Part of the reason your cat is scared of their carrier is that it usually means a vet visit! Cornering or scooping up your cat to get them into their carrier can be quite a stressful event for both human and kitty. If your cat can start to associate their carrier with good things, vet trips will be a bit easier for them... and will hopefully mean less bloodshed for you.
How do I get my cat comfortable in a carrier?
It's important for your cat to feel comfortable with their carrier, not just for vet trips, but in case of any emergency where you have to exit your dwelling quickly.
Try to make your cat's carrier a more familiar item around the house. Instead of stowing it away after use, leave it out for a few hours a day, once a week or even a month, so that your cat no longer associates it with the imminent doom of a car trip.
When you have your cat carrier out in the open, try adding a few treats or some of their favourite toys in and around the carrier so they can explore at their own pace. You can also place a blanket, towel or an article of clothing that already carries their scent inside the carrier, so that it smells more like home and less like the vet!
Which type of cat carrier should I buy?
The best cat carrier for your cat depends on safety, accessibility and your cat's size. Look for a carrier that is large enough for them to turn around and lie down in, but small enough that they won't slide around. The carrier should have two openings (for example, a top latch and a front latch), providing more than one way to place kitty inside and take them out.
Mobile bed cat carrier, Sleepypod
Hard vs. soft cat carriers
Hard-sided carriers are the most common as they are durable, escape-proof and easy to clean. Soft or mesh carriers best fit under a plane seat for airplane cabin travel. You can even find pod-style carriers that convert from a cat bed to a carrier.
2-in-1 PIXI Mio convertible cat bed and carrier, Catit
Cabrio convertible cat bed and carrier with 360° accessibility, Catit
If your cat is an escape artist, look for a carrier style with a heavy-duty latch. Kitties who will need to be soothed while in their carrier might be most comfortable in a soft-sided carrier with a flap that you can conveniently open to pet them. If your cat is prone to stress-induced messes, a hard-shell carrier will make cleanup easy.
Expandable cat carrier, Pidan
Cat backpacks
Some kitties might like a backpack carrier or even a cat stroller. If you want to try a backpack carrier, make sure there is sufficient ventilation and avoid fully transparent "bubble" backpacks that may lead to overheating.
Trying different styles of carriers can be a pricey experiment, but finding the right one for your cat will help the process of making them as comfortable as possible with their carrier.
"The fat" cat" cat backpack for large cats, Travel Cat
"The Navigator" convertible cat backpack carrier, Travel Cat
What is the best cat carrier for travel?
When shopping for a cat carrier, it’s important to take into account what kind of travel you will be doing with your cat. If you'll mainly be using your carrier for short car trips or walks, something lightweight is ideal, but if you're planning to take your cat on more extensive car trips or long-haul flights, you might require a more durable carrier.
If you're planning to fly with your cat, avoid last-minute issues at the airport by double-checking your airline's travel requirements for pets. To bring your cat into the airplane cabin with you, your pet carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and typically needs to be soft-sided.
Mesh airline-approved cat carrier, Tuft and Paw
Airline-approved expandable cat carrier, Pecute
How can I prepare my cat to go into their carrier?
Give yourself lots of time. The added stress of possibly being late to your appointment is not going to help either of you! Slowly corral your kitty into an area where it’s harder for them to hide. Shut doors to the other rooms so they have a smaller area to run. If you can, scoop them up while they’re sleeping. Try bribing them with their favourite treats if all else fails!
Try trimming kitty's nails before the travel day and wear a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms. Not all cats are going to cause chaos, but some definitely will!
Don't forget to treat your cat!
Cat subscription box (monthly and every-other-month plans available), meowbox
Your cat deserves a reward for being brave! A monthly meowbox of fun, themed toys and tasty treats is an easy way to keep kitty happy and healthy.
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