until we have to load the two cats into the carriers and haul them off, kicking and screaming, to the vet.

We brought the carriers upstairs two days ago, hoping the girls would be lulled into complacency by this morning, presuming by now that nothing's up, we're just storing them in the living room now.

Peach is snoozing in the rocking chair in the other room. She should be an easy pick. But although Cindy is currently in a nearby chair, she has been skulking around and nervous.

We will have to coordinate very carefully, Bob and I each stealthily choosing a cat and slowly getting nearer until I say "grab her!"

Then we scurry to the open cat carriers, hoping for the element of surprise to give us a few seconds before the frantic clawing begins.

It's pretty well choreographed by now (they're 9) but all we need is for one of them to get a whiff of impending doom, and someone will be crawling under a dresser trying to drag out a bundle of claws. (Not me)

throwing a blanket/towel or comforter over them helps slow them down as well.

I used that feliway spray in their carrier and leave it out over night. they are normally sleeping in it in the AM, but they KNOW when its time. They just know! it helps to start closing doors as if nothing was happening today, and one by one, they get locked into the room of your choice. I use pillows to block spaces that I cant reach into or behind. They do a faceplant into them.

Calm talking, and deep breathing help. I find the more stressed I am the more stressed they are. in the car we practice our meditation breathing and yoga cattitude.

Good luck that is a rodeo I dont look forward to.

So how did it go? Are you still in one piece?

I remember trying to get Gracie into her cat carrier several years ago. We chased her around the house trying to corner her (all the bedroom doors were closed).

We finally had to stop because she was getting winded and started panting and acting like she was going to pass out.

I finally called the vet and told them I couldn't get her into her carrier. I even had both of my sons trying to help me!

My other two cats are not like that and, although they don't like the carrier or riding in the car, they don't act like she does.

I hope your kitties got a clean bill of health!

All is well, and they're both still speaking to me!

We synchronized well, and had them both plopped in the carriers before either of them had time to warn the other. They sang all the way to the vet, or course, and weren't impressed to have pills shot down their gullets.

But other than that, it was "see ya next year". No hissing, spitting, or scratching on the part of cats or people. Always a relief to get it over with.

We were cracking up while we were waiting for our appointment to see a great big burly redneck-looking man kiss his Shih Tzu goodbye before she went for her spay and say "Daddy will be back to get you."

Don't pets make idiots of us?

I often think if people could see me interact with my cats they'd think I had lost my mind!