The problem? The only time we get out the cat carriers are when the cats are going to the vet. We used to have to be really quiet when we got them out because if Smudge would hear even the slightest door rattle, he would dash away and hide. Since this was usually about 20 minutes before I needed to be at the vet this was a problem. This time, I decided to put the carriers out in the living room about a week before the vets visit, thinking this would take away all their bad vibes.
It seemed to be working. They checked them out. Didn't seem too freaked out. Smelled them, rubbed on them and Coco even slept in it for a couple of days.
Here Coco is minding her own business. Enjoying a little time in the carrier. Until.... can you spot a Luxie kitty sneaking up behind?
I was busy patting myself on the back for getting them used to the carriers, thinking I had this whole thing figured out. Then came the morning of the vet's visit. I scheduled their appointments together, I put one carrier in one room and one carrier in another room, so they wouldn't catch on. Guess what? It made no difference whatsoever. As soon as I picked up Luxie and started heading for carrier, she turned into a hellcat. I didn't think I was going to get her in it. I finally managed to get her in with minor blood shed. Coco was a little easier because she was sleeping when I picked her up!
For my artsy photo I used the Topaz labs plugin.
Michelle Miller says
Cats are smart and their memories are long. lol Hope their vet visits went well.
Very cute shots this week. Love the artsy photo.
mommakatandherbearcat says
If I didn't get the carrier out a week before the vet visit, I'd never get Bear Cat in the carrier! As it is, I'm exhausted after the life or death battle - I need a nap!
mommakatandherbearcat says
If I didn't set the carrier out a week before our appointment, I'd never get Bear Cat in the carrier. As it is, I have a life or death struggle. I have to close the doors of all the rooms that have hiding spots I can't get to ... and he does his best to make it so that I can't fit him through the door of the carrier. After I finally get him in, I'm so exhausted that I need a nap ... not a drive to the vet!
Sandee says
Some of the best laid plans just don't work when you're dealing with kitties. It's the way of things. They are far smarter than we are.
You sure take some awesome photographs.
Have a purrfect Feline Friday. 🙂
stevebethere says
LOL well they are smart heheh! 🙂
Have a smarttastic week 🙂
ATCAD- Scylla,Chimera,Yin,Yang, Fenris & Tuiren says
Try putting the carrier on a table with the door at the very edge. The go right in.~Alasandra
I got stuffed in a carrier today to go for my annual checkup. ~Chimera
Melissa says
They are no fools!
Heather says
Oh no! Clever kitties. You can't fool a cat. We found a vet that comes to the house so there are no carriers required. Last time though there was still some bloodshed on my end just carrying Gus from the closet to the living room. If only they could talk so we could promise them an ice cream cone afterwards.
Robin says
That was a really good attempt! I have had the same problem with my kitties in the past. They know that something is up when I want them to go in the carriers. Hopefully, I will be breaking them of that habit soon!
Brando and Bogart says
Haha! Good thinking, but you can't trick the clever kitties!
Shanna says
I can relate. I've tried this method also. No dice. Hellcat is the perfect description.
Jean Dion says
The dreaded box. Mine all hate it, too. Thankfully, they don't draw blood. But they don't go in willingly, that's for sure.
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Little Binky and Granny says
I think we are good in knowing what is going to happen. No one can fool a smart kitty☺ Great artwork! Pawkisses for a Happy Day ☺❤
Dash Kitten Crew says
Mum just picks us up and shoves us in, we struggle but it doesn't work........
Flynn says
I am pretty good to go in my carrier. My mum has the biggest problem trying to stop me getting back in when we are at the vets. The art effect is lovely.
BJ Bangs says
Leaving the kitty carriers out for the kitties to play with, and sleep in, is the only way to go. That way, they think it's play time when you really gotta get the cats into the carrier.
ERin the Cat (Princess) says
Ah, there is no easy way to do it, for sure, but my peep always has the carrier handy and just grabs me and drops me in the box. Unceremonious, but effective. We also set out for the vets more than early just to be on the safe side.
Lovely selfies this week, that filter is very watercolour like.
Purrs, Erin
Athena and Marie says
Athena seems to know she's going to be put into the carrier even though I leave it out all the time.
It's a nightmare trying to get her in and it gets worse as she gets older. She hisses at me which can be quite scary.
Mary McNeil says
Great pictures !
The Island Cats says
Our carrier stays out all the time but that still doesn't keep us from running away when it's time to go in it.
Tina Culbertson says
Oh my! Are used to set our cat carrier up ended with the door facing the ceiling. Then I would wrap Hextall in A towel so only his head was peeking out. Gently slide the cat into the open cat carrier, hurry up pull the towel off as you're shutting the door!
Caren Gittleman says
I USED to do what you do...not put the carrier (BTW Cody has that same one, it is his old one)........out til a few weeks before a trip to the Vet. Now I leave it out ALL of the time. Works like a charm. Cody will often go and sleep in it because he sees the door isn't closing behind him. I also invested in a GREAT carrier that not only has a front door like yours, but it also opens from the TOP! No more shoving Cody in face first, he can go in FEET first as he should!
Ellen Pilch says
It is amazing how they can spread their paws out to avoid getting into the carrier. Sorry you had blood shed. I hope the vet visit went well. Nice art, I like that effect.
Katie Kat and Joey says
oh dears hard to fool a smart kitty... Mom usually has to puts the carriers on their back and drop us in... MOL.
-Joey who dented the earth today and caused a ginourmous cat-tastrophe
Ann says
They are truly cleverer than we imagine.