Can you take a stool sample into the vet to check to see what he has? That should be easy enough to drop off. Then I too would think something oral would be better.
As for eating in the carrier: I found normal cat carriers to be way too small. I used a soft sided carrier that worked so very well. Here is what I used
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047QDRYE/?tag=thecatsite
Also as far as petting him, have you tried playing with a feather wand toy and then trying to pet him with it? I find it's best to get the cat interested in the feather and then when their back end is facing you, gently touch the feather to the body.
I have made a homemade "pet petter". Basically take an old wand toy or even a dowel rod. Cover the end with an old sock. I just used duct tape to secure it. Then add a layer of soft flannel. An added tip is to spray the end with catnip spray or rub some catnip into the end. Here is a picture of me using it with one of my former feral cats. This cat was so feral, that he hid under my deck for 6 months only coming out to eat. I finally trapped him after 6 months. Yet he was so freaked out that he left for 8 months before coming back. He is now living inside the house and is so happy. Still freaked by visitors, but I can pick him up and he loves to sit on my lap!
Here is the pet petter
Remember that food is your best friend if he is food motivated. Try plain cooked chicken, canned tuna in water, canned salmon ( low salt), Churu lickables, Gerber stage 2 turkey or chicken baby food or really stinky canned food. Every time you enter the room to visit, I would bring something yummy. Sit on the floor (never loom over him) and talk quietly to him. I used to just sit in the room and talk. I would toss something yummy and each time bring the food reward a bit closer to me. Also watch direct eye contact. Keep your gaze low or above his head.
Hopefully progress will continue.
As for eating in the carrier: I found normal cat carriers to be way too small. I used a soft sided carrier that worked so very well. Here is what I used
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0047QDRYE/?tag=thecatsite
Also as far as petting him, have you tried playing with a feather wand toy and then trying to pet him with it? I find it's best to get the cat interested in the feather and then when their back end is facing you, gently touch the feather to the body.
I have made a homemade "pet petter". Basically take an old wand toy or even a dowel rod. Cover the end with an old sock. I just used duct tape to secure it. Then add a layer of soft flannel. An added tip is to spray the end with catnip spray or rub some catnip into the end. Here is a picture of me using it with one of my former feral cats. This cat was so feral, that he hid under my deck for 6 months only coming out to eat. I finally trapped him after 6 months. Yet he was so freaked out that he left for 8 months before coming back. He is now living inside the house and is so happy. Still freaked by visitors, but I can pick him up and he loves to sit on my lap!
Here is the pet petter
Remember that food is your best friend if he is food motivated. Try plain cooked chicken, canned tuna in water, canned salmon ( low salt), Churu lickables, Gerber stage 2 turkey or chicken baby food or really stinky canned food. Every time you enter the room to visit, I would bring something yummy. Sit on the floor (never loom over him) and talk quietly to him. I used to just sit in the room and talk. I would toss something yummy and each time bring the food reward a bit closer to me. Also watch direct eye contact. Keep your gaze low or above his head.
Hopefully progress will continue.
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