How to safely get scared cat in carrier

Dear Cathy: We have a shelter cat named Chechee, now 7, who is very skittish and frightened every moment of the day. It is impossible to cuddle with her and we can barely pet her because she runs away and hides. We would like to have her examined by a veterinarian, but we can’t pick her up, let alone put her in a carrier.

All of her needs are met. We are at our wit’s end. She has bitten my wife once when we attempted to pick her up. — Herb, Wellington, FL

Dear Herb: To reduce Chechee’s overall skittishness and build her confidence in the home, put feline pheromone plug-ins around the house and give her lots of places to hide or a place to climb.

As for getting Chechee to the veterinarian, here are a few things you can try:

First, get a bigger carrier. Cats have a way of making themselves bigger when they are scared and trying to push them into small carriers is a nightmare for both the pet and owner. This is the moment when most people are bitten and scratched.

Second, leave the carrier in the house so the cat can go in and out as she pleases. Most people put the carrier in the garage and bring it out only when it’s time to go to the vet.

I know Chechee won’t let you pick her up, but the next bit of advice would be to wrap her in a towel before putting her in the carrier. Cats feel safer like this, and it’s much better for you if her claws and paws are under wraps.

If these things don’t work, talk to your veterinarian about medicating her. You won’t be able to give her anything orally, but the vet can prescribe some medicine that can be crushed and put into her food.

If all else fails, consider renting or buying a humane animal trap often used for feral cats. Skip feeding her the night before the visit so she’s hungry. Drape the top of the trap with a towel, put the food inside and leave the door open.