Tips to get the cat in the carrier without problems


Cats may reject the carrier to travel because of fear, so you have to transform this accessory into a pleasant place and opt for a removable model

Traveling with cats is not always easy, even for small trips such as a simple visit to the vet. And is that the problems usually start very early, specifically, when we try to put our pet in the carrier. This article reveals five tricks to put the cat in its carrier without stress : among them, choosing the right receptacle, turning it into a pleasant feline shelter, introducing the cat from the top or back and washing the carrier with soap and water, after a negative feline experience.


How to put the cat in the carrier without problems?

Not all cats agree to enter the carrier, an accessory that is nevertheless necessary for the animal to travel safely. The cat’s fear of the carrier is a common problem, but it can be eliminated with a little training at home.

So how do you get a reluctant cat into your carrier smoothly and stress-free?


1. Put the cat in the carrier: choose the box carefully

The first key to getting a feline to accept your carrier stress-free is choosing the appropriate model. In this regard, most professionals agree in recommending rigid travel receptacles with grids for cats , as they are safer.

The cat’s carrier should be a safe haven, with familiar blankets and scents, that the animal can explore without problems

This type of carrier has another advantage: they can be disassembled , which is why they usually make the task of introducing the cat inside it much easier . The rigid and removable cat carriers, which have both upper and front openings, are the best for felines, say these veterinarians. The reason is that these accessories allow you to put it at the top, a possibility that reduces your stress . In addition, these cat cabins make it easier for the most fearful cats to visit the vet : simply lift the lid of the carrier to carry out a veterinary examination.


2. Cats without fear of the carrier: make it their refuge

One way to eliminate or avoid the cat’s fear of the carrier is to make this container a safe place for it. In other words, you have to transform the carrier into a most attractive refuge for your furry companion.

But how to achieve it? The cat’s carrier needs to be large enough to accommodate a bed , food, water, and even a small cat litter box during longer trips with the animal.


3. Cats in the carrier! A nice trip

The cat’s carrier must be washed with soap and water after a negative experience, and allow the cat to play with it at home

Before traveling with the feline , it is advisable to put the carrier in a safe and quiet place at home , such as a room away from the passage of the rest of the family. Another proposal is, in addition, to remove the lid and the door of the receptacle, place the cat’s favourite bed inside and introduce some of the most attractive toys for the feline.  Cats need to get used to the carrier before traveling ; therefore, it must be left at their disposal before traveling with the animal and allow it to explore it at ease.

The grocery prizes for cats and some catnip placed inside the cabin also will make the carrier a nicer place for the cat. All these positive experiences will help the animal better accept the fact of entering its accessory when it needs to travel or visit the vet.


4. What is the best way to put the cat in the carrier?

t’s time for the trip with the cat or the visit to the vet. And now, how to put the furry friend in the carrier so that its movement is safe? The entrance of the feline through the upper part of the cabin , when the carrier is removable, is usually the least problematic option.

But what to do when the receptacle does not have a removable cover? “So, it usually works to introduce the cat on its back in the receptacle ; it is more effective than trying to do it from the front, it will be more difficult for it to get scared. In this sense, the help of a second person will be useful. The procedure is as follows: one should approach the carrier from the back while the second approaches the receptacle; and when they are on their back, just turn around to introduce the cat into the receptacle without stress.

What if the feline still does not want to enter or is too scared? So one trick is to put the carrier in an upright position (door open facing up), gently pick up the cat in our arms, and help it slide into the container.

In extreme cases, the vet may prescribe an oral tranquilizer to the feline, which will help the animal in cases of pronounced fear.


5. Wash the cat carrier with soap and water

A bad experience of the cat with its carrier can derail all attempts to get the traveling container to be accepted by the feline. In these cases, the solution is to use soap and water. In other words, the carrier must be washed carefully to avoid associating its smell with the previous bad experience.

One last tip? Just as important as the cat’s entrance to its carrier is its exit. This implies that after the animal’s journey or upon arrival of the veterinarian , it should never be forced to leave the carrier. Once home or destination is reached, the best option is to leave the cabin door open and allow the cat to take its time to leave at its own pace.

Have a good trip, cat friends!


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