Help I need to get scared/aggressive cat into carrier

I am stumped. I have had many cats and almost two weeks ago I adopted a 2 year old female from a no-kill sanctuary. This is a two week trial adoption.

I spent a month going there and visiting with the cats in order to be as sure as I could that a new cat would be the right fit for my family.

 I chose Sissy ( I was going to rename her) because she was just delightful. The cats live in great big open rooms with other cats and I was able to just spend the days going from room to room getting to know these cats.

 There were 3 I loved and I chose her because she seemed calm, friendly and confident. Not to mention she has a funny , funny personality. I thought she would, after getting used to us, fit in well. She is also a 'cats cat' just like my two boys.

 I got her home and she hid under the bed for days. This was not surprising because she had been in her room at the shelter since she was 6 weeks old. She also missed the company of other cats.

 Things got worse and not better. I broke my rules as far as introducing acts so so. I got two puppy gates and stacked them. She was much better being able to play with my cats through the gates.

 She began to solicit pets and occupy the center of the room. I even found she is quite a talker.

I realized that she was not a huge lap cat when I adopted her and that is fine. I have two lap cats. When I took her home the vet, who is the founder of the sanctuary gave me a tube of terramycin. Her right eye was red and she was squinting. I had assumed that she had allergies or FHV so was surprised the vet thought she needed treatment. After 4 days under the bed I was able to start treating her eye. By that time whatever is wrong with the eye has spread to the left eye too.

The medication isn't working so the vet wanted me to bring her in today.

 I went into her room and she was on top of the short cat tree. I intended to reach my left hand up , scruff her and use my right arm to support her body and drop her into the crate.

I didn't even touch her when she flipped out, sunk her teeth into me and quickly gave me about 11 good lacerations.That has scared me death.I could understand if I had been holding her while she struggled and stupidly didn't let her go but, I wasn't holding her at all.

Now, I still have to get her into a carrier and to the vet.I also need to go the hospital .

Anyone have any suggestions as to how in the world I can get her in that crate.

 By the way, I have had the crate open in her room since she came here . It has a comfy bumper in it etc. She will not go anywhere near it.

I have to say I wonder, in the two years she has been there how often could she have been handled to react like this. She had done plenty of hissing, spitting and growling since coming here but it had been getting better.

The place I got her from has a rule that no one is allowed to pick up the cats. I should have tried but given how delightful she was there it never occurred to me this would be the situation.

 My Remy who died in Feb. was a feral who had spent 3 years in a rescue before I adopted him. He resisted the crate but never, ever bit me.

HELP!

I have one "freak-out cat." when it comes to crates. In the long term, we got him a top-loading crate and it's worked wonders, but in the short term we used to pillow-case him. It kept him calm and prevented us from bleeding.

Try to pick a pillow case made out of thicker fabric, that you're not too worried about wrecking. (Wendel did tear a hole in one on us once). Just plunk it over top of her, then scoop her up using the case as a bag, and plunk her, pillow case and all, in the carrier. Our most recent (and semi-feral when we got him) used to find the pillow case so comforting he'd climb back into it in the carrier after he was done at the vet.

The pillowcase was light enough that he could breathe in it, but he was calmer because he couldn't see what was happening until he climbed out, already in the crate. Either way, that's what worked for me. I hope that helps. I'm sure some of our other members have more suggestions. 

Hope you're ok. Cat bites are nasty. Have you tried bribing her into the carrier? Extra yummy food right at the back so she has to go right in to get it...kind of like if you were trying to trap a semi feral without a trap. The other route is thick jacket and gloves. I know it's not ideal longer term, but it sounds like you need a quick fix for now. Training can come later (maybe by only offering food in the carrier - starting just inside and gradually moving it further back.

The other approach is to see if the vet will come to you. This might be a better option as it would avoid a traumatic first experience with you and the carrier.

Lastly, you could talk to the shelter she came from and find out how they got her in the carrier to start with.

Just thought...did you approach her from in front or behind? If you came from the front (so your hand was coming over the top of her head) she could have felt threatened, hence the biting. Coming from behind could work better...possibly even waiting until she's asleep before grabbing her too, so she's in before she realises what's happening.

Good luck.

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Thanks for the suggestions. I have tried bribing her into the carrier. I have actually been working on that for a week. She isn't falling for it. I have a top loader but, I can't get near her. Keep in mind it was me getting near her that triggered this.Now, she is on high alert.She tends to stay at the corners of the room. She is pretty small and very fast.I have to lay on my stomach and crawl to where she is and she is up against the wall.

 Columbine- the vet owns the rescue but- it is quite a ways away and she is not doing house calls. I need to get her there because her vet care is covered there.

I am glad this is a trial adoption. I would never give a cat back to a kill -shelter but she was plenty happy there. I am thinking about what to do.

 It bothers me that she bit me so quickly, I just moved my hand close to her. How will she be with my husbands grandkids.

 I have had many cats be nervous but not one in my life has ever torn me up like this. At this point I am embarrassed to say, I am terrified of her.

I was looking for a calmish, friendly cat that would slide into my life. I understand how scary it is for any cat entering a strange home but have never had a cat that did not want some comfort in the transition.

I cannot figure out what to do.I am going to get long gloves and put on multiple layers of clothing and try to get her tomorrow.I have backed off today, when ever I go into her room she is against the wall, ears flat, hissing and growling up a storm.Yikes.

I appreciate the advice.Maybe I can manage from across a room to throw a blanket over her and bundle her up in it. I would have to use a dog crate but that might work.

First off, don't be ashamed if the trial didn't go as well as you hoped. Sometimes cats just aren't a good fit for a particular home. From the way you described, she is extremely terrified, agitated for some reason. She sees you as the enemy.

What does your vet suggest? Can her treatment hold off until she's calmer? Feliway and a quiet room with soft classical music would be my first step, if you haven't already. If her treatment can be postponed, you may have to regain her trust again, by never approaching her, but making your presence known gently in the room. Sit on the floor, read softly to her, things like that.

If her treatment is urgent, bundling up (including your face) may be your only choice. It is hard, but if she needs to go to the vet, we don't have much choice.

FHicat- thank you for your response.

She has not yet met my vet. That appointment is on Thursday.

Because she comes from a sanctuary that is run by a vet the first two weeks of vet care is covered there. The vet wanted to see her because the eye infection was only in the right eye two weeks ago and is spread to the left. I called the office after what happened today to tell them I could not get in her to them today. I called again and asked for advice. They said they would call me back and did not do that.

 She had been letting me medicate her eyes but no more.

 I have had Feliway plug-in in the room since I brought her home ( I always use them) I also have a CD I keep going , it is calming classical music for cats.

I have composure treats , she will not eat them and so I use composure liquid in her wet food.

 I read that I can crush a quarter tablet of benydryl and put it in her food. I will see how that goes tomorrow.

The vet at the sanctuary will not be back until Friday.

I am upset with the sanctuary staff. They are quite a distance to travel but I went there because you can visist with the cats as mmuch as you need to and because of the two week trail  period.

 If this was a regular shelter(kill) it would not matter if she ripped me to shreds, I would not ever take her back.

 I am in shock at how hard she is to handle. At the sanctuary she was friendly, very calm and confident. I can honestly say she was the funniest cat I have ever watched in action. Because they do not let you pick up the cats it never registered with me that there was a chance that she had been handled very little in her 2 years there and so- I end up with this situation. Ugh.Feliway has always worked so well for me. I wonder if she would be more aggressive without it. Ha- ha.

Ah, wish me luck.

(probably the classical music) heehee
JUST KIDDING of course...but I did want to say...ya know... sometimes it is what it is...and bless your heart for trying...and I really don't have any experience on adopting an older kitty...my two came home as itty bitty things and they were sisters so they were totally comfy. I would hope she'd adjust in time..but gosh, if I got bit like that I'd probably be really on edge whenever I approached her again...but that's just me... I hope it all works out whatever you decide.. but I too agree..this is why you are "trying it"... to see if your household is compatible...so please don't feel bad if she doesn't blend well... at least she has a place she is comfy with in the shelter that is no kill. Fingers crossed for you!

Have you thought of trying flower remedies? I've had great success with Bach flower remedies for animals (cats, dogs, horses). There are pre mixed blends available - Bach's Rescue Remedy or the Jackson Galaxy Spirit Essences range spring to mind. If you want to get more specific, or want more information http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pets-bach-flower/ I really do think it's worth considering. Flower essences cannot do any harm, and could really help. For best results if using a custom blend, you need to get as much background info about your girl as possible.

Hope you're healing ok.

Does she like to play?  How about a laser pointer.  Get her chasing the laser and have the laser go into the carrier and she runs inside?

Also you could get a large carrier.  Start feeding her in it.  Then on vet day, feed just a nibble and when she does inside, block the entrance and zip her up.  I had to do this with one of the feral/stray cats I brought into my home.  I started feeding him outside the carrier, then each day moved it back further and further.  On vet day, I put a few morsels into the back of the carrier in his food dish.  When he went inside, I had a sturdy chair pad to block the exit.  I then zipped him up, covered the carrier and away we went.  I to this day cannot get this cat into a small cat carrier.  It has to be this large sized. 

Here is what I use:

Cat bites are very painful - mega that you heal quickly!

Seeing as she's only been with you for two weeks and was at the sanctuary for two years, the staff there may not have seen any reason to warn you. Some cats are perfectly fine with people they've been around a lot picking them up, but not "relative strangers". That's why it's staff members who put the cats in carriers when they're adopted. She's still settling in and learning to trust you; the fact that she allows you to give her eye medicine shows she's well on her way to doing that and is basically a manageable cat.

The problem may have been that you reached for her while she was on her tree. There are several cats at our shelter who are fine, even quite friendly, if you touch them while they're on the floor, but will scratch or bite if you invade their "safe territory" above ground.

I really do sympathize. Two of our shelter cats - one a former feral and the other a very aggressive stray who's already sent two people to the ER - had to go to the vet's office this morning. Two of us went in half an hour before it was time to take them because we anticipated trouble getting them into the carriers - and surprisingly managed both within three minutes. We used top-loading carriers and their favorite chewy treats. Can you get her to come to you for treats while you're sitting on the floor beside the carrier? Give her a few, and while she's chewing one, quickly pick her up and pop her in? We were surprised how well it worked with our aggressive "monster", Panther. Believe me, we were very apprehensive, as you understandably are. I keep a pair of leather driving gloves for such situations, just in case.

for you!

Thanks everyone. I do appreciate all the good advice.As far as her background- she was surrendered at age of 6 weeks covered in mange she has lived at this open cage sanctuary ever since. The volunteers and staff love her. I am convinced however that she has almost never been picked up.

Columbine- I have tried flower essences before and now that you  mention it , it sure can't hurt to try again

Shadows rescue- I do have a big crate. It loads from the top and the front. It has a nice comfy bed in there too. I have tried the laser. She is not interested. ( isn't it funny how some cats could care less about it?) she loves, loves, loves wand toys but so far I have not been able to get her in. The crate is in her room unzipped at all time. I think that she has not been in one since she was a baby and it frightened her when I brought her to this new, strange home. I am madly searching for a treat that seems to tempt her. One of my cats is in there with her all the time. He chases the treats but will not go into the crate either! Little stinker.

I have broken my rules about taking more time introducing the cats.

She was so afraid and is such a cats cta that I let them meet. Desmond is very interested in her and she brightened considerably when she saw  my cats. Des hissed a few times at her but that was it. Right now he is in the room sleeping on the floor and she is looking longingly at him from the cat tree. He does not, at this time , want to snuggle and I know she was always snuggling with the cats at the shelter.

Milo will look through the puppy gates but panics and runs back down the stairs. He is really bummed that she is here. He will come around.

Jcat- Isn't that like a cat to surprise you? My Remy (RIP) used to struggle ( but not bite) when being put in the crate. I hated when I had to do it. One day I sprayed Feliway in the crate but still anticipated trouble. He sniffed the crate and walked in happily. Huh? I was surprised but always have Feliway on hand.

I did go to the Dr. today. I had to because one of the bites was very swollen and so painful. My Dr. said the bites and lacerations look ok . She thinks one of them just hurts so bad because it is at my wrist bone. I got a 5 day course of Augmentin. Just in case.I know the health department will be paying me a visit. I will not say she did this.I hope that doesn't result in trouble but she has been traumatized to much already.

I talked to the Foundation ( where I got her ) today and asked for an additional 2 weeks on my trial adoption. They were fine with it.

As I explained to them. I do not expect her to be a lap cat. She is playful and likes to be pet. She loves my cats. I understand and am patient with getting over her fear and insecurity.I really do not expect to be able to carry her around in my arms. I do however, need to know that she can be picked up when necessary and because I had not actually touched her when this happened.I had just began to bring my arm up, I need to know that no one, including future pet sitters and young people, are going to be torn up.

Right now I need to attempt to put the medicine in her eyes again. Cross your fingers for me ( and her). Thanks again all. This is a great site. Thanks TCS!

Ugh, this is so upsetting.

Things are not going well.

All this really comes down to is that I should have told the sanctuary that I would come for the cat AFTER they treated her eye. Given that she is much more cat directed than people directed taking her out of the only place she ever knew and into a room where there were no cats terrified her. Then I terrorized her by forcing medication into her eye several times a day.

I can tell she still had ear mites. I did notice she was thrilled to see my cats but my cats of course think she is invading their territory. It was to soon, I knew better but thought it would help her. I can't do that again until after I can get her into a vet.

The sanctuary lady is really bullying me to let the cats 'thrash it out" no way and, her eye infection is worse. I don't even know what it is

The vet at the sanctuary just told me she had a 'red' eye. Well now she has 2 red eyes.It could be contagious.

I ordered a pair of welders gloves from Amazon, they go almost up to the shoulders. Hopefully I can get a grip on her and get her into the vet. wish me luck.

This poor cat just fears me.Hate to say it but I am mad at that sanctuary, they had her since she was six weeks old. Did they never handle her at all? She is insanely powerful for a tiny little cat.

aww...gosh that's too bad...

I'm so sorry for what you're going through. It seems like the shelter has failed this little cat. So unfair. I hope you're able to make progress with her over time.

I'm sorry to hear things haven't improved. I'm also not impressed with the sanctuary lady's advice.
for you! She's obviously much better off being with you and fortunate that you've been so patient with the whole situation.

I have been patient but this morning I was in her room and while sitting on the floor playing with a wand toy she bit me in the face. She obviously has never been handled much . She has ear mites which need treatment and an eye infection too.I did try those huge thick gloves I bought but they are to big I could use one on my right hand to scoop her up if I could get her close enough to me to scruff her with a bare left hand so that I can get a grip . She is wedge in the cubby of her cat tree. I would have to pass a hand in front of her face and reach behind her to get her and I am to afraid to do it.

I wish it have even occured to me that I should have checked before adopting her that she was able to be handled.

I am thinking of finding somewhere to get a cat trap and perhaps not feeding her for 1 day so that if I put some sardines in oil in the trap she would take the bait. I have no idea how to use a trap.

 I know the rescue has them but they are not picking up the phone.I hate to say this but, this is a nightmare. My step-grandkids are coming in a month and that is the room they have to stay in . I have serious doubts that I can get to her.

I called a mobile vet they will not deal with her if they have to try and catch her.

A type of glove I've found works very well for this sort of situation is the SSG 4650 deer skin work/riding glove. It's fitted enough that you can have decent dexterity (designed for horseback riding) but padded enough to protect from claws/teeth. Combined with a thick or tough jacket they might be enough.

The other route is to explain the situation to a vet and see if you can have a mils sedative to give in her food...something that will dope her just enough to make her more handlable.

I don't envy you this task. I'm totally shocked at the shelter's attitude. She's so lucky to have you to look out for her. You're doing an amazing thing. She will thank you eventually.

I wish I could say I was a saint but, as soon as I get her she is going back to that sanctuary. I have empathy for her but cannot have a cat like that around children. I do feel for her, there is no reason why she wasn't handled during the 2 years she spent with them.Originally the hurry was that she needs to go to the vet. She is not shaking her head all the time but I do recognize that kind of head shaking. I also have other cats here and I do not want them to get mites. I am hoping the fact that I keep up with Revolution applications will prevent them from getting mites.

 I am so stunned. The very reason I drove so far to find a cat was that I need to have a cat that fits into my household and  my life.I have never , ever returned a cat. I like the idea of giving another cat a good home but, I didn't go to a local shelter because I needed to know that on the chance it was a bad fit I could bring her back without risking her life.

I spent over one month with their 400 cats every day before deciding on her. I swear, if you had seen how charming she was you would be as stunned as I am. I made a mistake in not even checking to see if she could be handled.Having had many cats , I have never gone through this;

I feel like a horrible person.The other half of my brain is worried that if I bring her back maybe they won't give her the medical care she needs.

As far as my vet, she will not prescribe meds without seeing the cat. She suggested that this cat is actually semi-feral and that I should use a trap. She is really a wonderful vet too, not in it for just money. She has education in behavior and is actively involved in rescue. I love her.

Do you all think it is safe for her to withhold food for 1 full day in hopes that I can bait her into entering a crate?

Wow, really stunned by the shelter attitude.  I would have thought they would do anything they could to support someone who sounded like they would try to work with and keep a cat like this.  So very sorry you have been hurt and bitten, now twice.  Take good care of the wounds, and especially the one on your face now - fingers crossed that will not become infected or anything.   I can totally understand how you are worried about keeping her now, esp with children being around and with your other cats.  Do not feel bad about what ever you do, this has not been at all what you had expected and the behaviour is most unusual.  There is now the added factor of how your confidence around this cat has been affected and that can make it very difficult in settling things back down again as if you are nervous then she probably will be too.

Some, or even all, of this behaviour may come from this little cat not being well and perhaps earlier associations with pain and carriers.  I know for sure that was the case with a cat I used to have.  She was the most gentle furball you could ever wish for normally, but give her her inflamed bladder or an infection and show her a basket and she was an evil banshee that literally ran up walls and flew round a room.  She didn't bite me but that was sheer luck on my part, and she took a large slice out of my former vet's hand because he thought she was deeply sedated but as soon as she sensed his hand near her she went for him claws and teeth everywhere.  He used to give me sedatives which I adminstered to her half an hour or so before having to take her to the vet but when he died and I moved practice the new vets said that was too risky for her and I had to crate her up and they would sedate her.  Ha ha.  They said they would reverse the sedative before me picking her up too but they decided not to do that once they met her and would send her home still completely knocked out because she was so stressed.  Lucky me.

I hope you are able to get her in to the crate, if only to take her back.  The only way I could get my cat in to a fully opening crush basket was for me to spend at least an hour trying to relax before hand, usually go out for a bit having got the crate ready as far ahead as possible, all open and everything but not like it was about to be used, and then when I came back in I would act like I was settling in for the day / night, coat off, shoes off, put the kettle on, everything to give her the impression I was going nowhere and she could chill out (I'd be dressed in nice thick protective long sleeve clothes though).   I'd have to wait until she was relaxed and in a place I could approach her easily and pick her up, make out for as long as I could that it was for a snack or something and talk to her gently, then in to the basket as fast as I could.  If there was a second person here they would get the basket close for me but I was usually on my own and it sounds like you are too.   I tried using a blanket or pillowcase to restrain her but never worked for me.  It really was about me managing to con her in to thinking I wasn't going to be going out so she wasn't on guard.   

If you can't get her in her carrier b y lifting, is there any other box or crate type thing she might go in to that you could then block up and use that as a carrier / put inside her proper carrier?