Chunk meets Willow =) Photo heavy!

[Tina B and crew]

I guess she's not whimpy willow anymore =P

Chunk peed on the bed last night but I think it was because he didn't like the shredded paper in the litter box...I HOPE it's because he didn't like the shredded paper in the litter box!

[Traci]

A normal amount or just leaking, (post-surgery)?

Typically, there's no reason one has to use shredded paper for a male post-neuter. Just keep the litter to a low level in the box temporarily so no contact meets the incision area.

Do you notice him uncomfortable, licking at the area, swollen incision area etc? If so, get him back to your vet for a quick evaluation.

[Tina B and crew]

It was a normal pee. He licked every once and a while last night but didn't notice him doing it this morning. He seems to be fine, I've noticed no swelling, redness, oozing etc and when I placed the regular litter in the box this morning he went right into it. You know me, if I see anything going amiss I'll have him back at the vet ASAP.

Any times on traveling with him? He pitched a fit yesterday and my vet is a bit of a drive for me. I mean it was to the point of hurting himself on the door of the carrier...his claws had some blood on them. Vet checked and it wasn't serious but still, poor little guy! Covering him and talking quietly to him did no good.

[Traci]

Since you mentioned the second FVRCP booster, I wonder, was the first vet/visit a bad experience? Was that first FVRCP particularly painful or did he have a reaction?

Besides clawing at the carrier, what else was he doing?

I don't recommend covering carriers, since they might increase potential for nausea and motion-sickness, they should have something to focus their eyes/attention on while in the car. Personally, I always try to have mine in the passenger seat beside me, with door facing toward me so they can see me directly. In the summertime, never cover a plastic carrier, since it traps and increases the temperature inside the carrier.

As for getting used to travel, other than going to the vet, is there another reason you want him to travel? You're not taking him to Turkey or Greece, are you?

The trick is to get him acclimated to the carrier at home so he doesn't fear it, or doesn't necessarily associate the carrier with a bad experience.
Either take the front door off and make it into a cubby of sorts with a blanket and toy, or leave the door open and it serves the same purpose as a cubby/playhouse. Keep the carrier in an area he is generally around.

You could try taking him for short trips around the block, about once a week. You can start by just having the car parked. Next time, start the car and let it run a few minutes. Next time, drive around the block. Next time drive around the block a couple times.

ALWAYS reward him after an excursion, with a treat, playtime or toy, etc. So he associates the carrier, ride, with something positive.

[Tina B and crew]

You know me, I've always got my eye on Greece and Turkey

He was biting the door, clawing pretty aggressively, really meowing as if in distress. I don't think he had a a bad experience with his first FVRCP, at least I don't recall Laura mentioning it to me.

As far as covering the carrier, I don't ever cover the entire thing. I put the carrier in the same position you do and he had sight of me through the door the whole time. I tried classical music on the radio, talking gentle to him, turning the heat up, down, off...nothing calmed him down. You would have thought he was being tortured something terribly. I wonder if his experience has anything to do with being put in a carrier when he was brought here and taken away from his mama? Just a thought.

You could try taking him for short trips around the block, about once a week. You can start by just having the car parked. Next time, start the car and let it run a few minutes. Next time, drive around the block. Next time drive around the block a couple times.

Around the block here is about 40 miles I wonder if the curvy roads have anything to do with it? None of our cats have ever liked the ride to the vet up here but none of them have ever hurt themselves on the way there...we've had barf, pee, and poo but never blood!

[Traci]

Well, our pets can experience motion-sickness just as we do, so allowing them to view around them is helpful. The curvy roads could have a lot to do with it.

For now, try to get him at least acclimated to the carrier, in the house. Make it comfy for him, let him eat, play, nap, whatever, inside it so he doesn't associate it with evil. You could even try toting him around the house in the carrier, then rewarding him.

He's still young enough to outgrow the fear of the carrier and car ride. Do you have a recheck scheduled for the neuter? His rabies vaccination is coming up, yes?

If possible, trim his claws well in advance for the vet visit. And if possible, make morning appointments, do not feed first, then when back from the vet, he'll have all day to recover and you'll have all day to reward him and make the experience a positive one.

How did he react at the vet's? Did he allow handling or did he fight every step of the way?

As for the car, if it's cold outside, of course, make sure it's comfortably warm for him. Soft music on the radio, with a LOW volume. Keep windows rolled up if you can. Don't overdo it on the cooing to him, but do assure him by making eye contact and whispering.

Some cats just naturally hate carriers and car rides, and the short car trips to acclimate them seem to help some cats. As long as something is provided as a reward, they should associate the carrier as not so bad.

If the carrier has a metal door, maybe invest in a new one with a hard plastic door (as long as it locks securely). Metal is hard on gnawing teeth, especially in younger pets.

[Tina B and crew]

Can't do much about the curvy roads at this point

I will be getting a second carrier though and will look for a well built one with a plastic door..but FWIW he was clawing at the the little holes in the plastic too...although I agree plastic won't be as tough on the teeth and mouth.

His experience at the vet was good...he was a bit frightened at first and of course yowled with they took blood but once he was back in the treatment room he started playing and purring and was great when the vet did the vaccine. He's not scheduled for a recheck right now...Rabies is usually at what, 4 months or so? It's been so long since I've had kittens I don't recall! He's 3 months so I'd guess in a month or so I'll take him back for sure.

OH...we've had a few more attempts at play between him and Willow Willow definitely likes it best when she's up high and can bat at him below her. They are so funny! She still hisses and swats if he approaches her to quickly and last night when he got into her tent she growled up a storm at him! Ears never went back though...like I said, she's a bit possessive of her toys. She's been hoarding them in her tent

[Traci]

Rabies at 16 weeks, preferrably at 6 months of age for indoor cats.

I wish I knew what else to advise about the carrier. Don't know if he just doesn't like it, or the motion, or what. Maybe ask daughter how the very first vet visit went, car ride to vet, etc. and if he did the same thing then.

Funny about Willow hoarding her toys, LOL.