How to get your cat to LOVE his carrier!

Does your kitty turn into a furry ball of sharp weapons when you bring out the cat carrier? Maybe he disappears altogether! What if we told you that with a few little tricks, your feline friend will not only enjoy the carrier, but will go into it on his own?

Bringing your cat to the vet in a carrier is the safest way to get him there - there's no risk of him wiggling under the brake pedal en route, he won't jump out of your arms in the parking lot,and he'll feel safely protected from the St. Bernard in the waiting room.​

• Choose the right carrier. Many cats seem to be more comfortable in the soft, mesh-sided zip carriers. If you do choose a solid plastic one, find one that has a top that is easy to remove (like this one on Amazon). Not only is it easier to get kitty in the carrier, in many cases we can make the visit less stressful by just removing the top for his examination.
• Make the carrier a familiar object. Cats are smart! If they only see the carrier when it's time to go to the vet, they will likely resist going inside. Find a place in your home where the carrier can stay out in kitty's view. At the very least, bring it out several days before your appointment so that he can get used to it.
• Carrier = Food = Love! Food and treats are excellent motivators. If possible, regularly feed your cat in his carrier. The positive reinforcement will make him love to go inside, and when you do need to come to the office, simply close the door and you're on your way.
• Make it comfortable. A towel, small blanket, or even a worn t-shirt with your scent on it can go a long way to make the carrier cozy. A spritz of Feliway (a feline pheromone that helps promote relaxation) can help, too. We use it in the office every day to make our kitty patients feel more at home.

Once in the carrier, many cats feel more secure if you drape a towel over the door. Others prefer to see their surroundings, so do whichever your cat seems to be more comfortable with.

Still having trouble? We do house calls, too - so you can skip the carrier and keep kitty in his comfort zone. Just call our office to make arrangements!