal in the exam room because your cat can stay comfortably in his safe haven while I work around him.

Cats that use their carrier as an occasional bed or hidey hole at home seem most relaxed about being locked up in it for the car ride over.  Some people find short trial rides in the carrier and car reduce anxiety (and constant cries for help!) further.

I like to speak in a soft low voice to my patients as I examine them.  If you can remain calm and speak and move quietly too, your cat is more likely to stay relaxed.  Even the most laid back puss will gratefully receive gentle petting and massage in a stressful situation.