I have to call the vet tomorrow.

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gingersmom

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Originally Posted by cloud_shade

My carrier trick:

First, you can do this with or without wrapping the kitty in a towel. First set-up the carrier so that the door is open. Pick up the kitty. Quickly insert the cat head first into the carrier with the cat on its back (feet facing the ceiling). Release the cat and close the door. This usually works because by the time the cat has righted itself, the door is closed, and it is much harder for them to splay out their legs because there is nothing to give them leverage. As long as the cat tolerates being held, this should work. I would also recommend getting the carrier out tonight and leaving the door open--that way you don't have the cat bolting for their hiding places as soon as the carrier comes out in the morning.
Thank you for the tips, these should really help some other folks
but Ferris the semi-feral does NOT tolerate being held and wrapping him in anything is completely out of the question. And as I've had cats now for more than a year and we've had quite a few vet visits in that time, I think I can figure something out.

I read a comment by someone on here yesterday that describes Ferris to a T when he is resisting being held/put in a carrier: popcorn with razor blades. I need to do this in a way that I don't wind up bleeding everywhere.


I have to go buy a hard-sided carrier at 2:00 p.m. today. It has to be bigger than Ferris, then I think I can get him into it pretty easily, as he trusts me MUCH more now - all I'll have to do is put it in front of him and toss a few furry mice in it - he's too nosy to NOT go inside it after them.

Our vet appointment is for 3:20 p.m. today (Eastern time.) They aren't doing any surgeries tomorrow, but they said one step at a time, let's just get him in first.

I'm so worried for him!


He was acting totally normal this morning, though, just walking a little bit funny because of the bulge between his legs. I'm hoping it's a blockage and nothing worse, because Ferris has been known to eat bits of plastic bags already.

But he is running and playing, eating & drinking. His poops were like little pellets last night though - going from watery runny poops to pellets sized - I'm thinking it HAS to be a blockage.

Arrrggghhh...this is going to make me nuts all day. I have to try to get some work done before I leave at 2!
 
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gingersmom

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Originally Posted by beandip

I hope you're able to get quick answers from the vet and that it's something minor.

Has Ferris been dewormed lately? Worms can make their belly look scary.
He was dewormed twice early last fall, and Ginger has had zero symptoms - if he had gotten them again, wouldn't she have gotten them as well?
 
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gingersmom

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Originally Posted by jcat

that it's just worms or sudden-onset "spay sway".
That was my first thought, but the mass is too bulgy and squishy/solid to just be loose skin - feels like a fluid sac.


Thank you all for the good thoughts and calming vibes - I definitely need them today!!!
 

momofmany

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Here's the trick I use with my semi-ferals for carriers:

Open the large carrier with the opening facing your ceiling. Grab (gently of course) Ferris by the scruff and slide your hand under his behind to support him as you lift. Use leather gloves as necessary on the hand that holds his bottom and a heavy shirt to prevent your skin from ripping open in case he tags you. The scruff hold will (hopefully) make him go limp to some degree, or at least keep him in line as you carry him into the open carrier and drop him in. His legs will flail as you place him the carrier but don't allow him to squirm out. Close the top and gently return the carrier on its bottom.

I absolutely do not recommend picking up any cat by the scruff, and in this instance, you are only holding him there to calm him. The weight is on your other hand (or arm). I used to have to do this with Tigger, who was 18 pounds.

Sending you positive vibes that little Ferris is OK.
 
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gingersmom

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Originally Posted by Momofmany

Here's the trick I use with my semi-ferals for carriers:

Open the large carrier with the opening facing your ceiling. Grab (gently of course) Ferris by the scruff and slide your hand under his behind to support him as you lift. Use leather gloves as necessary on the hand that holds his bottom and a heavy shirt to prevent your skin from ripping open in case he tags you. The scruff hold will (hopefully) make him go limp to some degree, or at least keep him in line as you carry him into the open carrier and drop him in. His legs will flail as you place him the carrier but don't allow him to squirm out. Close the top and gently return the carrier on its bottom.

I absolutely do not recommend picking up any cat by the scruff, and in this instance, you are only holding him there to calm him. The weight is on your other hand (or arm). I used to have to do this with Tigger, who was 18 pounds.

Sending you positive vibes that little Ferris is OK.
Thank you - but I learned a while back that the scruff hold makes Ferris turn himself inside out with fear and panic, so that will definitely NOT be how I pick him up/hold him.

Actually, I have been getting him used to my picking him up - to lift him from the floor onto the couch, for example - and I can now pick him up from under his front paws, the "three finger" technique, supporting his chest with my palm while having each front paw slide in between a couple of my fingers. Don't know how to better describe it, but he's been tolerating that.

Again, I am buying a hard sided carrier that is large enough for him to walk in to and I think we should be ok. If I can't get him to walk in, I'll drop him in from the top. One way or the other, that boy is getting to the vet today!

I will report back this afternoon after the visit to the vet!

Thank you again, everyone for your good wishes! (Now I'm trying to tell myself that maybe it's just worms...gosh I hope so!!!)
 

jcat

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When you're out looking for a carrier, see if you can find one that opens from both the top and the side. I find them much easier when dealing with difficult cats, both for getting them in, and getting them out again.
 

beandip

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Originally Posted by GingersMom

He was dewormed twice early last fall, and Ginger has had zero symptoms - if he had gotten them again, wouldn't she have gotten them as well?
This all makes it *slightly* less likely, but I wouldn't rule it (worms) out. They can be hard to get rid of. It's not guaranteed that Ginger would get them.

You already mentioned this, I think...but on the carrier - I like one that's a little bigger than it needs to be. Makes the insertion of the unruly patient a little easier. You know Ferris' personality much better than I ever will, but you might want to get an arsenal of smelly tasty treats while you're out shopping for the carrier. My kitties won't admit it, but they are not above accepting bribes.
 
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gingersmom

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Originally Posted by beandip

This all makes it *slightly* less likely, but I wouldn't rule it (worms) out. They can be hard to get rid of. It's not guaranteed that Ginger would get them.

You already mentioned this, I think...but on the carrier - I like one that's a little bigger than it needs to be. Makes the insertion of the unruly patient a little easier. You know Ferris' personality much better than I ever will, but you might want to get an arsenal of smelly tasty treats while you're out shopping for the carrier. My kitties won't admit it, but they are not above accepting bribes.
That's exactly my thoughts about getting a hard sided carrier - and I am totally supportive of bribing the boy to get him in it!
 

whuckleberry

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Oh, I hope the little guy is okay. I agree, ain't nothing wrong with a little bribery in these getting-in-the-carrier situations.


*healings vibes for Ferris*
 

xocats

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Your sweet boy will be in my thoughts.
Ferris
 

katachtig

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Good luck at the vet and I'm sending "minor ailment" vibes to little Ferris.
 

epona

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Oh no, I hope it's something very minor and easily treated. Vibes to you and little Ferris.
 
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