Posted by AuntieMel on September 23, 2004, at 13:42:55
In reply to Re: question about this kitty's behavior, posted by Shadowplayers721 on September 23, 2004, at 0:50:30
He's doing it because it scares him. Remember the last few times he got picked up? To get tossed out of a car, to go to the vet, to come back from the vet. All his pickups led to a car, which is associated with bad experiences.
Time will eventually work, but you could do the kitty version of immersion therapy. Wrap him in a blanket and pick him up for a couple of minutes, talking in a soothing voice the whole time. Snuggling a bit. Don't hold him too long, but be sure that when he gets back down, it's you putting him down and not him escaping. Repeat often, allowing the time to gradually increase.
As he gets used to the idea that pickup doesn't mean car he'll be happy with the idea.
poster:AuntieMel
thread:393454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040923/msgs/394140.html