Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had my cat, Kitty, for 12 years. She is 13. She is a very nervous cat, she does not like being around many people, she won't let anyone who doesn't live in my house pet her, I can't pick her up, because she freaks out. She has always been this way. The only one she will tolerate all of the time is me.

Kitty has not been to the vet in years. She has always been pretty healthy, her only problem is that she's a little fat, but other than that, for 13 she looks fine. Now I really want her to go to the vet, just for a check-up but she will FREAK if she sees a cat carrier, and I'm afraid she'll 1. kill the vet and 2. give herself a heart attack, not to mention she'll hate me for the rest of her life. Is there anything I can do to placate her, do some vets do house calls?? I would feel much better if she got a check-up but she's such a moody cat! I had to once sit on her to put a flea collar on and she ignored me for weeks. I don't want to traumatize her but she HAS to go to vet! Any advice?

Hi There,

First, I would try to find a housecall vet. If you have problems finding one, you can try calling some vet hospitals for a reference. I am assuming that you don't have a regular vet since your kitty hasn't been to one in years.

If you must take your kitty somewhere, start leaving the carrier out so she can get used to it. I have several carriers here that are out at all times and my cats really enjoy them. Plus when I have to take a cat in they aren't afraid of being in a carrier.

It would be ideal if you could find a feline specialist, preferably a female, since your kitty is used to you. If you end up having to pick up your cat to put her in a carrier, use a thick towel to pick her up and make sure her head is covered.

Regards,
PHKitkat

I agree with leaving the carrier out. Whenever I've needed to take my Chessie anywhere, I've left his carrier out the night before. He'll go in and curl up for a nap. When it then comes time for me to take him to the vet, he'll be curious about the carrier and then go in to investigate when I tap the end opposite the door with my fingers. Granted, during the ride, he doesn't really like it, although he doesn't throw a fit like he used to.
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Chessie in his favorite spot while I work in the kitchen.