My poor little guy (a.k.a. I need a drink)

[Cookies Galore]

My younger cat Henry HATES the trip to the vet. Likes the vet and vet tech (he purrs during his exam!), hates the carrier. This year was especially traumatizing. I tried to take him in August and I was defeated. I tried again in September and my old lady cat came to his rescue (i.e., beat me up). I bought a new, larger carrier and turned it into his "food house" as we call, so his only association with the new carrier was meal time. I got him in there this morning, no problem, but as soon as I closed the latch he started freaking out. I got him to the car and he pissed himself. I forgot to put an old towel in there first. Poor guy sat in his own filth for the 10 minute drive to the vet. Now he just vomited. He's gotten sick after shots before so I know he's okay. But he's shaken, I'm shaken, the other cat knows something is up.

Where's my bleeping drink?!!?!?

[Deleted]

<< dislike >>

I hope you all feel better soon. 

[mollyanna58]

Poor Henry!  Poor Meghan!

Would he be alright wearing a harness and leash? 

[aliciar6]

I always took Fireblade to the vet on a leash and he was good, he would just chill on the passenger seat, but he was used to car rides and never associated them with going to the vet.  Though when he gets to the vet he hides behind anything he can.

our puppy just went to the vet saturday, he doesn't like shots, he wimpers and the second one made him run over to me and put his head over my shoulder and curl up as close to me as he could get, then they gave him the wormer which he threw up when we were like 2 minutes from home....the darn vet can be so traumatizing on them

  <-  hope those help

[swamp]

my cat HATED the carrier. I used to wrap her in a towel to get her to the car, and then let her wander around the car. The wrapped her back up in the towel in the vets. she was usually too petrified at the vets to move.

[milee]

OK, this is a totally hick suggestion - but have you tried a pillowcase? When I was growing up, we didn't have cat carriers and just put them into a pillowcase to take them to the vet. Even the nervous ones seemed fairly chill with it since they couldn't see out.

[Cookies Galore]

Hubs tried using a harness with him when he was a kitten (he's now two) because he loves looking outside (his face is in the window almost all day), so hubs thought he might like to go for a walk. Lol, it did not end well! He tore ass through the apartment so quick! He's such a lovable little guy but getting him out of the apartment is hard. My vet let me know that for his appointment next year I can pick up a mild sedative to give him. Wish I knew about that earlier!

My other cat loves the carrier and hates the vet. I have no trouble getting her to her appointments but the vet actually sedates her in order to do the exam. I can't win. They're lucky I love them so much!

I'm glad they're healthy, I can't handle more than two visits a year!

[Timberwolf]

It sounds like trips to the vet traumatize Meghan MORE than Henry.  Hope the rest of your day is easier. 

[Cookies Galore]

LOl, I've never tried a pillowcase! We've burrito rolled him before but even that is hard. I want to try a harness again, just because I think that will be cute. I follow a bengal on instagram (the most cat lady statement ever) and his owner takes him for nature walks every day. I wish!

[Deleted]

I feel for you and your little guy.

We have one cat that is just terrible at the vet. He is terrified and cowers in the corner of the carrier on the way there.

When we get there though he hisses and growls and lunges and flails.

He needs to be covered with blankets and held down to get shots and the vet can never really get a good look at him.

Tonight DH and I need to do the blanket thing because he has a big fur matt on his back end and he won't let me touch it.  It really needs to come off. I hope we keep our faces.

I hope your kitty can quietly recover and hope you can also.

[milee]

Dec 30, 2013 11:50:39 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

LOl, I've never tried a pillowcase! We've burrito rolled him before but even that is hard.

The pillowcase is super easy.  Insert cat into pillowcase.  Tie top into knot.  Done.  Seriously. 

[Tennesseer]

I am having to give my 18 year old cat an IV of fluids twice a week to keep his kidneys functioning and himself hydrated. I feel bad for his as it takes me 3-4 pokes with the needle into him to get the IV drip going.

The first I time I attempted it, I poked/drove the long IV needle into one side of my thumb and out the other side.

[Deleted]

Dec 30, 2013 11:54:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

I am having to give my 18 year old cat an IV of fluids twice a week to keep his kidneys functioning and himself hydrated. I feel bad for his as it takes me 3-4 pokes with the needle into him to get the IV drip going.

The first I time I attempted it, I poked/drove the long IV needle into one side of my thumb and out the other side.

If only you could explain things they would be reasonable.

I'm sorry about your old guy Tenn.

[JustLurkin]

Dec 30, 2013 11:42:05 GMT -5 milee said:

OK, this is a totally hick suggestion - but have you tried a pillowcase? When I was growing up, we didn't have cat carriers and just put them into a pillowcase to take them to the vet. Even the nervous ones seemed fairly chill with it since they couldn't see out.

Hehehe...when I was growing up, when you put an animal in a pillowcase and "went for a ride"...you weren't going to the vet!

My dog would vomit in the car too...and if you cracked the window he'd somehow make his way out...only my german shepard could squeeze himself through a 1-inch window crack on the way to the vet.

Have another drink Meghan!

[justme]

There's neighbor that was trying to train her cat to walk on a leash. It did pretty well until it got to her door (big condo building so she'd just walk the big loop on our floor), then cat would run at it and start pawing to be let in as she's dragging the cat away to keep walking. It was a pretty funny site to see.

[Cookies Galore]

Dec 30, 2013 11:54:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

I am having to give my 18 year old cat an IV of fluids twice a week to keep his kidneys functioning and himself hydrated. I feel bad for his as it takes me 3-4 pokes with the needle into him to get the IV drip going.

The first I time I attempted it, I poked/drove the long IV needle into one side of my thumb and out the other side.

Aw! Poor guy! :-(

[Deleted]

have you considered a mobile vet?  well worth the money....or maybe some valium - shared between you and the cat

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Dec 30, 2013 12:15:44 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

have you considered a mobile vet?  well worth the money....or maybe some valium - shared between you and the cat

I was just about to suggest a mobile vet too.

IME, trying to sedate a cat for travel I find it winds up being a colossal fail.  I've done it twice, different cats.  I've come to conclusion that it is easier to have a pissed off cat.

[Bonny]

Dec 30, 2013 13:06:15 GMT -5 The Walk of the Penguin Mich said:

Dec 30, 2013 12:15:44 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

have you considered a mobile vet?  well worth the money....or maybe some valium - shared between you and the cat

I was just about to suggest a mobile vet too.

IME, trying to sedate a cat for travel I find it winds up being a colossal fail.  I've done it twice, different cats.  I've come to conclusion that it is easier to have a pissed off upon cat.

FIXED!

[Bonny]

Dec 30, 2013 11:54:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

I am having to give my 18 year old cat an IV of fluids twice a week to keep his kidneys functioning and himself hydrated. I feel bad for his as it takes me 3-4 pokes with the needle into him to get the IV drip going.

The first I time I attempted it, I poked/drove the long IV needle into one side of my thumb and out the other side.

You're doing the subcutaneous fluids, right? Not actually in a vein?

Since this is our third cat with renal issues, I'm pretty good with it but it's taken DH a long time to get it. He's still struggling but isn't so panicky. Your story did make me chuckle though. I could see how that could happen. The key is pinching that fold of skin between the shoulders just like if you were a mama cat carrying her baby and inserting the needle in the skin "tent".

Nikki aka the Barfy boy has always been good with me and enjoys the extra cuddling that he gets. But once we're done "Quasimodo" wants to get the h*ll out of the house and it's kind of funny watching the hump shift from side to side. Reminds me a little of Marty Feldman in "Young Frankenstein".

[Tennesseer]

Dec 30, 2013 15:11:17 GMT -5 Bonny said:

Dec 30, 2013 11:54:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

I am having to give my 18 year old cat an IV of fluids twice a week to keep his kidneys functioning and himself hydrated. I feel bad for his as it takes me 3-4 pokes with the needle into him to get the IV drip going.

The first I time I attempted it, I poked/drove the long IV needle into one side of my thumb and out the other side.

You're doing the subcutaneous fluids, right? Not actually in a vein?

Since this is our third cat with renal issues, I'm pretty good with it but it's taken DH a long time to get it. He's still struggling but isn't so panicky. Your story did make me chuckle though. I could see how that could happen. The key is pinching that fold of skin between the shoulders just like if you were a mama cat carrying her baby and inserting the needle in the skin "tent".

Nikki aka the Barfy boy has always been good with me and enjoys the extra cuddling that he gets. But once we're done "Quasimodo" wants to get the h*ll out of the house and it's kind of funny watching the hump shift from side to side. Reminds me a little of Marty Feldman in "Young Frankenstein".

I stabbed my thumb just picking up the needle attached to the IV line.  I was not even near the poor cat at that time.

That HURT!!! 

When I was at the vets getting the equipment, the vet asst. let me do it the first time.  I did it okay.  Unfortunately at home, I don't have the gurney to hook up the IV bag and the vet table to complete the procedure.  The IV bag is hooked up to a twisted coat hanger which hangs off of a door nob.  We are on the floor.   

All procedural suggestions welcomed and appreciated.

[Nazgul Girl]

Dec 30, 2013 11:42:05 GMT -5 milee said:

OK, this is a totally hick suggestion - but have you tried a pillowcase? When I was growing up, we didn't have cat carriers and just put them into a pillowcase to take them to the vet. Even the nervous ones seemed fairly chill with it since they couldn't see out.

   I was going to write about this, but Milee beat me too it.   The pillow case allows the kitty to breathe just fine, but they can't see any thing scary.    Just gently put kitty in the case, pull up the sides to the opening at the top with kitty at the bottom, wondering what's going on, and tie a knot in it.   Then you can pick it up, carry kitty out to the car, and settle him/her into your lap ( hopefully there is a driver and another person to hold the cat ).    We used the pillow case trick for many years.   The only thing that ever happened was that the cats wuold just mew a little, and kind of dig their little claws thru the case, into my lap, but that was just for kitty safety, you understand .

  The only mishap was one time when my 22 lb orange tabby, Charlie, decided he'd had enough of the damned pillowcase, and literally ripped his way out.   He had very sharp claws, wasn't afraid to use his teeth on the cloth, and just shredded the sucker.   He climbed out onto my lap, gave me a sort of warning glare, and settled down on the remains of his latest victim ( the pillowcase ).  He didn't fuss at all on the rest of the trip to wherever we were going.  My first husband, the vet, and I were stunned, but then we laughed and laughed.   Charlie was the KING, and he didn't suffer any slights to his dignity.

[Nazgul Girl]

Dec 30, 2013 11:54:56 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

I am having to give my 18 year old cat an IV of fluids twice a week to keep his kidneys functioning and himself hydrated. I feel bad for his as it takes me 3-4 pokes with the needle into him to get the IV drip going.

The first I time I attempted it, I poked/drove the long IV needle into one side of my thumb and out the other side.

I'm sorry to read of your kitty's troubles, Tennesseer, but I'm glad he has such a devoted owner.

[Bonny]

Dec 30, 2013 15:19:28 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Dec 30, 2013 15:11:17 GMT -5 Bonny said:

You're doing the subcutaneous fluids, right? Not actually in a vein?

Since this is our third cat with renal issues, I'm pretty good with it but it's taken DH a long time to get it. He's still struggling but isn't so panicky. Your story did make me chuckle though. I could see how that could happen. The key is pinching that fold of skin between the shoulders just like if you were a mama cat carrying her baby and inserting the needle in the skin "tent".

Nikki aka the Barfy boy has always been good with me and enjoys the extra cuddling that he gets. But once we're done "Quasimodo" wants to get the h*ll out of the house and it's kind of funny watching the hump shift from side to side. Reminds me a little of Marty Feldman in "Young Frankenstein".

I stabbed my thumb just picking up the needle attached to the IV line.  I was not even near the poor cat at that time.

That HURT!!! 

When I was at the vets getting the equipment, the vet asst. let me do it the first time.  I did it okay.  Unfortunately at home, I don't have the gurney to hook up the IV bag and the vet table to complete the procedure.  The IV bag is hooked up to a twisted coat hanger which hangs off of a door nob.  We are on the floor.   

All procedural suggestions welcomed and appreciated.

The key is getting the hanger up high as you already noted. I think the first time we did it I hung the coat hanger off the top of a door and put "Kitten" then 19 in her cat perch. When we were in Germany the house had older transom type windows and I could hang the hanger from the handle, again putting "Goldie" in the cat perch. The Barfy boy is a big kitty at nearly 16 lbs of love. We hang the saline bag from a hanger in the laundry room, put him in a shallow but wide box (thank you Costco) lined with a small blanket on top of the dryer. He loves boxes so thinks the set up is just dandy. The last time I did the fluids he didn't want to leave his comfy spot!  

[The Captain]

Dec 30, 2013 15:19:28 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Dec 30, 2013 15:11:17 GMT -5 Bonny said:

You're doing the subcutaneous fluids, right? Not actually in a vein?

Since this is our third cat with renal issues, I'm pretty good with it but it's taken DH a long time to get it. He's still struggling but isn't so panicky. Your story did make me chuckle though. I could see how that could happen. The key is pinching that fold of skin between the shoulders just like if you were a mama cat carrying her baby and inserting the needle in the skin "tent".

Nikki aka the Barfy boy has always been good with me and enjoys the extra cuddling that he gets. But once we're done "Quasimodo" wants to get the h*ll out of the house and it's kind of funny watching the hump shift from side to side. Reminds me a little of Marty Feldman in "Young Frankenstein".

I stabbed my thumb just picking up the needle attached to the IV line.  I was not even near the poor cat at that time.

That HURT!!! 

When I was at the vets getting the equipment, the vet asst. let me do it the first time.  I did it okay.  Unfortunately at home, I don't have the gurney to hook up the IV bag and the vet table to complete the procedure.  The IV bag is hooked up to a twisted coat hanger which hangs off of a door nob.  We are on the floor.   

All procedural suggestions welcomed and appreciated.

Do you have a ceiling fan you could hook the bag to? (go to a hardware store/garden center and get one of those "S" hooks used for hanging baskets.

I had a long one so I could hook it, pull up a comfy chair under the fan and had my old boy sit on my lap and get loving for each treatment.

[Tennesseer]

Thanks for the tips Bonny and The Captain - I will look into it for his next injection.

I just hydrated him with the IV bag hanging from the coat hanger on the door knob.  The IV started working on the very first injection and I got 150ML into him.  With him filled up, he looked like a one-humped camel for a few minutes.

To the others, thanks for the support.  He's a good boy.  A pain in the ass many times, but still a good boy.

[Jaguar]

I use to throw one of my old t-shirts into the carrier for Elmo. It didn't make him quieter but other than screaming his head off, that was it.

[zibazinski]

They have some wipes now that you can wipe out the carrier with. It's supposed to have a calming effect. Ill find out in June.  The "boys" go then. The "girls" in November. That's as much as we can handle at a time. All four at once? No way!

[Spellbound454]

I always put mine in a pillowcase......You can just drop them in head first and sit them in the foot well of the car.
They were less panicked than the cat carrier.

They got to go, so you just have to get on with it.

[kittensaver]

Rescue Remedy works great for calming my critters. It's pretty easy to get at a health food store, natural foods store or online.