that'll be fine for traveling to the vet. as for body language, if they curl up in a tight ball, they're prolly nervous and not sure what's going on. mine haven't done that in a couple years... regular handling should get him used to you. if he sorta balls up and he pulls his head back real fast, you prolly spooked him. make slow, calm movements till he's comfortable with you. if his neck is coiled and looks like he might spring, he just might try to bite if you spook him anymore. i usually take this as a hint to put him back very carefully. we figured out that if they start getting REALLY squiggly, put them away, cuz they just might need to poop! lol! good luck with cooper!