Litter box - behavior vs. emergency

[Justice]

So far she has been too quick for me. I've cornered her a few times and grabbed her, and she scratched until she got away. This is so bad.

[Traci]

Leave her alone for about a half hour, then use a blanket to scoop her up and into the carrier. Try to do so with minimal stress to her, the quicker you can do this without stressing her considerably, the quicker she'll be in the carrier and ready to go.

[Justice]

Thanks. I'll leave her alone for a bit then try again.

[mamaof4soon]

i agree with traci. Just leave her then blanket and cage. Cover the cage so it is dark, this will help keep a low stress level. Cats like dark places. Just keep a calm voice and drive safely to vet. She will feel if you are stressed so try to relax. Good luck at vet.

[Justice]

Vet told me to try again tomorrow. So I have an appointment for tomorrow. There is nothing they can do if I cant' get her in, and they close at 6. my appointment was for 5.

[Traci]

EJ, you need to watch her like a hawk, if she has a urinary tract infection or blockage, this is serious.

If she strains again in the litterbox, cannot produce urine, or produces spots of blood, tries to squat and urinate in unusual places, or has a frequency to urinate, is crying out and seems painful in her lower abdomen, this is an emergency in which you must get her to the nearest emergency vet immediately. Crystals, for example, can cause life-threatening emergencies, in a matter of hours (this mainly occurs in males, but it can occur in females as well)

Try not to stress her needlessly, but it's important that however you get her in the carrier, it is done quickly and without physical harm. Use a soft cotton blanket or towel to wrap around her so you don't get scratched, or scruff her behind her neck, but be gentle, yet quick about it.

[mamaof4soon]

Justice i hope you are able to get her into the cage today. she really needs to get to vet. If you get her in before the appt. let her stay in there even if she whines to get out. Make sure you take a blanket with you to vet and make absolutely sure that the door is closed and locked when in room with vet so she doesnt get out or someone doesnt accidently walk in and let her out into the hospital. Good luck!

[Justice]

My husband will be home early tonight to help me, so hopefully between the two of us we can get her in there. I was glad to see she forgave me (kinda) last night, by the evening she would let me approach her and even pet her again.

I am truly concerned, not only for her health, but because god forbid there was a fire or natural disaster, I would need to get her into the carrier quickly. I feel like a bad mommy. The way she was panting like a dog, I thought I was wearing her down, or that should would pass out or something. I have never seen anything like it!

This morning I put the food in the carrier. Both girls were all over me for food, as usual, but as soon as I put the food in there, Malbie hissed at me and took off hiding again. Sheesh. This is going to be interesting. And she pooped quite a bit during the night. (I know it was her, Syd went before bedtime) Not sure if she peed though.

Is there any kind of mild sedative or something the vet can give me to get her in there? If she is like this with me, I can only imagine how she will be when the vet tries to look at her.

Thanks,

EJ

[mamaof4soon]

Justice that is something you should speak to the vet about. Give him a call and talk to him today before getting her intothe carrier.

Did you try the towel or maybe a pillow case? Have you tried taking the top off of the cage and just letting it be there so she can see what it is. you dont have to force her to stay in it but atleast show her that it is not a threat. We humans during anytime have an odor that tells animals what is going on with us. Rememer to just try to be relaxed as if nothing is wrong. Your concern for his is correct but that might be what is upsetting her. Cats know when something is going on and she knows that that cage means out the door. I dont blame her at all, but she might not know yet that you are trying to help her.

Call vet and ask about him what he thinks about any medicines for her. You do not know what is wrong with her so he might not recomend it. Her being sedated might be something he might want to do AFTER he sees her and maybe would want to take an x-ray or a better physical. But ask him first.

[Justice]

Thanks everyone for your help.

Yes, we tried the blanket, sweatshirt with my scent on it, a towel...food, treats, I tried cornering her. ALl i got was tufts of fur and lots of scratches. Even a puncture wound on my thumb. Her claws are horrible - she won't let me clip them yet.

I have a call into the vet about the sedative, I'll see what they say. I just hope we can get her in there before this becomes a huge emergency.

I hope in time she will be less fearful of me. It's only been 5 weeks that we have them home with us. Sydney has become my little shadow, I hope Malbie comes around too. Especially when I'm trying to help her!

Unfortunately I had to return to work today, so my husband and I will be trying to get her into the carrier when I get home. I left it open with food in it before I left. Hopefully that will help.

Thanks again,
EJ