A trip to the vet can be stressful for both you and your cat. This is the very reason many cats do not get the preventive health care they need. Trips to the veterinarian can be more pleasant for all if your cat sees its carrier as a safe haven.
Unlike most dogs, cats do not instinctively like their carriers or traveling in a car. The only time most cats see their carrier is when they are being taken to the veterinarian. This creates a negative association with their carrier, which can be difficult to break. However, there is hope! You can get your cats to LOVE their carrier by following a few simple steps at home!
- Once or twice a month , get your cat's carrier out and leave it in the living room or other common area of the house.
- Leave the door open and throw some kitty treats or a special toy your cat loves into the carrier.
- Leave the carrier out for the entire day.
- Do not try to coax your cat into the carrier or draw attention to it in any way. Just leave it out for them to explore on their own terms.
Your cat may not go into the carrier the first few times. Don’t get discouraged! Eventually your cat will be curious enough to go in and may even end up staying in there to sleep or play. Once your cat has learned that the carrier is safe, it will go in without a fight. They learn that once in a while the door gets locked and they will be brought to the veterinarian, but most often nothing will happen.
You will need to continue the monthly play sessions with the carrier to reinforce this lesson. Your cat will be less anxious about trips to the veterinarian and will even enjoy being in its carrier at home!
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