I like the idea of taking him in the truck, though it could be interesting trying to get a look at him if he doesn't want it.
One thing folks may not grasp from your posts unless they'd met him (and I know it doesn't make your decisions easier) is that he isn't a tottering old weakling who's barely limping through the day. He's still very strong and very stubborn!
Yeah - he's really strong, twenty pounds of pissed off cat with claws attached ;~)