Greetings!

I am the proud owner of a cat of the breed "American Former Dumpster Diver" - but once cleaned up and given adequate food, he blossomed into a beauty with all the classic Maine Coon physical and personality characteristics! Lucky me! I'm guessing at least part MC to have that incredible varied-length coat, HUGE eyes, long, long paw fur, LARGE size and friendly, friendly personality. And those bloomers! He is the absolute ideal cat.

This wonderful animal gets along with everyone, including the vet (at whose office he gets loads of attn and compliments) but HATES the car ride there. I'm not talking about just complaining: he pants the whole time he's in the car, making a "chuff, chuff" noise, and loses control of his bladder and bowls (this does not seem to be on purpose, and he never fails to use the box at home, even when he was accidentally left in the closet overnight). His tongue hangs rather far out, and he seems to be in a state of panic. I dread his checkups, and would really, really appreciate it if someone could give me any advice on helping him out.

Incidentally, he will NOT get into a carrier of any kind without the utmost struggle, even if bribed with catnip and stuffed toys. How do I get my boy to the vet without a panic attack?

-- Anonymous, May 29, 1999

Answers

You have a real problem there....poor kitty. In my opinion, there is only one way to try and overcome this problem and it certainly isn't going to be easy or quick. Firstly, leave his carrier out all the time, with the door propped open. Let him get used to seeing it all the time in the room he uses most often, on the floor with him. Start putting his food dish right by (or as close as he will come) the carrier and then start putting the dish just inside the open door of the carrier, letting him eat the food while still standing outide the box itself. Gradually, move his food dish further into the carrier so he has to start putting his front paws inside the box and then all paws. Still do not try to close the door on him. After he has become comfortable eating in the box with his whole body inside it, gently close the door to behind him, but just for a few seconds. Gradually (all these steps are gradual!), leave the door closed behind him while he eats for a little longer. Proceed with encouraging him into there by throwing bits of food in there and his favourite toys. He should now be feeling pretty confident about at least standing in the box on the floor. Start picking up the box for a few seconds with him in it, but make sure you are very careful in not shaking him or tipping him. Put the box back down and let him out. Increase the time you are carrying him by taking him from one room to another and then back to his "comfort zone". Then try taking him into your garage and back to the house....then into the car and back....then start the engine and let it run (check to see if he is more comfortable with the radio on or off...ours do not like the radio in the car but want to be able to see us all the time and hear our voices). Try driving one block, then home. Increase the distance. Take him to the vet but just walk in their door and right back again.

Well, by now you are probably about 100 years old (!!), but this process is the only way you are going to cure his obviously serious problem. Please do not think of resorting to drugs....they are not reliable, potentially dangerous, and would not help the vet to find any problems with your cat if he is zonked out! Many cats have died after having "travel tranquilizers".

Good luck....you have a battle on your hands, but if you love your cat, you can make this process part of your daily interaction with him rather than a chore.

-- Anonymous, June 01, 1999

This is to thank LadyBrit for the response and say that the process of getting Jorkens used to the carrier seems to be working. When I put out his old carrier, he put his front end in, but then got upset and pulled out. Watching him do this several times, I thought maybe it was because the carrier was ordinary-cat-sized (appropriate for a 9-pounder), and he's oversized, so a large carrier was obtained. He seems to approve of the large carrier (which he can turn all the way around in), but we haven't tried any trips yet.

Thanks again for the advice - I'll keep at it, as I think it's worth it. The fact that he no longer sees the carrier as a scary thing is very cool.

-- Anonymous, June 08, 1999

One possibility is to remove the car ride. In our area we have Vets that pay house visits and sometimes I find that it is worth the potential hassle because of the time saved adn the cats overall well being. Of course if you have serious health problems this doesnt work but for check-ups, shots, minor injuries, it works well.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 1999

This isn't any help to you and I am VERY new to cats ( I just found a Maine Coon kitten a few months ago. ) But I introduced "Oliver" to the car very early, coincidently having to take him many places very young. Now that he is used to the noises he LOVES it! Maybe your next cat, if you get him young, can be introduced early and love the car ride, too.

-- Anonymous, September 20, 1999