Cats and Carriers

 

The most traumatic part of traveling with a cat – for both owners and the cat! – is the getting a cat into a carrier.  This goes for a short trip to the vet or a longer road trip.  It’s amazing how a cat who does not want to get in one can spread out to twice it’s normal size so it won’t fit!

You need to be aware of what your cat experiences when he sees a carrier.  Because it represents the unknown and something that will confine him, a cat will likely run away or react badly when you try to put him inside one.  A good pet owner will be able to get past this by taking a few steps to get cats used to the idea of the carrier and also of traveling.

 

 Step one is finding the best carrier for your cat.  There are lots of different ones out there in a huge number of styles.  A good carrier should be sturdy, opens in the front, and on the top, can be taken apart easily, and is a cozy size for your cat.  If you’re planning to travel by air with your cat, there are additional things to consider. 

 

 When you have the best carrier, introducing your cat to it gradually is best.  The same goes for taking your cat on a car ride.  The worst thing you can do is to introduce your cat to the carrier when you have the car warmed up and are ready to go!  You’ll want to take action way before the trip!

 

 The best time to start carrier training is when your cat is a kitten if you’re able to.  If you adopt an adult cat, you can use the same steps to help this process.  According to an article by Petmed.com, the goal is to help your cat see the carrier as a normal part of his life and a safe space to be in.  First, take the door off the carrier, then place the carrier in your home where you and your cat spend lots of time.  Doing this will help your cat see it as a normal part of the landscape and his routine and not as a trap.  To move things along, put one of your cat’s favorite blankets or toys in the carrier.  The carrier will have smells your cat knows and is comforted by.  Who knows, if he is comfortable, the carrier might become one of his happy, safe spaces when you aren’t in the car.

 

 The worst thing you can do is pull the carrier from the basement or garage when you’re ready to go and expect your cat to get in.  Would you want to go into a small box that’s been stored in the garage?  Probably not!  A cat’s sense of smell is much stronger than ours so you can imagine the difference it will make if the carrier has been in the house and includes his blankets and toys.   Another suggestion is to put your one of your cat’s favorite treats or catnip inside the carrier.   

 

Once he’s used to sitting in the carrier where you keep it in your house, try moving it a little.  This process can continue by moving the carrier a little more each time, even putting it up on a chair to give your cat the height they enjoy.  Just go slow and see how your cat adjusts.  You’ll know when he’s comfortable in the carrier.

 

Here are the steps recommended by Petmed.com:

1.     Start carrier training when your cat is young.

2.     Integrate the carrier into your home as much as possible, ideally creating a normal resting spot.

3.     Place treats, toys, and catnip in the carrier.

4.     Place familiar bedding or a towel in the carrier. 

5.     Be patient. If your cat senses that the carrier is unusual, he or she will act accordingly!   

 

CLICK HERE to read more and see suggestions for choosing a carrier.