Getting stray into carrier

I rescued a stray a year ago.  She has come a very long way as far as socialization.  She loves our other two cats.  She will come and stand next to me, especially at feeding time.  She makes herself comfortable on all of the furniture and on our bed (when we aren't in it).  But as soon as we attempt to pet her or get close she runs away.  She now has tapeworm and I have to get her to the vet.  I tried getting flea medicine on her and that was practically impossible.  When she was eating, I quickly just squeezed the flea medicine on to the top of her fur hoping it would stick.  But she really needs to be treated for fleas, especially with this tapeworm issue.  Also, she's never been spayed so that needs to be done.  But I don't know how to get her into a carrier to get her to the vet.  She will not allow anyone to handle her.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Someone suggested playing with the laser pointer with them and luring them into the carrier with that.  I've never tried it but it's worth a shot!

I can sympathize.  We have a former feral who I have to net in order to get him to his vet appointments.  Last time, he recognized the closet door being opened where I store the net and ran under the bed.  Had to cancel that appointment!

Good luck and thank you for taking her in and taking such good care of her!

Can you start feeding her in a cat carrier: put the food just inside the door, then move it progressively towards the end of the carrier.
If she likes catnip, you could put some in her wet food, that might draw her in to the carrier.
And given the seriousness of the situation, I might--albeit with some hesitation--try either a drop trap or humane trap. Both of you will be upset, but she'll be more upset by the side effects of tapeworm--and becoming pregnant.
PS: I don't know if tapeworm is contagious or how contagious it is, but I'd be concerned about your resident cats catching tapeworm.

Thank you for that advice.  I was actually thinking about doing the same thing you suggested -- she LOVES tuna so thought maybe I could coax her in to the carrier with that.  I will give it a try and let you know how it works.

I moved a stray into my house the end of May.  I had to get him to the vet and had no idea how to do so as I could pet him, but not pick him up.  I got a large mesh carrier like this one  and started feeding him 2x a day in it.  I started with it just inside the door and each day moved it back until he was eating all the way in the back. I did this for 2 weeks prior to the appointment, but could have easily managed much sooner. On the morning of his appointment I went to put the food in the carrier and he walked right in.  I then blocked the exit with a chair pad and zipped him up.  I couldn't believe how easy it was.  I then put a light weight sheet over the carrier so he would calm. 

He needs to go back to the vet in January so I will need to get the carrier out again and begin to feed him in it.  I can not pick him up, but he sometimes fights me and is very strong.  It would be easier just to start feeding him in the carrier.

Tuna works greats as does chicken.  Good luck!

what ever you do , dont try and entice the kitty next to the carrier , then try and cram them into it with one hand trying to shut the door , its not nice , nor pretty , and results in alot of cursing and bitten/scratched hands lol