How to habituate your cat to A CARRIER
Use this step-by-step guide to help your cat adjust to a cat carrier for her trip to the doctor
Step 1: CAT MEET CARRIER:
Place the carrier in a cat-friendly area and leave it open so your curious kitty can check it out when they are ready.
Step 2: DRAW KITTY CLOSE WITH FOOD:
Start by placing the food bowl near the carrier. If your pet is too shy to snack close to the carrier, move it as far away as necessary to get her to eat.
QUICK TIP: Add a special, tasty treat, such as a bite of canned tuna or chicken, to lure your kitty close.
Once your cat regularly eats from the bowl, begin moving the bowl closer and closer each day until she will chow down happily next to the carrier.
Step 3: CREATE A DINING CAR:
When your cat comfortably dines next to the carrier regularly, they are ready to dine in-inside the carrier, that is. Place the food bowl directly inside the carrier entrance so she can pop her head inside for a quick snack.
QUICK TIP: Never close the door on your cat. If you need to, you can prop it open and wire if necessary-just make sure it won't accidentally fall shut on the cat and startle her.
Step 4: CUSTOMIZE YOUR KITTY'S CAVE:
Place toys and treats in the carrier occasionally so your curious kitty discovers them there. You might try these fun options, depending on your cat's personal preferences:
- Stuffed mice
- Catnip toys
- Feather toy
- Cat grass
Spraying a synthetic feline facial pheromone in the carrier occasionally may also help.
NOTE: Never lure your kitty into the carrier and close the door for a trip to the veterinarian. You'll lose the progress you've made-and your cat's trust-and they will fear the carrier more.
Step 5: MOVE DINNER INSIDE THE CARRIER:
When your kitty comfortably dines with her head inside the carrier for several days, you're ready to move the food dish further inside the carrier-a few inches every day until your pet steps completely into the carrier to eat.
Step 6: WATCH AND WAIT:
This might be the toughest step, because you need patience. It may take several weeks or months, depending on your cat, but you should start to find your kitty lounging in the carrier sometimes and resting there.
Step 7: SHUT THE DOOR:
Once kitty's comfortable in the carrier, you can start to close the carrier door for a few seconds at a time with your cat inside. If your cat ever acts distressed with the door closed, release them immediately. And next time you close the door, only close it for as long as they tolerated the door closed on a previous session. When you can keep the door closed for long periods of time, you're ready to practice car rides with your cat. Remember, many cats only associate their carrier with a trip to the veterinarian. So your goal is to change your kitty's associations with the carrier and car rides to fun things and special food treats instead of terror and trauma.
QUICK TIP: Once you find your cat regularly spends time resting, playing and eating in the crate, then on the day you need to take them to the veterinarian, simply close the door and off you go. When you return home, be sure to continue offering food and fun in the crate. As long as more good things happen in the crate than scary things, it should always be easy to take the cat to the veterinarian when necessary.
