Getting your cat used to a carrier can make a world of difference when it comes to trips to the vet, holidays, or stays at the cattery. For many cats, carriers signal a potentially stressful experience, often linked to unfamiliar places and travel. But with patience and the right approach, you can help your cat view the carrier as a safe, comfortable space rather than something to dread.
Here, we’ll cover effective tips to make carrier training as stress-free as possible for both you and your feline friend.
1. Choose the Right Carrier
Selecting the right carrier is the first step in ensuring your cat feels at ease with travel, vet visits, or stays at the cattery. Not all carriers are created equal, and picking one that meets your cat’s needs can make a big difference.
Hard Shell Versus Soft Shell
There are a variety of carrier styles on the market, each with unique features suited to different situations. For example, hard-shell carriers offer durability and solid ventilation, which is often best for longer trips. Soft-sided carriers, on the other hand, are lightweight and easier to carry, but some cats may find them less stable. These options both have their advantages, so consider durability as well as what will offer the most comfort and ventilation.
Size Matters
In addition to carrier type, a carrier should provide ample room for your cat to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Spaces that are too little can make them feel cramped and anxious, while a carrier that’s too large might cause them to feel unstable. Look for a well-sized carrier that makes them feel snug but not restricted.
Easy Access
Also, carriers with multiple openings can ease entry and exit. These can reduce fear, as you won’t have to force your cat in or out from a single entrance. Being able to gently guide them in from multiple points often makes the experience calmer.
2. Make the Carrier a Familiar Part of Your Cat’s Environment
To your cat, anything unfamiliar can seem threatening. By making the carrier a regular part of their surroundings rather than something that only appears before a stressful trip, you’ll help reduce their anxiety around it and make the carrier a positive and stress-free space for your cat.
Leave It Out in the Open
When the carrier is kept out in a common area, your cat can explore it at their own pace, sniffing, rubbing against it, or even napping inside. Over time, they’ll begin to see it as just another part of their surroundings rather than a signal for travel or vet visits.
This sense of ownership over the carrier space can transform it from an object of fear into a familiar and accepted part of its territory. The goal here is to eliminate the association of the carrier with only unsettling experiences, helping to make it a place where your cat feels safe and in control.
Comfort Inside the Carrier
Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment inside the carrier further reinforces this sense of safety. Start by lining it with soft bedding or your cat’s favourite blanket. Even better, include a piece of your clothing, which can offer additional comfort since it carries your scent.
Scent Familiarisation
To amplify these calming cues, use a cloth with your cat’s scent or a feline pheromone spray inside the carrier to create a familiar and comforting scent profile. These pheromones mimic the natural signals cats use to mark safe spaces.
3. Create Positive Associations with the Carrier
Another effective way to get your cat used to the carrier is by building positive associations with it. This can turn the carrier from a dreaded item into a space they actually enjoy.
Treats and Rewards
Place treats, toys, or a sprinkle of catnip inside the carrier to encourage them to come closer and check out the space for themselves. When your cat explores or even just sniffs around the carrier, reward them with gentle praise or an extra treat. This kind of positive reinforcement makes the carrier feel like a rewarding space.
Feed Near or Inside the Carrier
Another great strategy is to bring mealtime into the mix. Gradually move your cat’s food bowl nearer to the carrier each day. Eventually, try placing the bowl just inside the carrier’s entrance, encouraging them to step in for a meal—a naturally positive experience.
This step-by-step approach can help your cat associate the carrier with comfort and nourishment rather than anxiety.
Play Around the Carrier
You can even play games around the carrier, using a wand toy or laser pointer to encourage them to play and explore the area on their own terms. By turning the carrier into a part of their everyday life, you help remove any lingering negative associations and make it easier for your cat to accept it as a calm, friendly space.
4. Practice Short Sessions of Carrier Time
Once your cat feels comfortable exploring the carrier on their own, the next step is to introduce short periods of containment. Many cats feel trapped when a door is shut, especially if it’s unexpected, so this step will help them gradually adjust to being inside with the door closed.
Introduce Short Stays
Begin by closing the door for just a few moments at a time. Keep these initial sessions short, be gentle during these first tries, and close the door briefly without making a fuss. This step is key to helping them feel at ease with being contained, and over time, these short stays will build their confidence and reassure them that they are safe inside the carrier even when it’s closed.
Gradual Increases
As your cat becomes more accustomed to these brief stays, you can gradually increase the length of time they spend inside the carrier.
Pay attention to your cat’s comfort level and adjust the sessions as needed. If they seem calm, reward them with gentle praise or a treat, reinforcing the idea that staying in the carrier is a positive experience.
Sit Nearby
During the longer sessions, stay nearby and speak softly or offer a treat to keep them relaxed. Your reassuring presence adds an extra layer of security, which can help them feel calm and comfortable. This gentle approach also allows them to adjust at their own pace, build their confidence, and prepare them for longer trips or stays in the future.
5. Build Up to Small Trips
Once your cat has grown accustomed to spending short periods inside the carrier with the door closed, the next step is to help them get comfortable with the idea of movement or actual travel.
Try a Short Lift
Once your cat feels calm in a stationary carrier, introduce small movements by gently lifting the carrier for a few seconds and then setting it back down. This “small trip” simulates the experience of travel without overwhelming them. After each brief lift, praise them or a treat to reinforce that movement can be a positive experience.
Practise Short Rides in the Car
When they’re ready, start taking very short drives around the block, gradually extending the trip as they grow more comfortable. Each successful outing, followed by praise or treats, helps your cat view travel as less intimidating.
With time, patience, and this gentle approach, you’ll set the foundation for a less stressful experience during vet visits or trips to the cattery on the Gold Coast, making journeys far smoother for both of you.
6. Use Calming Techniques on the Day of Travel
On the actual day of travel, these final steps can help keep your cat as calm as possible during the journey.
Calming Sprays and Pheromones
Spritz a feline pheromone spray in the carrier just before travel. The calming scent helps them settle into a relaxed state and creates a familiar, reassuring environment in preparation for the journey.
Minimise Additional Stressors
Keep the environment calm and speak softly when handling your cat on travel day. Handle the carrier gently and speak softly to avoid startling them with sudden noises or movements.
Cover the Carrier
If possible, drape a light blanket over the carrier to reduce visual stimulation or stress by blocking out unfamiliar sights. Many cats feel safer in a darker, more enclosed space during travel.
Get Your Cat Used to a Cat Carrier
Getting a cat used to a carrier takes time, patience, and consistency, but with these steps, you’ll be well on your way to success. Remember, every cat is unique. Some may adapt quickly, while others need more time. Stay positive and calm throughout the process, and your feline friend will feel more secure with each experience.
