Is your cat afraid of their carrier? Maybe they run under a bed the moment they see it, leaving you late for your vet appointment as you try to coax them out. Or, you’re stuck trying to force a squirming kitty into a small carrier, and get scratched in the process!
This can be a stressful process for humans and cats alike, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to make your cat love their carrier–with very minimal effort on your part!
Step One: Turn the Carrier into a Comfy Cat House
Most people only bring out their cat’s carrier when it’s time to go to the vet, which builds negative associations and makes it an object to be feared. Instead, let’s turn the carrier into a comfy cat house and leave it out permanently, so that your cat will be used to its presence!
This will build positive associations and stop your cat from darting away the moment they see the carrier.
You can leave the carrier out on its own, or with any bedding that it came with. Other options for sprucing up the space include:
- Add objects that smell like home. Maybe it’s an old t-shirt that smells like you, or a blanket that your cat lays on all of the time. Familiar scents will encourage your cat to go inside the carrier.
- Make it comfy. If your cat likes laying on blankets or beds, you can use one to line the bottom of the carrier. Just make sure they still have space to move around inside.
- Place it in a peaceful area. Choose a quiet place where your cat already loves to spend time. Avoid placing the carrier next to anything that might scare your cat, such as the dog’s crate, the front door, or the washing machine.
- Consider covering the sides of the carrier with a blanket or towel. This can make it dark and cozy inside, like a little cave! However, make sure that there’s still plenty of ventilation and that your cat won’t get too hot.
- Set up a bed on top. My cats love sleeping atop their large carriers, and it’s a step closer to getting them inside! If your carrier has a sturdy top, consider adding a blanket, pillow, or cat bed to encourage your cat onto it.
Step Two: Temporarily Remove the Scary Parts
Is your cat afraid of a specific part of the carrier, like the door or the top covering? If possible, remove it!
This might mean taking the door completely off of a hard-sided crate so that the noise doesn’t bother your cat while they’re adjusting. Or, you might unzip the top of a soft-sided carrier so that your cat feels more comfortable and less closed in.
Once your cat is used to the carrier itself, you can add these features back one by one, giving them plenty of time to adjust to the new additions. It’s best to add them back while your cat is out of the room, so that they don’t get scared.
Step Three: Entice Your Cat into the Carrier
Now, you have your carrier out and have made it a comfortable space for your cat. But, maybe they still won’t go inside! They might even avoid the area, fearful of the carrier.
Use treats or catnip to encourage your cat to interact with their carrier. Some cats will go right inside, especially if they don’t already have negative experiences. However, other cats need more coaxing.
If they’re avoiding the carrier completely, give them treats or catnip nearby. For very scared cats, this might mean all the way across the room. Or, maybe you can get them to approach the carrier but not go inside.
Stick to the distance your cat feels comfortable with. Over the following days or weeks, slowly encourage them to move closer. The rewards will help build their confidence, and they’ll see that the carrier is nothing to fear.
Step Four: Encourage Play in and Around the Carrier
Another way to entice your cat to go in or near their carrier is through play! Try tossing their toy in the direction of the carrier, throwing it closer as they become more comfortable. Remember that this may take days, weeks, or even longer depending on the cat.
Wand toys can also help to encourage interaction with the carrier. You can wave it around the carrier to make them move closer. If it has a sturdy top, wave the toy over it to encourage them to jump up. Or, try waving the wand toy at the opposite end of the carrier so your cat can use it as a tunnel!
Even brief seconds of interaction will help your cat to become more confident. Play is also helpful for allowing your cat to come and go from the carrier on their own terms, making them more comfortable with the concept.
Step Five: Practice Containment
Once your cat is happily spending time in their carrier, practice closing them inside for a few seconds at a time. Slowly build up to minutes with the doors closed.
Remember to take this very slowly, monitoring your cat’s comfort level. We want the experience to be positive, not scary.
Feeding them dinner in their carrier or giving them some catnip can help to keep them occupied during this step. If your cat is too nervous to interact with the food or catnip, they’re not yet ready to be locked inside the carrier. Move more slowly!
Step Six: Practice Movement
Next, practice picking up the carrier and setting it back down while your cat is locked inside. Once your cat is okay with this brief movement, try walking a couple of steps, and then moving from room to room. Let them out immediately after.
This replicates what you’ll do when it’s time to leave home, but without the scary parts like the car or the vet clinic.
Step Seven: Getting Used to the Car
Whether you’re going to the vet clinic up the street or planning to travel with your cat, they’ll need to get used to the sounds and movement of the car. This is often the scariest part of the trip!
Once your cat is used to being in the carrier for extended periods, practice going outside and getting into the car.
The best way to get your cat used to the car is by taking things slow and using distractions. Start with the car off, and some treats, catnip, or food to make it a good experience.
As your cat becomes comfortable, you can get them used to the sound of the car turning on, and then going for short drives.
Some cats are more comfortable on a harness and leash than in their carrier, so this is another option. However, carriers tend to be safer in the case of an accident, especially if you’re able to strap them down.
Remember to never place your cat’s carrier in the front seat, as they can be hurt if your airbags go off. Instead, try the back seat or even the floor between the back and front seats.
More Carrier Training Tips
Here are a few more carrier training tips to help you and your cat:
Choose the Right Carrier
The right carrier can make a big difference in your cat’s stress levels. Make sure that it’s large enough for your cat to stand up and turn around inside.
Then, take a look at the openings. While your cat will ideally go inside themselves, this takes time to achieve. Carriers with large openings at the top are the easiest to place a cat into when they’re struggling, and can reduce negative experiences until you can finish their training.
Another thing to consider is visibility. Some cats are calmer when they can look around, while others prefer a dark, secluded den. If your cat seems stressed by their surroundings, you can cover the carrier with a blanket or towel. Just make sure there’s still plenty of ventilation, and that your cat doesn’t overheat in warm weather.
Lastly, consider buying a crash-tested carrier for optimal safety in the car.
Take Things Slowly
The process above can take days for some cats, but for most it will take weeks, months, or longer. Trying to take the steps too quickly will make your cat even more frightened, building upon their negative experiences and prolonging the training process.
Observe your cat’s body language and take a step back if they’re afraid or uncomfortable. Avoid forcing them into the carrier when possible. When it’s not, expect some setbacks.
Be Patient!
Working through a fear is never easy, and it’s not always linear. Your cat might take a major step forward, only to regress after a vet visit that makes them fear the carrier again.
Remember to have patience! Never scold or punish your cat for being afraid, and try to go into training with a positive attitude. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated, walk away and take some time.
Desensitization to the carrier has to go at your cat’s pace to be effective. Try to have fun with your cat and turn it into a bonding experience!
They’ll get used to their carrier in time, but until then be sure to give them lots of praise, treats, and love.