Okay cat parents: does your kitty love or hate the carrier? If your cat is a carrier-hater, try these tips and tricks to get your furry friend to play along.
- Give your cat a chance to get used to the carrier in his own time. Keep the carrier out with the door open so he can sniff it, mark it, and go inside to explore.
- If you do leave the carrier out, tie the door open so it won’t swing shut and frighten your cat.
- Try feeding your cat inside the carrier. Place the bowl all the way at the back so he has to go in for dinner.
- Put your cat’s favorite toy into the carrier.
- Try a different type of carrier. Your kitty may hate a plastic carrier but tolerate a soft sided carrier.
- Line the inside of your carrier with something soft — like a towel or an old t-shirt. Even better if the towel or t-shirt smells like your cat’s favorite person! Even better times two if you sprinkle a little catnip on it.
- Start early if you have a kitten. Let your kitten go into the carrier, close the door, and walk her around the house. This way, she’ll get used to it in short trips and not freak when it’s time to go to the veterinarian’s.
If all else fails and you have to force your cat into the carrier, try putting the carrier on its end, wrapping kitty in a towel, and depositing him in. You may want to wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself if your cat puts up a fight! I’ve even heard stories of people slipping a pillowcase over the cat and bringing him into the vet’s office that way! A carrier is definitely a safer way to travel.
And a carrier isn’t just for trips to the vet. If you bring your cat on a vacation or have to evacuate in an emergency, you’re going to need to be able to get your cat into the carrier without too much fuss. Practice now, before it’s an emergency.