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How do you get a cat to the vet WITHOUT a carrier? - Page 2

post #31 of 44
2/7/07 at 11:19am
Thread Starter 
Wow... I didn't expect to get so many replies! Thank you, everyone, for replying. I realize now what a pain it would be to have kitty Twix running loose in the van, plus the risk of opening doors and having her shhot out, never to be seen again. I got my mom to check walmart for a carrier. Let's hope that she finds one! (If she doesn't, I will definitely try one of the methods on here.)
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post #32 of 44
2/7/07 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GingersMom View Post
I've heard a pillowcase works pretty well, too...
that's what i used before i had a carrier. but the cardboard ones are inexpensive & available at the petstores. like this one.
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post #33 of 44
2/7/07 at 11:48am
Yes, if you can't find a carrier, a cardboard box will work just fine (just make sure it has air holes and is securely fastened closed). Those cardboard carriers they sell are essentially the same thing.

Most cats love boxes... unlike carriers. My cat loathes the carrier, but is thrilled to get into any box. I've contemplated using a box to take him to the vet, but I'd be too embarrassed.
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post #34 of 44
2/7/07 at 12:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by GingersMom View Post
I've heard a pillowcase works pretty well, too...

It does, our Maggie would have a fit if she even saw a carrier so we also took her to the vet in a pillowcase.
She never made a peep..in fact I think she actually liked hiding in it.
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post #35 of 44
2/7/07 at 1:06pm
The pillowcase method is one suggested by Neuter Scooter especially for those bringing in strays/ferals. They also recommend placing the pillowcase in a box.
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post #36 of 44
2/7/07 at 3:28pm
Best thing to do is to wrap a large towel around the cat and hold him tight. Carriers are not that expensive. Can you get to Petsmart or Petco before going to the vet? Or call up the local shelter and see if you can buy one of their cardboard temporary carriers.

I noticed you live in MN - where? Private message me and we will see if we can get you a carrier. I have a small one that we'll be selling in our spring yard sale - $5.00 - if we can make arrangements its yours for $5.
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post #37 of 44
2/7/07 at 5:35pm
Some vets actually have and will sell you a cardboard carrier box, so it wouldn't hurt to ask the vet.

When Sho went to a closer vet I would always put his harness on him then wrap a towel around him, the towel was because he gets nervous and sheds a lot. Of course I wasn't driving The first two times I took Tomas to the vet, 15-20 minute drive away, he cried in the carrier and prefered to hide inside my jacket. I joked with my husband that if I had a big enough pouch/pocket on the jacket he would have been in it. The receptionist at the front desk gave me a silly look when she saw a kitten head pop out too.

If the OP is a kid they won't be driving so they could probably hold their cat. However, if the cat gets wild at all it can make a break for it as soon as that door is opened. There has to be at least a harness and collar on it for some restaint. Oh, and another small thing to consider, some cats get carsick.
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post #38 of 44
2/8/07 at 12:18pm
I second the laundry basket idea. I did this when I first got my first cat and it worked like a charm! It was a bit bulky, but she had plenty of room, there was ventilation, she could see out of it and it was easy to tie together. I used rope instead of the shoestring as rope was more handy. Until you're able to afford a carrier, this would work just fine. It was also fairly easy to carry.

Stephanie
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post #39 of 44
2/8/07 at 10:11pm
i had an experience traveling a cat in the car w/o a carrier and it really went bad.. i suggest a laundry basket with a towel at the bottom. make sure it's perfectly covered so your cat won't be able to hop out of it.
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post #40 of 44
2/8/07 at 11:57pm
I do hope you can get a cheap carrier - esp as you are taking her to be spayed, she will need something secure for the journey home. I personally wouldn't like to use a pillowcase unless it was for a temporary measure, and can't see how well the vets will be able to get her back in it after she has been spayed.
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post #41 of 44
2/10/07 at 8:07am
I agree with everyone---get a carrier! They're VERY reasonably priced...even cheap. I used a cardboard type carrier once (when Dulcinea had three kittens...and they were ALL going to the vet---the kittens were in her carrier...hence the box for mommy)---and Dulcinea became VERY upset in the box-carrier (it's much darker in there) and she chewed thru it and got out and ran cazy thru the car...had to stop on the turnpike and try and get her back IN...and hold it shut with one hand and drive with the other (NOT good!) and promised that I'd NEVER ever do that again. Buy a solid carrier! It'll set you back $20-$40 max...and be well worth it. You'll need it from time to time anyway...and when it's not being used...maybe your cat will sleep in it like Dulcinea does. She LOVES her carrier...despite knowing that it will bring her to the vet's from time to time.

Fr. Gregg
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post #42 of 44
2/10/07 at 7:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by fr gregg View Post
I agree with everyone---get a carrier! They're VERY reasonably priced...even cheap. I used a cardboard type carrier once (when Dulcinea had three kittens...and they were ALL going to the vet---the kittens were in her carrier...hence the box for mommy)---and Dulcinea became VERY upset in the box-carrier (it's much darker in there) and she chewed thru it and got out and ran cazy thru the car...had to stop on the turnpike and try and get her back IN...and hold it shut with one hand and drive with the other (NOT good!) and promised that I'd NEVER ever do that again. Buy a solid carrier! It'll set you back $20-$40 max...and be well worth it. You'll need it from time to time anyway...and when it's not being used...maybe your cat will sleep in it like Dulcinea does. She LOVES her carrier...despite knowing that it will bring her to the vet's from time to time.

Fr. Gregg
I agree with Fr. Gregg's excellent advice.
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post #43 of 44
2/10/07 at 8:10pm
hmm I don't like the cat bag idea too much. You can get the cardboard carrier at PEtsmart. You can also take a small storage tube with a lid and cut a few holes in it and take the cat in that. Put a nice soft towel or small blanket down so he's comfy.
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post #44 of 44
2/10/07 at 8:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sicycat View Post
My vets will not even allow a cat to come in without a carrier. If you dont have one they make you buy one of the cardboard ones right there.


I also recommend having one just in case there is ever a fire etc so you can safely take kitty with you
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