what can i use INSTEAD of a cat carrier?
Thursday, September 9th, 2010 at
4:42 am
ok well i have to take my cat (Ashes) to the Vets soon and we dont own a cat carrier… so is there anything else i can use to take her to the vets in? my great told me to use a pillow case but i would think that she would lose air in there… please help i make her appointment tomorrow and i dont know if it will be soon that i have to take her… HELP PLEASE!!
Filed under: Cat Supplies
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1)Get a large cardboard box.
2)Put a towel, blanket, or pillow in it.
3)With scissors or an exacto knife, cut long slits or tiny holes into the side; this will provide fresh air & peep holes to make the cat feel less claustrophobic.
Nothing, cats need cat carriers.
Cats largely dislike being taken to the vet. They hate riding in the car most of all, and the smell of fear and other animals in the office often distresses them further. Get a pet carrier. A plain cardboard one will do for infrequent trips; get a stronger fiberglass one for more travel or destructive cats. Carriers keep your cat under control at the vet’s and prevent accidents in the car. Popular suggestions to reduce your cat’s anxiety during vet visits:
Make sure to drive your cat around (WITHOUT going to the vet) to get it used to the car.
Use the relaxant acepromazine.
Find a "cats only" vet.
Find a vet who will make housecalls.
Find a vet who manages the lobby efficiently to reduce waiting time.
Keep your cat away from dogs in the waiting room.
Keep your cat in a pillowcase rather than a carrier or box.
Any box will work, large and cardboard… or hold her while a friend drives, but prepare for scratches
Before cat carriers, I would wrap a towel around my kitty and then carry her. Sometimes the vet office may offer you one of the cardboard carriers during your visit. If you live near the pound, sometimes they have the cardboard carriers free.
For years and years I had used a cardboard box with great ease and usefulness. Boxes from printer/copy paper reams or others that have a removable lid work best, as it is easier to get the cat in and out (but you must be mindful of your kitty escaping, so hold the lid down!). And I always cut a few extra small holes (besides the handle cut-outs where your hands go- which I also add if there are not already some) in the sides/ends for fresh air, making sure that some are a few inches up the sides at "nose level."
As a helpful tip- whenever I get a mailed package, purchase an item in a box, or even see an available empty one at my job, I always "size it up" and judge whether it would be good for use with the cats and the vet. And if so, I keep it, and I am ready the next time we are going to the vet.