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.

 

[SallyS]

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.

Thanks for your encouragement, Ginny. I do love homeopathy! Just haven't found great success. I will consider trying someone new.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hey Sally!

Puddin's a luck girl to have you on her side.

Was she ever a very good eater (asking for dood, eating whatever you give her and finishing it all)?

she'd be so stressed. So is it worth it?

I love this question! It gets to the core of how her little body works. That being, by energy.

Stress saps energy (which is fundamentally why any stressor can create symptoms).

That being said, it is indeed important for her to be ble to get in the carrier and go to the vet.

Perhaps try leaving the carrier out somewhere safe (near her feeding station?) and start moving her food bowl into it. Do not close the door. Just feed her, aand throw treats in there.

It will become a happy place!

Yes, yes, yes to continuing homeopathy and scheduling a 15 minute call for Holistic Medical Decision Making.

Cat vet @Dr. Jean Hofve or Dr. Christina may have other suggestions.

 

[SallyS]

Was she ever a very good eater (asking for dood, eating whatever you give her and finishing it all)?

Good question. I think so. But I think she gradually got pickier. She's always seemed like she had a good appetite, showing interest in eating several times a day. Her mom was much worse, being very picky and discontent, or as if she were hungry but then couldn't eat.

Perhaps try leaving the carrier out somewhere safe (near her feeding station?) and start moving her food bowl into it. Do not close the door. Just feed her, aand throw treats in there.

Ok. Been leaving the carrier near food already. Just tried food in the carrier. She didn't go for it this time, but I can keep trying. I worry my carrier is too small. She is picky about furniture, as I mentioned. So maybe I need just the right kind of carrier?

Thanks for your advice. I will probably pursue the 15min phone call next.