Ask any cat parent what the most stressful experience is for them, and many will say it’s getting their cat into a carrier. Some cats will hide when they see the cat carrier and often need to be forced to get inside—not the most enjoyable experience for you or your cat.
But there is hope. Cats can get acclimated to their carriers, making trips to the vet and other visits much easier. It’s all about creating positive associations with the carrier, so your cat is willing to spend time inside it without showing signs of stress or aggression.
Key Takeaways
- Training your cat to use a carrier can reduce stress during travel and emergencies.
- Choose the right carrier for your cat’s temperament; options include hard- and soft-sided carriers, backpacks, and slings.
- When acclimating your cat to a carrier, progress at their own pace, use positive reinforcement through treats and toys, and watch for signs of stress.
Why Are Cat Carriers Important?
Cat carriers are a safe and easy way to transport your cat to veterinary appointments, on vacations, and in emergency situations, such as evacuating for a hurricane.
Being removed from their usual environment can be scary for many cats, and without the right carrier, they may run away or hide in tight crevices around the home (which can be dangerous, especially in emergencies).
Sturdy carriers can also protect cats from harm more than a leash and harness.
Choosing the Best Cat Carrier
Carrier choice typically depends on the personality and needs of your cat. For example, carriers with top doors can be helpful for cats who are anxious at the vet clinic; the top door allows the veterinarian to examine the cat and even administer vaccines while they remain inside.
Luckily, there are many types of high-quality cat carriers to choose from, ensuring that you can easily find the right fit for you and your cat’s needs.
Hard-Sided Carriers
Hard-sided carriers are made of sturdy materials, often plastic, with metal or plastic doors that lock on the end and/or top of the carrier, such as the IRIS Two Door Front & Top Access Cat Travel Carrier.
Hard-sided carriers may be best for anxious cats who may scratch and bite their way through a soft-sided carrier or become claustrophobic in a backpack carrier. They can also be helpful for cats who get motion sickness because they’re often easier to clean than fabric carriers.
Soft-Sided Carriers
Soft-sided carriers, such as the Jespet & GOOPAWS Soft-Sided Travel Cat Carrier, are made of thick fabric and have lock zippers for safe transport. These carriers usually have doors at the end of the carrier and/or on top, plus mesh paneling to allow airflow.
Soft-sided carriers may be appropriate for calm cats who won’t try to damage the carrier by scratching and biting.
Backpack Carriers
Backpack carriers, such as Frisco Bubble Cat Backpack Carrier, are designed to be worn like traditional backpacks. They are typically made of thick fabric with plastic or mesh panels and air holes to allow a cat to breathe easily inside the carrier.
Backpack carriers can be helpful for smaller cats and kittens.
Sling Carriers
Sling carriers, such as the Katziela Expandable Sling Cat Carrier, are designed to be worn over the shoulder. They have an opening at the top for a cat’s head, allowing them to breathe easily and to see what is going on.
Like with soft-sided carriers, sling carriers are best for calmer cats who won’t try to jump or claw their way out.
How To Get Your Cat Used to Their Carrier
The most effective way to get your cat used to a carrier is to go at their own pace to get them comfortable with being inside it. Here are some tips to get started.
Leave the Carrier Out
One of the most important steps is to leave the carrier on the floor around the clock, in plain sight, so your cat gets used to seeing it.
Typically, a cat’s carrier only comes out when something unpleasant is about to happen, such as a trip to the vet. This creates a strong fear response, causing the cat to run and hide within seconds of seeing it.
By always leaving the carrier out in the open, you remove the association between the carrier and stressful events. The carrier becomes a neutral object in the cat’s environment that they won’t react to, simply because nothing is happening.
Padding the carrier with blankets and towels, placing their favorite toys inside, and using a calming diffuser like Feliway Optimum can also help your cat become more comfortable. Creating this calming space invites the cat to explore the carrier on their own—and maybe even take a nap in it.
Create Positive Associations
Once your cat stops reacting to the carrier’s presence, start to build on that foundation with positive associations.
If your cat is food-motivated, placing cat treats and bits of dry cat food inside the carrier can encourage them to associate it with mealtime. If your cat is more toy-motivated, play with a wand toy around the carrier so your cat learns to associate it with fun and bonding time with you.
Practice Closing the Door
When your cat is willingly walking into the carrier on their own, start closing the door while they’re inside. Begin with just a few seconds, offering treats and praising them for calm behavior. Then, let them out, showing your cat that the door can be opened again and that they’re not trapped.
As long as your cat remains calm, slowly increase the amount of time the door is closed. Go at their pace and open the door as soon as they start getting agitated. Otherwise, your cat can become stressed, creating negative associations with the carrier again.
Signs of stress can look like:
Practice Moving the Loaded Carrier
Once your cat is spending several minutes calmly inside the carrier, you can start picking up and carrying it while they’re inside.
Move the loaded carrier around your home for short bursts of time to get your cat used to the feeling of being transported, all the while praising and tossing treats inside the carrier. As with the previous step, you’ll want to slowly increase the amount of time you’re carrying your cat around until they show no signs of stress for several minutes.
Practice Driving With a Crated Cat
Start by driving just a few blocks at first, then gradually increase to longer trips. Offer treats at the end of each drive to help your cat learn that not every trip in their carrier ends with a negative experience (like a vet visit).
With these steps, your cat will be much more willing to sit in their carrier, increasing their safety and your peace of mind.
