The Carrier Shouldn’t Be Scary

For many cats, a trip to the veterinarian is a traumatic experience that starts with a struggle to get into the cat carrier. This experience can be traumatic for the owner as well. It shouldn’t be that way! A stress free trip to the vet (or anywhere else), starts with a stress free walk into the cat carrier.

Teaching your cat to enjoy their time in the carrier is not far fetched, but it does take time and patience. The process starts with turning the carrier into a safe space that is always available, and that the cat enjoys spending time in. Keep the carrier in a nice warm place, pad it with a comfy blanket, and keep it out. You can create a positive association with the carrier by giving treats inside and playing near the carrier. Gradually, you will also be able to introduce your cat to short safe trips in the carrier, until your cat becomes comfortable in the car.

You will probably be able to go through the whole process using the carrier that you currently have. However, if your cat had such a traumatic experience that the carrier now triggers extreme fear behavior, it may be a good time to get a new carrier.

To learn more about the training process, check out this video from CATalyst Council.