How To Get A Cat Into A Carrier

Posted by Charla Dawson Nov 12, 2007

First bring the carrier or cat box out of hiding about 72 hours before actually needing to use it. Many times cats just have to take one look at the box and they know – it's time to scatter. Bringing the box out early allows the cat time to get used to seeing the box around the house. Start feeding the cat around and eventually in the box – do not shut the door. When it is time to use the box the cat might actually walk right in. Ideally you will have given yourself enough time to desensitize your cat to the carrier and this will not be a traumatic trip for your cat.

If you need to use the cat carrier right away and do not have time to desensitize your cat to the box; here are the tricks I use. Carries that open on top, whether they be cardboard, plastic, or soft, tend to be the easiest – open box and insert cat. The plastic carriers that open on one end are the tricky ones. Start by placing the carrier on one end with the door facing the ceiling. Pick the cat up under the front legs and lower the cat into the carrier, behind first. Once in the box quickly close the door. Slowly, so not to injure the cat, lower the carrier so it is up right. Using familiar bedding, like an old tee shirt or a blanket from home, also helps to keep the cat relaxed. I also use a towel to cover the carrier, cats like to hide and covering the carrier seems to help de-stress my cats.

These tips are not for feral or wild cats.

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