Tips for using a cat carrier

Oh yes we cat lovers have all been there haven't we. The day you have to take your cat to the vet or the cattery and the struggle to get them in the box. It's no fun but experience can teach you a thing or two about how to make the job easier. I'm thinking of one more memorable occasion as I offer what I have learnt. Deciding to neuter and give a home to a stray male cat that I'd fed for months was one of those times. He was big and strong and didn't want to go into the box so it was quite a battle as he put the back foot brakes on digging his claws in. After getting him into the box I briefly went to get car keys and when I came back he had literally thrown himself inside the box onto the floor. Stupidly I had left him on a bench. He was no where in sight and the box was flung open. Eventually I found him glaring out at me from under a couch. If trying to get him in the box the first time was a battle the second time was near on impossible. He clearly regarded me with deep distrust as I fought to heave his weight into the box again. What did I learn ? Never leave them on a bench and try tipping the box end on with opening up. Support their weight and hold onto the scruff then lower the cat into the box. Need I say it ? quickly shut the door !