Acclimating Your Cat to a Car Carrier

My cat fights me when I try to place him into his cat carrier.  I use it only when I take him with me in the car, usually to the veterinarian’s office. How can I make this easier for me and less stressful for my cat?

Many cats become distressed when their owners try to place them in the seldom-used carrier.  Stress starts for the cat before even leaving his familiar home.  It is recommended by pet behavior experts to help your cat get used to seeing and smelling the cat carrier in a gradual way so he becomes accustomed to the carrier in your home.  Start by placing it in a location where your cat feels comfortable spending time. Place some soft bedding inside of it as well as an article of clothing that has your scent on it. Then just leave the door open and let him become accustomed to seeing the carrier in the room.  He will eventually lose his fear and begin to explore it out of curiosity.  He may rub against it so his own scent will be on the carrier, also helping him to be less afraid.   

Once he is more familiar with the carrier, try to entice him to enter the inside. Place his feeding dish or a particularly tasty treat inside but leave the door open so he can enter and leave it on his own will.  You could also play with your cat near the open carrier and throw a favorite toy inside to encourage him to go inside.

Make sure the carrier size is large enough that your cat has room to stand up, turn around inside, and be able to lie down comfortably.  You can also spray a feline pheromone product such as Feliway on the bedding in the carrier.  This hormonal product that only cats can smell may help him feel more relaxed. 

Your cat may also feel stressed during the car ride.  If he seems to get motion sickness from the car, ask your veterinarian for a medication to control nausea and vomiting. You may also try an over-the-counter medication such as Dramamine or Bonine but be sure to get the appropriate dosage for your cat’s body weight from your veterinarian. When you arrive at the veterinary clinic, ask the receptionist to let you remain inside your car until the veterinarian is ready to see your pet. This will provide a calm place for your pet to wait until he is examined.