When was the last time your cat visited us? A few months ago… or a few years?
Did you know we recommend all our patients come in at least once a year?
How does that make you feel? Does a sudden sense of dread wash over you? Does your heart start racing at the thought of the cat carrier? Are your hands already itching from the bites and scratches you usually endure trying to coax your kitty inside? Do your ears still ring from the howls all the way to and from the clinic?
We have good news for you.
We want visits to our office to be pleasant and low-stress for both you and your cat and it all starts with THE CARRIER!
For veterinary clinic visits we recommend a hard-sided carrier with both top-opening and front-opening options, or one with an easily removable top. The carrier should also be large enough for your cat to stand up, turn around, and sit comfortably.
Once you have a good carrier, the next step is convincing your cat that the carrier is a wonderful place to be.
There are some further examples of preferred carrier designs at the end of this article.
Start by removing the top and the door (if your carrier doesn’t come apart, you can try skipping this step or obtain a carrier that does).
Place the carrier bottom in an area where your cat already enjoys spending time — at the base of the cat tree, next to the couch, or in your bedroom. Ideally, choose a spot where you are comfortable keeping the carrier long-term.
Add something comfortable in the bottom, such as a cat bed, towel, or blanket.
For the next few days, simply ignore the carrier. Keep your eyes open and observe: Does your cat sniff it? Sit in it? Ignore it completely? Or does she hiss when she sees it?
Once your cat has accepted the existence of the carrier bottom, it is time to convince them this is one of the greatest places ever.
This simple step is one of the biggest game-changers for most cat owners.
You’ve already taken the first important step — the carrier bottom is now out as part of the furniture and your cat is getting used to its presence. Now we can build on this association and make it even stronger and more positive.
Pick a time of day when you have 5 to 10 minutes to just sit with your cat. Place some of her favorite treats and toys within easy reach.
When your cat approaches the carrier, give her a treat. In the beginning, toss the treats a short distance away from the carrier. This gives your kitty the chance to walk away and come back, learning that returning earns more treats.
If your cat steps into the carrier, give a treat right there and then toss one a few feet away. You are teaching your cat that stepping inside and returning is what earns the reward.
After your cat has repeated the behavior successfully about 5 times, take a short break. Toss a toy across the room or give several treats and walk away.
The next session can start a few minutes later if your cat is still interested, or the following day. As before, start with treats and toys ready. Begin by rewarding simple approaches, then gradually wait to treat until your cat places a paw inside the carrier.
At each session, start with a behavior your cat is doing easily (such as approaching or sniffing the carrier) and then slowly increase the difficulty for earning the treat — stepping in with one paw, then fully entering the carrier.
The goal is to reach the point where your cat starts the session by walking right into the carrier and maybe even lying down.
As an extra way to help your cat love the carrier, try feeding her meals right next to or inside the carrier bottom.
Now that your kitty is comfortable with the carrier bottom, it is time to add the top. This will feel like starting over and in many ways it is. Each time we add something new we are gently stretching your cat’s adaptability.
Secure the top to the carrier (leave the door off for now). If you have been feeding meals in the carrier, place the food near the entrance for a day or two, then gradually move it inside.
Continue short training sessions with treats and toys. Reward interest in the “new” carrier and slowly work up to rewarding your cat for entering with the top in place.
Next, add the door but keep it secured open.
Once your cat is comfortable entering with the door open, begin very short closing sessions: close the door for less than a second, then immediately open it and reward your cat for staying calm.
Gradually increase the amount of time the door stays closed. Work up to longer periods while your cat remains relaxed — no hissing, meowing, clawing, or bolting when the door opens.
Wow that was a lot of work!
With consistent short sessions, most cats learn to accept the closed carrier calmly. Once your cat is comfortable being closed inside, the next step is teaching her that the carrier in motion is also safe — we’ll cover that in a future article.
Even with the best plan, some cats need a little extra help. Don’t worry these issues are very common, and most cats can improve with the right approach.
Here are solutions for the most common challenges we see:
This is completely normal it may be a sign that your cat has built up some pretty negative feelings about the carrier.
The good news is you can rebuild positive associations with a little extra care:
It’s very common for cats to take a step backward when we add the top — don’t get discouraged. Just slow down and go back a step:
Some cats are extra sensitive and need more support to feel safe. This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — it just means your cat may benefit from a different strategy. Your cat may need additional help to feel secure. This could mean trying a completely different carrier design or other interventions. Please call us at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital so we can discuss the best options for your cat.
You absolutely can bring your cat on a leash, but we strongly prefer a carrier for these important reasons and everyone’s safety and comfort:
As promised, here are the types of carriers we recommend at Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital:
The essentials we look for are a hard-sided carrier with an easily removable lid. We also prefer lids with quiet, easy-to-manipulate clips or bolts that don’t make loud noises when the lid is removed or secured. Round carriers that unzip into a nice cat bed shape are also excellent options.
Key features to look for:
You’ve now got the tools to turn your cat’s carrier from a source of stress into a safe, familiar space. With patience and short, positive sessions, most cats can learn to accept and even enjoy their carrier.
At Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital in Billings, we want every visit to feel calm and low-stress for both you and your cat. Whether it’s time for an annual wellness exam, vaccines, or just a check-up, we’re here to support you.
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