Oh no… Not the carrier!
The thought of getting your cat into the carrier can be as stressful for you as it is for them! I know… I’ve been there (and got the scars!)
But I have good news for you! It doesn’t have to be this stressful, there are lots of simple things you can do to help your cat feel safer & more comfortable.
With so many carriers on the market, how do you know which to buy?
Most importantly, remember that the carrier is for the cat… It is easy for us to get carried away (no pun intended) by choosing one that looks nice visually. We can forget to consider the practicality and experience that the cat will have.
For help choosing the best carrier read how to choose the best cat carrier for your cat. If you have more than one cat it is advisable that they have separate carriers as each needs sufficient space to move. If you have a bonded pair of cats who are happier together, you may need to consider a larger carrier.
Many cats panic at the sight of the carrier as they associate it with a chase, a struggle and a scary trip to the vets! Being bundled into a small space and driven somewhere is incredibly strange for a cat so we really can’t blame them for naturally putting up a fight!
The following steps will help your cat to feel safer and calmer whenever there is a requirement for them to travel.
You will need to add a lot of love, kindness and patience –
especially with cats who may have had negative experiences previously.
- Don’t keep the carrier in the garage/shed/loft. Instead, try putting it somewhere that your cat goes regularly (I keep mine in the spare room which is my cat’s favourite place to chill out). This simple change allows your cat to get used to seeing the carrier everyday (not just when you go to the vets)! It also begins to smell familiar (instead of strange and musty like the garage/shed!)
- Make it cosy! Put a comfy blanket (and some treats) inside the carrier and leave the door open – it might make a good bed and hidey place! Some carriers allow you to remove the lid, which might be helpful initially as your cat can just sit in the base. Once they are doing this confidently, try putting the lid on.
- Think inside the box! If a blanket isn’t enough to tempt your cat inside, you could add some food or encourage play by throwing your cat’s favourite toys inside. You could also add a few sprays of Feliway Classic to add some extra reassurance for your cat. Click here to learn about Feliway and why their products are effective.
- Reward reward reward! Reward your cat with food treats as they gradually start to make progress i.e. going inside while the lid is on, staying calm while you close the door, letting you pick the carrier up while they are inside and perhaps one or two short trips in the car (where you just drive around the block and back home). Provide your cat with lots of gentle reassurance (and treats) throughout – the aim is for them to associate the carrier with positive experiences.
Before & during the journey (don’t forget the treats!)
- Getting ready! Fifteen minutes before you leave, apply 4/5 sprays of Feliway Classic to the carrier (one in each corner of the basket and one in the middle). In addition to all of your hard work, this will add further comfort throughout the journey.
- Keep calm. Talk softly to your cat as you encourage them into the carrier. Some cats prefer to go into the carrier through the top, instead of through the door (if your carrier has this option). Always check that the carrier is locked correctly before you leave home.
- Keep them safe Inside the car, thread a seatbelt through the carrier handle to hold the carrier in place.
- Feel safe! If you think your cat feels too exposed in the carrier, put a towel over the top to help them feel safe
- Sshhhhh! Avoid playing loud music in the car and consider any noise/drafts from open windows.
- Stay Cool! Ideally keep the temperature cool to avoid the cat feeling too hot, which may cause further stress.
- Say what?! Talk to your cat on the journey in a calm reassuring tone. I often play quiet classical music which is good for both of us!
