Carrier Training Cats

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It can be challenging to get cats into carriers.  In times of emergency, however, getting your cat in a carrier could be necessary to save their life!  If you think that your cat may struggle going into a carrier, here are some tips to make things easier:

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1. Make the carrier a cozy retreat for your cat.  Line the carrier with your cat’s favorite soft blanket, add some special items like treats and toys, and leave it out where your cat likes to spend time (in the living room, in the sun, etc.).  Keep the carrier out and accessible in the home all of the time, not just when you’re taking your cat somewhere.  By being able to walk in and out of the carrier on their own, your cat will stop viewing it as something threatening.

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2. Feed your cat in the carrier.   If your cat doesn’t take to relaxing in it, you’ll want to start feeding the cat in their carrier.  The first step is to place a bowl of their favorite wet food near the entrance of the open carrier.  You may need to leave the room for them to move toward it to eat, and you may need to remove the top half of the carrier at first.  Gradually move the food further back in the carrier for each feeding.  Soon you will be able to place their food in the back of the carrier and close the door.

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3. Train your cat to walk into the carrier.  Cats are trainable!  Once your cat is comfortable with the carrier, use treats to train them to go in.  Lead your cat to the carrier with a trail of treats, place a treat inside, and say “in” as they walk in.  When they come out, toss another treat into the carrier and repeat.  Over time, your cat will walk into the carrier on the command of “in".

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4. Try a top-loading carrier.  When you lower a cat into a carrier, they don’t feel the sensation of getting trapped in a cage.  After they realize that they are in a carrier, they will likely want out.  But it takes more effort for a cat to jump up and out than for them to slip out a carrier’s front door.

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5. Turn carrier on end, and gently lower cat in butt first.  Try turning the carrier on its end and propping it up against a wall.  Scoop your cat’s back legs in, and gently lower your cat into the carrier, butt first.  The combination of gravity and the cat not being able to see what’s ahead of them will assist you in this method.

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6. Try the towel method.  If you’ve tried the above steps with no success, or don’t have time to condition your cat to the carrier just yet, drop a large, thick towel over your cat, covering all parts of their body.  This should cause them to freeze.  Quickly scoop them up, making sure the towel is tightly restraining their legs, and put the entire cat-burrito into a carrier.

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7. Ask your vet for a cat sedative.  Your vet can provide a sedative for your cat that you sprinkle on their wet food.  After a couple of hours, your cat should be drowsy enough to put in a carrier with ease.

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Once your cat is comfortable in the carrier, try driving them around the block every now and then.  Reward your cat with treats when you return.  This will help your cat to associate being in the carrier and in the car with something other than a trip to the vet’s.  With patience and kindness, you can help your cat get used to the carrier, avoid stress when it comes time for a vet visit, and be prepared for emergencies.