The carrier is not your cat's best friend. In fact, the animal may try everything to avoid entering it, even going so far as to bite and scratch you. For this reason, being able to get your cat inside the cage can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the experience less stressful for both of you.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting Your Cat Used to the Carrier
Step 1. Begin the acclimatization process as soon as possible
Kittens have a tendency to adapt better to novelty than adult or senior cats, so it's best to start the process at that stage of their development. If your cat is already big, it will take longer to get used to the carrier.
- It can take weeks or months for your cat to feel comfortable in the carrier.
- If you want to get your pet into the cage to take it on the road with you, start the acclimatization process at least a few weeks before departure.
Step 2. Always leave the pet carrier in view
Usually, for a cat, the presence of a cage indicates bad news, such as a visit to the vet. If you only went to get the carrier when you have to move the animal, he would probably learn to fear it. It is therefore advisable to always keep it in a clearly visible place.
Leave the carrier door open. This allows your cat to come and go as he pleases, without fear that you may close the door behind him
Step 3. Keep the carrier in an environment that your cat likes
Even if your pet has access to the carrier at any time, he may be reluctant to enter if he is in a place he does not frequent often. Place the cage in one of your favorite spaces, such as near a window where the sun comes in.
Step 4. Make the carrier more inviting for your cat
Your cat should consider the crate a safe and comfortable place, even if it won't jump for joy when entering it. To attract him, try to exploit a familiar scent. For example, put their favorite blanket inside the pet carrier.
- Spray cat pheromones (which you can buy at pet stores) inside the carrier.
- Place kibble, treats, or catnip in the cage. Once the cat has consumed the food, replenish the supplies.
- If your cat has some favorite toys, put those in the carrier as well.
Step 5. Feed your cat in the carrier
If he seems comfortable inside the cage, try feeding him when he is there. In principle, he may not eat inside the bars, but do so "close" to the container.
- Place your cat's bowl within walking distance of the carrier. Slowly bring her closer each time you feed her.
- If the cat does not eat after you have moved the bowl too close, move it away and start the process again.
- At best, the pet will learn to eat when the bowl is inside the carrier. Try feeding him in the cage every day.
- Your cat may not eat in the carrier if she feels your gaze fixed on her; he may be afraid you will close the door behind him. Move far enough away for the animal to feel peaceful.
Step 6. Try closing the pet carrier door
When your cat is inside the cage, he may feel trapped, so he will need to get used to you closing the door. Wait for it to go in alone, then close the door for a short time. Give him food as a reward right away, then open the door and let him out.
- Don't try to close the door when the cat is eating.
- Start by closing the door for a few seconds. Each time you repeat the process, leave the door closed for a few more seconds before giving your cat a treat and letting him out.
- Reward your cat with food only if she doesn't fidget and if she doesn't try to escape when you close the door. In those cases, keep the door closed for less time.
Part 2 of 2: Put Your Cat in the Carrier
Step 1. Spread several towels or newspaper sheets on the bottom of the carrier
Your cat may be urinating due to stress. Thanks to the presence of more absorbent material, the animal will not feel the dirt inside the cage. You can even spray cat pheromones on towels if they are not the ones your kitty usually uses for sleeping.
Step 2. Position the pet carrier correctly
Rigid cages with a front or top door are best for learning how to put your cat in a container. If your model has a front door, face it towards the ceiling, placing the structure on the opposite side. In this way, you will be able to insert your cat in the carrier easily and safely.
Place the pet carrier against the wall so it can't fall out when you put your cat inside
Step 3. Pick up your cat
You have to do it in a specific way to be able to put it inside the cage without taking any risks. Put one arm around his hindquarters and place the other under his chest. Use the hand of the arm supporting the animal's back to keep its legs still.
- You should hold the cat's hindquarters against your chest, while the rest of the cat's body should be facing away from you.
- If your cat has a tendency to wriggle and scratch you, use a thick towel to catch him.
Step 4. Lower your cat into the carrier
Get it in slowly, starting from the rear. In this way, the animal will not have the feeling of being forced into the cage and not having a way out.
If your cat starts squirming, put him back on the ground and give him time to calm down before trying again
Step 5. Close the pet carrier door and move it away
Once your cat is inside the cage, close it tightly and place it on the ground. If the animal behaved well during the operation (it didn't bite you, it didn't scratch you and it didn't put up too much resistance), reward it with food.
Step 6. Cover the carrier with a towel or pillowcase
In this way the environment will be more welcoming and safe for your cat, who will consider it a comfortable and protected place. Furthermore, during a car trip, by covering the cage, the animal will not notice that the car is in motion while it remains stationary.
- Your cat's sense of balance can be undermined by a car trip.
- Do not cover the carrier if it is very hot.
Advice
- Cats are animals of habit. If they don't have time to get used to the carrier, they consider it an unwanted unexpected in their normal routine.
- After a visit to the vet, the inside of the carrier will smell like the clinic and your cat will not like it. Once you get home, clean and rinse the cage with hot water.
- Soft-walled cages are easier to transport. However, these containers can give way, so they are not suitable for long car journeys.
- Your cat should be able to turn around in the carrier. The cage should also be easy to take apart, so you don't take any chances if your cat is sick, injured or refuses to go outside.
- Ask your vet for advice if you are unsure of choosing the best carrier for your cat.
- Consider giving your cat a verbal order to get him into the carrier. Throw a kibble inside and say "Inside" when he enters. Praise him a lot as soon as he is inside the cage. Repeat this until the pet learns to get into the carrier after your order, before you give him the food as a treat.
Warnings
- Trying to put your cat in the carrier at the last minute will put a lot of stress on him and he may bite or scratch you. Start the operation well before you want to leave.
- Don't put your cat in a makeshift cage, such as a laundry basket or pillow case. In these containers the animal could be injured or traumatized.
- Do not pick up your cat from the carrier by pulling it or trying to shake the container to get it out.
