Helping Your Cat Love Their Carrier
You’re as silent as can be, sneaking around your house preparing the cat carrier for a dreaded visit to the veterinarian. There’s no way your cat heard you or knows what’s going on, right? Wrong!
We don’t know how, but cats always know when the carrier comes out, no matter how quiet you are. They hide anywhere you can think of — even places you can’t think of. Whenever a cat senses that something is happening, those feline survival instincts tell cats to run away and hide.
To many cats, the carrier is a scary place. Usually the only time a cat needs to be inside one of these portable kennels is to go to a strange place – the veterinarian, the groomer, moving to a new home, or even to go live with a new family. Because of these negative connotations, many cats hate carriers. They can lash out at their owner when being forced into the carrier; they can stress out while inside it; and they may go to the bathroom due to being uncomfortable in such a small space. However, the carrier doesn’t have to be a cause of stress for any cat. This article will discuss the importance of cat carriers, the different types of carriers, how to introduce a cat to a carrier, and how the pet owner can get them inside the carrier safely.
It is very important for a pet owner to be able to get their cat into a carrier quickly, easily and without causing undue stress to the cat. Many cat owners have expressed to me that their cats are more comfortable being held, wrapped in a blanket, or without any confinement during car rides, vet visits and grooming appointments. While this may be comforting to the cat, it creates a very dangerous situation where the cat is vulnerable to harm. Carriers keep the cat from escaping from their owner’s arms if they are spooked by a dog barking, a car horn, or any number of sudden noises. I have helped owners chase cats down major roads, through neighbor’s backyards and even under houses due to the cat escaping while not in a carrier. Luckily, all of the cats in those scenarios returned unharmed. But, it could have easily ended with the cat being injured by a car, another animal, or even being lost. Keeping the cat safe and protected inside a carrier prevents any of these situations from occurring.
AirPurr Explorer Backpack Carrier
Why cats hate carriers?
Right now, the cat carrier means something negative to your cat. It comes out, and he dreads it because he associates it with bad events like visiting the veterinarian. So, he avoids it and even runs from it when he sees or smells it.
Even if you manage to find your cat and pick him up without being scratched, the worst part is yet to come: getting him inside the darn thing.
The carrier can be a place of fear for your cat for these reasons:
The carrier never comes out unless it’s time to go to the vet, and your cat remembers that experience. Not a happy one!
The carrier is often put away in a garage, closet or attic, so it smells strange, unlike the familiar house.
Cats hate change, and his environment was just altered because you brought “that thing” into his abode.
It’s scary being stuffed into a small space when it is not your cat’s choice.
However, there is hope. We have ways you can get your cat to not fear, and maybe even love, his carrier.
How To Introduce Your Cat to the Carrier?
Cats can love their carriers too! Discover how to introduce your cat to their carrier with patience and love, turning it into a place of security and trust. From creating a cozy space to reducing anxiety, we'll show you how to build a strong and positive association between your feline friend and their carrier.
If your cat isn't thrilled about being in its carrier, start as early as possible (before any veterinary, grooming or boarding appointments) to acclimate the cat so it sees the carrier as a safe place.
The first step is to bring the carrier into your cat's daily life. Bring a clean carrier and place it in your living room (or where your cat hangs out the most). It can help to put a small blanket or cushion inside the carrier that your cat has used before, since cats relate to smell very heavily. If it smells like them, it can be easier for them to feel comfortable with it.
The carrier should be left in the living space for at least a few days. When you want to give your cat a few treats, place 1 or 2 immediately outside the carrier and then another couple inside the carrier. Once the cat walks into the carrier on its own, gently close the door while the cat eats the treats. If they are finished, put another one or two treat through the door of the carrier for the cat to eat. Then open the door and walk away.
Next, continue with the treats inside the carrier and shutting the door. Once the cat is comfortable with the door closed, life the carrier slowly and walk the cat outside to your vehicle. Give a few more treats through the door once inside the car. Then bring the cat back inside, open the door and give another treat.
We are going to continue this process every few days, until the cat is showing no signs of stress when in the car. The next step is to take a quick drive around the block, giving a treat when you return home. Go for progressively further and further drives. This should allow the cat to become comfortable in the carrier, in the car and going on short drives for any veterinary, grooming or boarding appointments.
TailTrails Cross-Carry Backpack
Some Tips To Help Make Transporting a Cat Less of a Hassle
Changing your cat’s perception of the carrier from a negative to a positive space by using the below tips will work wonders toward getting him to accept it without fear. If the carrier is thought of as an appealing place of comfort and pleasant activities, your cat will begin to associate it with good events. The carrier may even become a safe place for retreating and taking naps.
Don't Hide The Carrier
Keeping the cat carrier tucked away in a closet or garage only adds to the mystery and fear. When she sees you pull it out, she'll bolt to her favorite hiding spot and stay put. To avoid this, make the carrier available (with the door open) all the time, or at least several hours before putting her in it, so she becomes desensitized and familiar with the crate.
Use a Top-loading Carrier
At home, have your cat enter and exit from the front opening on the carrier. It’s easy to place him into the carrier, if there’s also an opening on top.
Leave The Carrier Out All The Time
It will become part of your cat’s environment, and he won’t be tipped off to a vet visit when you get it out.
Use Catnip or Calming Remedies
Sprinkle the carrier with catnip to entice your cat inside. Herbal calming remedies can also help your cat to relax near the carrier.
Make It a Place to Play
Incorporating the cat carrier into your playtime routine is another great way to help your kitty acclimate to it. She won't view it as a trap so much as a fun place to hide. Cats love small, dark spaces that offer security and safety, and her carrier provides both. Toss in a favorite toy, cat treats or food to entice her. With regular play, it shouldn't be long before she views the carrier as her very own private sanctuary. It can also be a good idea to use the cat carrier to transfer around the house, so that she gets used to being carried in it. When every trip in the cat carrier doesn't end up with a trip to the vet, she will not associate the carrier with bad experiences.
Reward With Treats
During playtime, toss some treats into the carrier so your cat chases after them. Once he gets his treat reward, praise him for being inside the carrier.
Make It a Dining Spot
As your cat gets more comfortable, give him meals inside the carrier. If he will eat inside the carrier, he has decided it’s a good place to be.
Make the Carrier Comfortable
Cats love their comforts, so line the carrier with a towel or soft blanket and add some of your cat’s favorite plush toys. These items offer an additional layer of security by giving her a place to snuggle up. You may have just created his new favorite napping spot.
In the event your nervous cat urinates in the carrier, this material will absorb the mess. It's a good idea to bring an extra towel and/or some newspaper so that your kitty isn't sitting in a soiled carrier.
Consider Clicker Training
Clicker training is a great way to teach your cat to enter the carrier by himself on command. Wouldn’t it be nice to just say, “Go to your carrier” and have him go on command?
Now that your cat has accepted the carrier, and maybe even loves being inside it, getting ready for the trip to the veterinarian will be a snap. No more last-minute cancellations for you. Your vet, your stress level and your wallet will all be much better for it.
Place Her in the Carrier
If your cat digs in her claws and refuses to go into the carrier on her own, you'll have to put her in yourself. One way to do this safely and to avoid scratches is to wrap her gently in a towel, which you can leave in the carrier with her. Place her in backside first so she can see what's going on. If you have a carrier with a top that opens, you may find it easier to lower her into the crate and quickly secure the closure.
Purchase the Right Carrier
Getting the right carrier for your furry pal, one that makes her comfortable and safe, is a key piece of this puzzle.
First, determine the correct size of carrier. Your cat should have enough room to stand up and move around. If you're taking a long trip, account for space to accommodate food and water dishes. However, don't choose a carrier that's too big, as your cat won't be as secure in it.
Choose a carrier that will make her feel safe, while also feeling cozy. The material with which the carrier is made depends on your cat's temperament. If she is prone to soiling, you may want to choose a plastic carrier that easily wipes clean as opposed to a soft fabric that requires machine washing.
While looking for a carrier that's just right, ensure that all handles and latches are securely attached, especially with shoulder bag styles. If your cat is a master at unzipping or tearing apart Velcro closures, you'll definitely want to go with a traditional carrier with a gate that latches at the top and bottom, or she'll try to make a break for it.
Keeping your cat's safety and comfort in mind means less stress for you, your fur baby and the vet!
Our Favorite Cat Carriers
Cat carriers get better and better every year. Here are some of our functional products that may ease your cat’s carrier stress:
AeroPaws Expandable Travel Bag
Carrier Features
Top Loading
This provides two doorways to get the cat in or out, giving multiple options for the cat's comfort
Hard-sided
Soft-sided carriers can lose their shape over time, starting to cave in causing a cramped environment for the cat
Easily disassembled
Some shy cats prefer not going through a carrier door. Alternatively, a carrier that has clasps instead of screws allows for an easy in/out, as well as an easy way to clean the carrier if the cat has any accidents.
Sufficient Movement Space
The cat carrier backpack large enough to hold a 10-pound pet, it is helpful to keep your friend safely inside, allowing you to focus on your trip.
Safety Design
Safety buckle and leash to ensure extra security for your pet and to prevent escape.
Excellent fit and Comfort
Both waist and chest buckles to give you extra support, extra thick padding on shoulder straps and back eases the weight during long trips.
Humanized Details
Multiple mesh windows for better airflow and outside view for your pet. removeable cushion, with a cool bamboo surface on the other side, provide better support for the backpack, while also making it easy to take out and clean at any time. Many small pockets on two sides and back of the pack to store leash, water, snacks, toys and other essential supplies.
PurrView Transparent Travel Bag
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