Kitten with a bloated tummy

@Grelox,

I totally get it, and in the end they just give in because they’re frightened... not ideal.

I used to have the same problem with cat carriers. It’s only natural really, as we usually only put them in there to take them away from their home comforts, and they aren't fans of that.

I’ve started a monthly weigh-in: I pop them in the carrier, weigh them using luggage scales, and then as soon as I let the cat out, I give them a treat (some dried meat).

Then I leave the carrier out for the rest of the afternoon so they can play or sleep in it.

Nowadays they really don't have any issues with the carrier, even if sometimes it does mean a car journey and so on... It didn't happen overnight, but with persistence and over time, they’ve managed to get over their anxiety.

Best regards

Hi!

My middle cat is just like yours @Greylox – a proper little eel with us, but doesn’t move a muscle at the vet!

When it comes to meds, they’re so clever, they know exactly when you're trying to trick them... with this one, I do the same as you and straddle him to keep him still, but he fights like a demon... it's a right nightmare.

So you can't clip their claws then? Personally, it’s impossible with mine.

And no, we can't really pick them up and hold them. The little lady is somewhat manageable because she'll let you pick her up if she realises she has no choice. But with the little man, it's out of the question. You have to corner him somewhere on the floor, straddle him, and give him his meds. Mind you, once he's cornered he becomes completely submissive—no trying to bite or scratch at all.

The good thing is that they tend to just freeze when they're scared; that's how we manage to get them into their carriers for the vet, and they're just as well-behaved once they're actually at the surgery too.

@Grelox,

You should crush the tablet and mix it into some wet food they don't usually have; that's why it's a good idea not to have a fussy eater by regularly changing the brand or flavour of their wet food.

It’s also worth keeping them quite hungry for half a day before giving them the worming dose, and then finishing off with a little bit of food without any medicine in it—the bit that actually tastes good! 😛

Are you not able to pick up your cats?

Best regards

@Greylox,

I'm really pleased with my big boy this time; it'll definitely help keep the little rascal in check!

Yesterday he bit me and drew blood when I gave him his second wormer (I had my finger in his mouth and he bit down really, really hard) – I didn't realise he had so much strength!

@Courgette et canne à pêche,

I'll have a look if they do little toy mice like that on Zooplus when I order the dry and wet food (I bought one once with a scent inside, but it was made of fabric and foam and it's already full of holes). Otherwise, I've got those little valerian cushions – they go absolutely bonkers for those.

Our lot have had similar balls but they got bored of them. A mouse version might do the trick (and it would be a nice change from the 'squeaks', which get a bit annoying after a while ^^)

Hi!

Not an ad or anything, but the absolute must-have toy (for playing on their own) for one of my cats has to be these plush mice. The body is plastic and holds up pretty well against claws and teeth. But what makes them so great is that there’s a little ball inside that rattles (not a squeaky sound, mind you).

There must be about ten of them under the fridge and just as many under the sofa (it’s a low one). From batting them about all over the place, my "big lad" (that’s his nickname) ends up losing them because his paws are too short to get them out. Every now and then I fish them out for him, and I’ve always got a stash (well-hidden).

I usually pick them up at the local pet shop. I’ve added a photo for anyone looking to invest 🤑

Regards

👍

What your older one is doing is perfect. It's exactly what needs to be done; you couldn't have asked for better.

I had no doubts about the Kong. While it might not always work for an adult dog, it’s a guaranteed hit with the little ones! One bit of advice: take off that little white ribbon on top. It doesn’t really serve much of a purpose and there’s a risk of them swallowing it.