How to proceed with chronic issues when I can't get her into carrier (can you teach an old cat new tricks?)

[SallyS]

• Puddin’, 16 yrs, Female
• Spayed
• Mother was short-haired but she is long-haired and looks like a Maine Coon, only a smaller version
• Wt: 5-10#?
• Appet good (but picky), energy ok, mood ok, sometimes sounds irritated or distressed, sometimes pees and poops outside of box, runs from loud noises and people other than me, will get up on beds but won’t venture on to any other furniture like cat tree or my lap when I’m sitting in my chair (yet she has jumped into the empty chair), won’t let me pick her up (she goes spastic)
• Raw meat grinds (from Hare Today) with occasional sardines and Orijen cans (when she refuses the raw or to entice her to eat the raw); been on raw since weaning. Gets some freeze-dried raw treats.
• No vaccinations, spay surgery was her only vet visit
• Occasional peeing and pooping outside box, so we keep her upstairs where we don’t have new flooring or furniture like we do downstairs; I suspect this came soon after the spay surgery; also suspect food sensitivities- rejects foods, vomits chicken and turkey, seems like it came on gradually, she’s gotten pickier over time; some crying meows- not sure what it’s tied to but suspect a GI or urinary issue; definitely used to have painful peeing episodes but not seeing that these days
• Sitting with her and encouraging her to eat helps her eat; but then she might still vomit
• Mail in stool test is only diagnostic (was negative)
• Self-prescribed homeopathic, flower, gemmo remedies as I researched and took courses; more recently utilized distance homeopath. Some minor wins only.
• Occasional mucus and blood in stool; what I think is a little growth by the anus; matted hair & dull fur
• @Dr. Jeff, @Dr. Christina

We’ve had Puddin’ since birth, since taking in her mom who was a pregnant stray. I’ve been very skeptical of vets, so have stayed away all these years. Now I’d like to pursue some kind of integrative therapy, which can be done at a Lifetime Pet Wellness clinic I’ve used in the past for other cats. BUT I’m really worried I won’t be able to get her in a carrier for the visit. Plus, they’ve told me I should first come in for an exam. I know it will be multiple visits, and I’m so unaccustomed to handling her. And she'd be so stressed. So is it worth it? I do feel I have a good bond with her. I pet her lots, and have morning grooming sessions with her which she expects before she gets fed. But she really resists being picked up. I’ve tried training her with treats, but haven’t been able to get her to hop into her crate.

What is your input on kind of treatment? And how should I handle the crate issue? Would it be better for me to do the 15-minute call for guidance?

Thanks so much! I’m thrilled to have joined and to see all the amazing resources here!

Sally

 

[GinnyW]

I would venture that a well-chosen homeopathic remedy, prescribed by an experienced veterinary homeopath - consult given long distance - would be a good start. Could well be a complete answer, but at least would be a great start to calm her enough to get her into a vet for diagnostics if deemed necessary.
Homeopathy can work for her, but the real power in it lies in the carefully considered choice of a remedy by an experienced animal practitioner. Read more on this site, and/or contact a recommended homeopath right off. Yes, you could do the 15 minute call right off Your dedication to her is admirable.